What does a background investigator do?

Background investigators are licensed professionals who work for private companies or government entities. They investigate the backgrounds of people seeking employment, housing, or other services. The investigator will examine criminal records, credit history, education, and employment history.

A private investigator background check also involves interviews with references and previous employers and checking public records such as court documents and driving records. The goal is to ensure that the candidate is legally eligible to work and has the necessary skills and education required for the job. Furthermore, the candidate will not pose any safety risks or legal liabilities to the company.

How do I choose a background check company?

A background check company can provide a wealth of information about the candidate for any position. This is especially important for jobs that involve contact with children, vulnerable adults, or older adults. When choosing the right background check company is essential. You want to select a company that will provide quality information and services. The following tips can help you find a good background check provider:

Reputation

The best way to know if a company is reputable is to see what others have said about them. Check sites like Yelp and Google Reviews for feedback from past clients. You’ll also want to make sure any company you work with has an established website and contact information so you can easily reach them if you have questions or concerns.

Customer service

You should ask yourself how easily accessible customer service is and whether or not they are friendly when answering your questions or concerns. You should also ask about the turnaround time for getting results so that you know what to expect from each type of report.

Are their services accredited?

Accreditation is an integral part of choosing a background check company. The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) has created a set of standards for the industry, and only those organizations that meet these standards are eligible to be members in good standing with NAPBS. You can look for accreditation by searching the NAPBS website or asking your provider directly if they are accredited.

Cost

A background check cost varies from company to company, so comparing prices is essential before selecting. Some companies charge based on the number of people you want to be checked, while others offer flat rates for specific searches.

Experience

Look for a company that has been in business for at least several years, preferably with office locations throughout the country. You want a company that is large enough and experienced enough to provide you with quality service at an affordable price.

License

Licensed companies are required to have insurance, and their employees must be trained. Some employers request that you use a qualified licensed agency to conduct the background check. If you don’t want to worry about liability issues, it’s best to use a licensed agency.

Accuracy rate

The accuracy rate is how many mistakes were made in your search results. A good agency will have an accuracy rate of less than 5 percent, which means that 95 percent of the information they provide is correct. The better agencies can even provide you with a copy of their report so that you can double-check their work and ensure everything is accurate before making any hiring decisions based on the findings of your background check.

What would make someone fail a background check?

Background investigations are designed to protect the employer, and they are very thorough. There are many reasons why someone might fail a background check. Some of these are:

• You have a criminal record for violent or sexual offenses
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse
• You’ve been involved in a civil judgment
• Someone has filed a lien against you, either as an employer or because of unpaid debts
• You filed bankruptcy
• Inability to provide references from previous employers
• Misdemeanors and traffic violations

What shows up on a background investigation?

A background investigation is a thorough review of your past, present, and future. The following information shows what may show up on a background investigation:

Criminal record check

This will include any criminal convictions or pending charges reported by local law enforcement agencies. Some companies also ask for a criminal conviction report from the FBI or other national databases. This can reveal felony crimes, which cannot be expunged from an individual’s record after seven years. In addition, some companies request additional information about misdemeanor convictions before making a final hiring decision.

Credit history check

A credit report provides information about an applicant’s past financial problems, such as bankruptcy, defaulted loans, or unpaid taxes. The credit report also shows current accounts such as mortgages and car loans. Many employers require applicants to consent to a credit check to perform one themselves rather than rely on an outside agency that charges fees for this service.

Education History

If you’ve ever been in the military, you know that your education history is a massive part of any background investigation. This information shows whether or not you have completed high school, college, or graduate school. It also includes any degrees or certifications you may have earned along the way.

Employment history

This is where most employers get most of their information because it gives them insight into how long someone has been working in a particular field and at what level they’ve been performing at their job. It also tells them about previous employers and what happened there, so if someone were fired or left under dire circumstances, it would also show up here.

Drug testing

Drug testing is one of the most common background investigation services. It checks for any drugs in your system, including prescription and illegal drugs. This screening can be done through urine or blood tests. The results will be returned within hours or days, depending on whether you have taken any prescription medications which could alter the sample.

Social media accounts

Social media accounts are one of the most critical components of a background check. This is because they provide a wealth of information about an individual, including their interests, habits, friends, and acquaintances.

Also, social media is where many people post information about themselves that they would not usually share elsewhere. Sometimes, employers have found compromising information about their potential employees on their social media accounts, which could come back to haunt them at work.

Driving Records

Driving records are the most common kind of information that shows up in background investigations. The driving record will show any traffic citations, accidents, or suspensions. It will also show if there were any law violations while driving under the influence (DUI).

How long does it take?

The length of an investigation will vary depending on the nature of the case, but generally, companies provide a needed report within a few days. In some cases, we may require more time to complete the investigation. If so, the company will provide you with an estimated completion date and update you on our progress.

How Much Do Background Checks Cost?

A background check cost varies depending on the type of check you need. The most common types are employment and criminal, but other types may be required depending on the position.

Criminal checks range from $50 to $500 for each person you want to include in your search. Most employers choose this option because it is inexpensive and provides them with all the information they want about an applicant’s history.

Employment checks are typically more expensive than criminal checks, but they provide more detailed information about an applicant’s work history and any opportunities previous employers declined. These can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 per person included in your search.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that background checks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. When choosing the right company for your needs, consider their experience and level of expertise. Asking questions is also vital because you want to ensure that the collected information will be valid and reliable.

Our network comprises private investigators that are former DEA, FBI, IRS, and Secret Service agents. Our background investigation services will help you find out everything needed about an individual from within their past. Call us at 1-800-577-1080 for more information about our background investigation services.