In today’s world of on-demand services and near-instant results, having to be patient through a lengthy background check process can feel incredibly frustrating.

At first glance, a background check seems straightforward—just a database search of public records, right? However, it’s far more involved and meticulous to ensure full compliance and accuracy.

From verifying identities across municipalities to chasing down outdated documentation trails, there’s a surprising amount of diligence and legwork involved that can’t be rushed. That said, let’s explore the typical factors impacting turnaround times of background checks and what exactly may be causing the delays in your situation.

What Does a Background Check Entail?

Before we delve into the finer details, let’s first understand what a background check is and how it works.

In today’s world, trust is essential, especially when it comes to important decisions like hiring new employees, renting your apartment, or even choosing a babysitter. This is where background checks come in.

It’s a comprehensive investigation into an individual’s past. It typically involves searching public records and databases to verify information provided by the person and uncover any potential red flags. Think of it as a fact-checker for someone’s history.

The specific details of a background check can vary depending on the purpose and the company conducting it. However, some common elements include:

• Criminal History Search: This checks local, state, and sometimes even national databases for any criminal convictions, arrests, or pending charges.
• Employment Verification: This verifies past employment history by contacting previous employers to confirm job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.
• Education Verification: This checks with schools and institutions to confirm the legitimacy of educational qualifications listed on a resume or application.
• Professional License Verification (if applicable): This confirms the validity and status of professional licenses required for specific jobs (e.g., plumber, electrician).
• Civil Court Records Search: This searches public records for lawsuits, judgments, or liens against an individual, providing insights into potential financial issues or legal history.
• Social Security Number (SSN) Trace (optional): This verifies an individual’s SSN and helps locate past addresses, potentially uncovering aliases or discrepancies.

In essence, the central purpose of background checks is to offer valuable information to help you make informed choices about who you trust with your business, home, or loved ones. Yes, it’s a time-consuming process, but it’s totally worth it.

Reasons Why a Background Check is Taking Longer Than Anticipated

A background check, crucial for any hiring decision, can feel like an eternity. So, why does this seemingly simple process take so long? The answer lies in the pursuit of accuracy. Here are some potential reasons why a background check may be taking longer than anticipated:

1. Unearthing the Truth Takes Time

Unlike a social media profile, a background check isn’t a snapshot. It’s a deep dive into public records, employment history, and education verification. Imagine sifting through mountains of data, contacting past employers across the country, and meticulously verifying every detail. This meticulousness ensures a complete and accurate picture, which takes time.

2. Missing Pieces Delay the Puzzle

Incomplete or inaccurate information on your application can throw a wrench into the works. Double-check everything you provided – a typo in your previous address or a missing phone number for a reference can stall the verification process. The background check company might also need additional information from you, further extending the wait.

You may also want to run a fast background check on yourself to see if you notice any inaccuracies in the report itself that may be causing issues.

3. Playing Hide-And-Seek With References

Tracking down references can be a game of hide-and-seek. People change jobs, phone numbers get updated, and sometimes, catching someone at the right time can be tricky. The background check company might need to make multiple attempts to reach your references, adding to the overall time.

4. Location Matters (A Lot)

The complexity of the background check significantly influences its speed. A basic local check is much quicker than a nationwide criminal search or verifying education from an international institution. The broader the scope, the more time it takes to gather information from various sources.

5. Courtroom Closures Can Cause Delays

Even the legal system can impact turnaround times. Court closures due to holidays or other unforeseen circumstances can delay the retrieval of criminal records.

6. High Demand, Longer Wait

Background check companies experience peak seasons with increased request volume. Think of it like rush hour at the bank – everyone needs service, and processing times can slow down.

Patience Is the Key

While the wait can be frustrating, remember that a thorough background check demonstrates a commitment to responsible decision-making. Be patient, as the entire process may take a reasonable timeframe for completion, especially for comprehensive checks.

Published by: Khy Talara