Items Researched

• Various items may be researched, including driving records, credit reports, previous bankruptcy, criminal background, military records and previous sex offender charges.
  
  

Limitations

• The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has implemented and mandated a set of requirements and regulations for employment screening. States have individual and specific laws and guidelines.
  
  

Performing the Background Check

• Larger companies generally use outside organizations to conduct background checks. Smaller organizations can use internal checks performed by current employees.
  
  

Informed Consent

• Before a check can be run, the employee must sign an informed consent permission form.
  
  

Previous Employer

• A background check may involve contacting a previous employer. Most employers will only give employment dates, salary information and if the person is eligible for rehire.