Can you lose a job after a background check?

The criminal background checks that California employers order following a conditional offer of employment go back for only seven years (with some exceptions). This means that convictions older than seven years will not show up, and therefore employers cannot disqualify employees based on them.

Is a background check done before or after a job offer?

The best time to run a background check during the hiring process is after a conditional job offer has been shared with a candidate, but before their employment is finalized. Some employers like to run checks on all applicants that go through the interview process.

Do employers have the right to run background checks post-hire?

Most employees expect to be screened during the hiring process. It may be a surprise to find that employers do have the right to run a background check post-hire. In both cases, the employee must have given written consent to be screened and the employer must follow adverse action procedures.

Is it illegal for an employer to ask about your background?

Unless the employer is asking for medical or genetic information, it’s not illegal to ask you questions about your background, or to require a background check.

Do I have to give my permission to get a background check?

You don’t have to give your permission, but if you’re applying for a job and you don’t give your permission, the employer may reject your application. If an employer gets a background report on you without your permission, contact the FTC (see below).

What kind of questions do employers ask for background checks?

An employer may ask you for all sorts of background information, especially during the hiring process. For example, some employers may ask about your employment history, your education, your criminal record, your financial history, your medical history, or your use of online social media.