No response after a background check? you’re not alone. We get this a lot. More and more readers send us questions like how much time it takes to finish a background check. they feel like ghosted after the background check. And some other questions such as, How do you know if you failed an employer background check? Why is my background check still in process? how long to hear back after the background check? How do I know if I passed my background check? If you are one of them, read on.
So, what’s the average TAT for a background check?
Background verification is a very crucial part of the recruitment process. The average turnaround time for a background check can be anywhere from a day to a week to a month sometimes. It depends on the sources and amount of information the employer needs to verify.
So, is it too early to hit the panic button?
It depends. Most employers will come back to you with an answer within one to two weeks’ time.
What do they check in the background check?
A typical background check may include
- Past employment records
- Qualification
- Medical records
- Financial records
- Criminal records
Employers are pretty serious when it comes to hiring the right team members. I strongly advise you to refrain from using dubious information on your resume. Including a fake qualification or employment records can land you in legal trouble.
Every piece of information regarding education, previous employment, criminal records, and references will be verified by the employer. It is critical that you double-check every detail you provide to the employer.
How long to hear back after the background check?
A turnaround time for a background check depends on several other factors such as
- Location
- Nature of information
- Number of candidates
- Location
- Mode of background verification
Background checks make take anywhere between two weeks to four weeks. So, if you haven’t heard from the employer yet, there’s a good chance your employer needs more time.
What to do if you haven’t heard from the recruiter regarding the background check after two weeks?
Rather than becoming impatient, speak with your recruiter to get an update on the background check. You can investigate if they require additional clarification or documents.
You can also ask them to speed up the process if you have another job offer or are in desperate need of a job.
Some recruiters fail to notify job applicants if their background checks fail. That’s when you realise you’ve been ghosted. Contact them by phone or email and request an update. They’ll tell you if your application is still being processed and they need more time, or if it came back negative and you’ve been removed from the hiring process.
Can you challenge a negative background check?
Employers expect you to double-check all of the information on your resume and supporting documents before submitting them. Most employers will not give you the opportunity to explain yourself if they discover you are lying about your qualifications, work history, and so on. So, if there is no response after a background check, consider getting in touch with the employer.
Most recruiters will contact you to inquire about a failed background check only if they believe you deserve a chance to explain. Provide them with adequate information on the subject and assist them in comprehending the circumstances that led to your incorrect information.
