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The Global Insight

When an employer runs a background check what shows up?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on April 05, 2026

Generally speaking, a background check for employment may show identity verification, employment verification, credit history, driver’s history, criminal records, education confirmation, and more.

Can a potential employer run a background check without permission?

Applicant Permission It is typically required in most states for the applicant to give consent to a background check before an employer can run one. The employer is typically banned from running this check without such permission. The applicant typically signs a background check authorization form.

Why do employers do a background investigation of prospective employees?

Employers run background checks to avoid hiring someone who may pose a threat to the workplace or become a liability to the employer. According to HR.com, 96% of employers conduct one or more types of employment background screening.

Can employers run random background checks?

Is this possible? The answer is YES! Companies have the right to screen both new hires AND current workers, but they must follow the rules. Here’s a brief overview of the background check process for current employees.

What should an employer know about a background check?

If an employer knows—or should have known—about an employee’s relevant criminal background, they may face negligent hiring claims if the employee is accused of further wrongdoing. What shows up on a background check for employment may help safeguard business owners by revealing histories of criminal convictions.

Can a company refuse to do a background check?

However, if the employer is entitled to the information it seeks, the employer is also entitled to take you out of the running if you won’t consent. In other words, the employer can refuse to hire you – or even consider you for the position – if you don’t consent to a reasonable request.

How does shareable for hires work for background checks?

ShareAble for Hires criminal reports offer FCRA-regulated data, providing you with the relevant criminal history information needed to effectively screen potential employees. When you use ShareAble for Hires for background checks, you’ll receive a criminal history report that includes search results from: 300 million criminal records

What do employers need to know about your criminal history?

Exactly what information an employer can obtain about your criminal history varies from state to state. Some states don’t allow questions to be asked about incidents that happened at a certain point in the past. Check with your State Department of Labor to review what an employer can check.