How long does a background check take?

Discover how long pre-employment background checks take

How long does a background check take?

How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take?

Hiring a new employee can be a long screening process, and one of the most important steps is the background check. But how long does it actually take to complete a pre-hire background check?

The time frame can vary based on several factors, such as the type of background check being done, the complexity of the search, and any delays in processing.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of background checks, reasons why they might take longer, and tips to help speed up the process while ensuring thorough vetting and effectively screening potential candidates.

What is a Background Check?

A pre-hire background check is an investigative process that employers use to verify the qualifications, credentials, and history of a potential employee.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) outlines the rights of job candidates, ensuring that background checks comply with laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

A typical background check might include identity verification, criminal history, credit reports, education verification, and even social media screening.

For most employers, conducting a thorough check is essential to avoid risks and liabilities, ensuring that the candidate is suitable for the role and represents the company’s values.

How Long Does A Background Check Take?

The duration of a background check depends on the type of check being conducted and the resources involved. On average, most background checks are completed within a few days, but they can extend up to several weeks in certain circumstances.

For example, if there are hold-ups because of incomplete or incorrect information, the process may take longer.

What does a background check show? It depends, there are different types of background checks that provide different information. You can get an idea of what they contain below. Each type may have its own unique time frame:

1) Social Media Background Check

One of the more modern and important checks is the social media background check. This type of screening looks at a candidate’s online presence to assess their behavior, views, and whether they align with the company’s brand or values.

Social media checks can highlight potential risks, such as discriminatory language, violent behavior, or risky associations.

Since social media accounts and posts can span across years, AI-powered tools like Ferretly’s social media background screening quickly analyze vast amounts of data.

Our process combines the power of human social media analysts and advanced AI to produce the industry’s most comprehensive reports.

Take advantage of Ferretly’s AI-powered social media background checks. Request a demo today.

2) Identity And Employment Verification

This is a fundamental step in the background screening process. Identity verification checks the authenticity of a candidate’s name, Social Security number, and employment history.

Platforms like the work number allow employers to quickly verify past employment data, minimizing delays that could arise from traditional methods of contacting previous employers.

3) Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are essential for roles where trust and safety are priorities. Criminal record checks usually take between one to ten working days. However, if there are delays caused by missing or incorrect information, the process might take longer.

In most cases, a national or state-level criminal check is performed, but federal checks can also be requested, which might take longer due to the complexities involved.

4) Credit Background Checks

Credit checks are commonly conducted for roles where financial responsibility is important, such as finance or managerial positions. This process helps employers assess a candidate’s financial stability and responsibility.

Typically, a credit background check can be completed in just a few days, though it may take longer if disputes arise or multiple financial records need verification.

5) MVR Reports

Motor Vehicle Records, or MVR reports, are often required for positions involving driving, such as delivery drivers or trucking.

An MVR report checks for any driving-related violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, and typically takes a few days to process.

6) Professional License & Education Background Checks

Education and professional licenses must be verified to ensure candidates have the required qualifications for their role.

Employers can use services like the National Student Clearinghouse to quickly verify degrees, certifications, and other academic achievements. However, some institutions may take longer to respond, which could delay the overall verification process.

7) Fingerprint Background Checks

Fingerprint background checks are typically required for government positions or jobs in high-security sectors. These checks, which involve cross-referencing fingerprints with national databases, can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the backlog at the processing agency.

8) E-Verify Checks

E-Verify is a federal program used to confirm the eligibility of a candidate to work in the United States. This process typically takes a few minutes to a few days. However, if there is an issue with the information provided, the process might extend as it requires additional follow-up.

9) State Background Check

State background checks focus on verifying a candidate’s criminal history within a particular state. Think convictions in state court cases, such as burglary, disorderly conduct, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on the state's resources and processing speed, this check can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

10) Federal Background Check

Like a state background check, a federal background check reviews criminal activity but at the federal level. This report will expose convictions in federal court cases, such as embezzlement, fraud, robbery, tax evasion, and white-collar crimes.

What Are the Reasons a Background Check Might Take a Long Time?

While most background checks are completed within a reasonable time, certain factors can cause delays:

1) Incomplete, Outdated, or Incorrect Records and Alias/Multiple Names

If the candidate’s information is outdated or inaccurate, this can result in delays as additional verifications may be needed.

2) Social Media and Online Presence Checks

Conducting a thorough analysis of a candidate’s online presence, including social media, can be time-consuming without the right tools like a social media screening platform.

3) Employment, Education, and Criminal Record Verifications

Delays can occur when contacting former employers, schools, or government agencies, especially if they are slow to respond.

4) Holidays, Weekends, and Manual Processes

Background check processes that rely heavily on manual verification can be delayed by holidays, weekends, or overloaded agencies.

Tips to Make Background Checks More Efficient and Faster

Employers can take proactive steps to streamline the background check process and avoid delays. It’s always best practice to complete pre-employment checks before an employee's start date. Ideally, employers should conduct these checks after making a conditional job offer to the candidate. Here are some tips to expedite the process:

  1. Use a Reliable Screening Provider: Partnering with a reputable screening provider can help ensure a faster and more reliable background check process.
  2. Ensure Accurate Candidate Information (Especially Multiple Residences): Ensuring that the candidate provides accurate and comprehensive information from the start helps prevent delays due to discrepancies.
  3. Pre-Employment Screening: Conduct checks for candidates early in the hiring process to avoid last-minute delays.
  4. Automate the Process: Automated systems can significantly speed up verification processes and reduce manual intervention.
  5. Prioritize Key Checks: Prioritizing crucial checks based on the job’s requirements ensures that the most important aspects are covered first.
  6. Obtain Signed Consent Forms Early: Getting all necessary consent forms early in the process ensures that screening can begin without unnecessary holdups.

Also Read: The Do's and Don'ts of employment background checks

How Ferretly Helps You Speed Up the Background Check Time Frame

Ferretly uses advanced AI technology to streamline the social media background screening process. By using a background check with AI, Ferretly speeds up analysis and delivers faster, more accurate results. Using a social media screening platform also helps ensure FCRA and EEOC compliance in the hiring process. Ferretly ensures employers get the information they need in a timely manner, usually within 48 hours.

How Long Does a Background Check Take - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the longest wait for a background check?

Depending on the type of check, local and state searches might be completed within a day, while federal searches can take longer, often up to a week or more.

2) Why is my background check taking so long?

Several factors can influence the time it takes for your background check to return, including incomplete data records, varying state regulations, and delays from third parties. Staying proactive and working with reliable screening providers can help mitigate these issues.

3) How long does a PR background check take?

PR applications can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process depending on the country and the complexity of the applicant's history.

4) When do employers run background checks?

Employers typically run background checks after making a conditional job offer to ensure the candidate meets all necessary requirements before finalizing the hiring process.

With all this information in mind, companies should carefully consider the timing and thoroughness of their background checks to ensure they are hiring the right person for the job without unnecessary delays.

Want to see a sample social media report?

Schedule free demonstration