What Employers Look for in Background Checks

Applying for a new job can feel like navigating a maze — applications, interviews, reference calls, and finally, the background check. For employers, each new hire represents a major investment in time, training, and payroll. In fact, hiring the wrong person can cost roughly 30% of that employee's first-year salary.

Why Background Checks Matter

Nearly 94% of employers perform background checks. These screenings verify candidate information, help reduce hiring risks, and maintain compliance with federal and state laws. Certain industries — transportation, healthcare, education — are required by law to conduct specific screenings. Even in unregulated industries, background checks are a best practice for any organization focused on safety, compliance, and integrity.

How Background Checks Work

Every employer's approach is slightly different, depending on industry and job type, company size and resources, and location and local regulations. Since there's no single database that contains every piece of information, most employers rely on trusted screening partners like SafestHires, which integrates data from over 2,700 digital courts and verified public records.

What Employers Look For

1. Criminal Records

Employers review misdemeanor and felony convictions — and, depending on state law, certain pending or dismissed charges. SafestHires' AI-powered criminal database compiles accurate records nationwide for complete coverage.

2. Identity & Social Security Verification

Identity verification confirms that candidates are who they claim to be. A Social Security trace helps match data to a specific SSN — critical in preventing fraud and misrepresentation.

3. Employment History

Employers often verify past job titles, dates of employment, and sometimes reasons for leaving. SafestHires verifies up to three previous employers and offers both domestic and international verification.

4. References

Strong references help paint a clear picture of work ethic and character. Many employers contact past supervisors or colleagues to verify professional strengths.

5. Education & Credentials

Education and license verification confirm degrees, certifications, and training. For specialized roles, credentials are essential to confirm qualification legitimacy.

6. Driving Records

If a position involves operating a vehicle, employers review driving history. SafestHires offers ongoing motor vehicle record (MVR) monitoring to support compliance and reduce liability.

7. Financial History

A Financial Risk Search is typically used for roles involving finance, management, or access to money and sensitive data. It reveals defaults on credit obligations or bankruptcies.

8. Social Media Screening

Roughly 70% of employers review candidates' public social media profiles, looking for professionalism, industry engagement, and cultural fit.

What Employers Cannot Review

• Medical records or health information
• Political affiliations or religious beliefs
• Gender, race, or marital status
• Disabilities or medical conditions
• Sealed or expunged criminal records

How to Prepare for a Background Check

1. Organize documentation — keep copies of transcripts, pay stubs, and prior employment records
2. Run a self-check through your state's Department of Public Safety or DMV
3. Audit your online presence
4. Contact references and update their information
5. Be transparent about anything that may raise questions

Final Thoughts: Transparency Builds Trust

Background checks aren't about punishment — they're about protection. At SafestHires, 85% of background checks are completed within 24 hours, helping employers make faster, safer, and more confident hiring decisions.