Does Job Termination Show on Background Checks?
It is a common concern when job seekers are applying for new positions that their background check will reveal information about job terminations from previous roles. It is natural for people to want to present their professional history in the best possible light, and the uncertainty associated with job termination can be concerning.
What Information is Included in a Background Check?
Background checks conducted for employment purposes generally include two sets of information:
- Public Records: Information from public records connected to an individual, such as driving records, criminal records and civil court records.
- Consumer Reports: Information generated during the screening process, including credit reports, employment, and education verification.
Does A Job Termination Show On A Background Check?
Whether or not a job termination shows on a background check depends on the type of information included in the screening process.
- Bankruptcies, Tax Liens, and Criminal Convictions: Job terminations are not reported in this category of consumer reports.
- Credit Checks: Generally, job terminations do not show up on credit reports, however if a court order was involved in the termination it may.
- Employment History Verification: Job terminations usually show up on a background check when potential employers check an applicant’s employment history.
What To Do If A Job Termination Does Show On A Background Check?
When a job termination shows on a background check, it is important to be prepared to explain the situation to a potential employer in a professional, honest way. There are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Be Honest: Do not try to hide job terminations from potential employers. They may ask about it anyway and hiding it could lead to bigger problems down the line.
- Be Professional: Even if the job termination was related to a difficult situation, frame it in a professional way.
- Be Positive: Focus on what you learned from the situation and how you grew from the experience.
At the end of the day, job terminations do not define a person. The way job termination is handled in a background check gives potential employers insight into an individual’s character and how they can act professionally even in less-than-ideal situations.