What Would Make Someone Fail a Background Check? An Expert Guide

Thomas Fine - August 23, 2024

Failing a background check is a real fear that many people have. However, failing a background check can depend on what the person reviewing your report is looking for and your personal history. In many cases, background checks are easy to pass, and even if you have some type of criminal history on your report, you can easily find an opportunity that works for you. 

Our article gives you details on background checks and what could potentially make you fail this report.

What are Background Checks?

Background checks are checks that look at someone’s personal history and their criminal, civil, and employment history. These checks are typically performed by employers as part of a pre-hiring and screening process, though they can also be conducted by federal agencies, educational programs, federal housing programs, and rental agencies. In many cases, background checks are done to make sure that a candidate is qualified for the role they are applying for and that the person does not pose a safety threat to themselves or others in a specific area.

What Would Make Someone Fail a Background Check?

While failing a background check tends to be subjective and based on the specific policies of a company or another organization reviewing your results, there are a handful of items that typically result in the failure of a background check if they are seen on your report. We give you an overview of these items below.

Criminal History

Criminal history is one of the most notable things that people will look for on your background check report, and certain types of criminal offenses and convictions can disqualify you from a job. 

In general, felony offenses, violent crimes, and sex offenses can make you ineligible for most careers and a handful of other opportunities, such as federally subsidized housing.

Offenses like DUIs on your criminal history report can lead to you being ineligible for jobs that use heavy machinery or operate vehicles, and certain certification programs and other educational programs may not allow you on campus with certain offenses.

It’s important to read the application details for whatever you are applying to in order to learn about disqualifying offenses, and you can search for jobs or opportunities that may be more friendly towards those with a criminal history when necessary.

Falsifying Information

Falsifying information is often a very big red flag for those reviewing background check reports, as this means that you are not honest or you are attempting to hide something. When you list a certain set of information on your application, and then your background check report shows completely different information, potential employers and other individuals will become suspicious and likely question you about your details.

Being dishonest is often not a qualification that people want in candidates for different programs and careers, and this is what can cause you to fail a background check.

Identity Theft

Identity theft on a background check is often discovered when an employer or another individual goes to verify your Social Security number. If you have listed a stolen or fake Social Security number, it will easily be discovered, and you are likely to fail a background check because of this; identity theft is a crime, and stealing a Social Security number or attempting to falsify this information can even be considered a federal offense.

Additionally, identity theft can be discovered if you lie about your name and contact details on your application, and your background check report shows completely different information. This can also land you in serious trouble.

Lack of Qualifications

A more innocent way to fail a background check when compared to criminal activity is simply not having the right qualifications for a job. You may have embellished your educational history and work experience on a job application, or you may have left your application vague. 

Upon conducting a background check, a company or another individual may notice that you simply don’t meet the minimum qualifications for the opportunity you are applying for. 

This can cause you to fail a background check and your application to be denied.

Refusal to Submit a Background Check

Refusing to submit a background check may often result in a failure of a background check, and this typically occurs when a job offer or another opportunity is contingent on passing a background check. 

If this is the case, the requirement for passing a background check will be clearly stated, and the employer or another individual will attempt to gain your consent and signature for a background check.

Refusing to provide your consent or making it difficult for the person to run a background check report on you can result in automatic failure and disqualification of your application.

FAQs About Background Checks

Background checks often raise a lot of questions, and it’s important to be informed about all elements of these reports. Our answers to the most frequently asked questions about background checks can help you out.

Can I Discuss My Background Check Results?

Once a background check has been conducted on you, the person or company requesting your background check report typically needs to also provide you with a copy of this report. 

Many states require that the company or person reviewing these details give you the opportunity to dispute the findings on the report or to provide further explanation into items that are deemed as red flags. 

Sometimes, discussing your results and adding context can make a difference when it comes to making decisions based on the results of a background check report.

Do I Need to Provide Consent for a Background Check?

In every state, you will need to provide written consent for a background check before one is allowed to be conducted on you. Both federal laws and state laws require this, regardless of who is conducting your background check. 

Additionally, most states will require that the person requesting your background check communicates what they are looking for and allows you to discuss or dispute any results of potential negatives that are encountered on your background check report.

Can I Be Fired After a Background Check?

When you are hired into a company, the terms of your hiring may include routine background checking and drug screening. If you fail a background check in a way that violates the company’s policies, such as having felony DUIs on your report after being hired and working with vehicles, there is the potential for you to be fired.

It’s important to adhere to all company policies and regulations when working in your career and to avoid criminal behavior that can potentially leave you unemployed. However, keep in mind that your employer must notify you before all background checks, and they cannot randomly conduct a check on you without you knowing about it.

Can I Look at My Own Background Check Report?

It is possible to look at your own background check report, and this can be done by typing your name and location into a basic background checking tool. These tools use public records available online to compile a report about your personal history and details, and you can review this report to see what someone else may see when they request your information.

Make sure to keep an eye out for errors that need to be changed or items that could potentially be a red flag for someone reviewing your report; if you do have potential red flag items, you need to gather the context and be prepared to provide clarification and an explanation when asked.

Where Do I Find Regulations for Background Checks in My State?

Both federal and state-level regulations may play a part in what someone is able to see on your background check report, including how far back a background check goes and the type of personal history that is shown. 

In general, federal regulations state that only the most recent seven years of history is shown on a background check report, though this can vary if your background check report is federal or very in-depth, as these can look at up to 20 years of history.

If you want to find the specific regulations for background checks in your state that apply to your background check report, you can search your state’s name and the term ‘background check report regulations’ in your favorite internet browser. This will typically show you different state laws and regulations that could apply to your situation.

Failing Background Checks: What to Know

Failing a background check can be a frightening thought, but the reality of the matter is that you are unlikely to fail a background check unless you have a significant criminal history on your record or you are purposefully falsifying your information. 

Even then, in the case of certain criminal offenses, many employers are willing to work with you depending on the nature of the crime and the type of job you are applying for.

If you have concerns about what is visible on your background check report, you can look up your report using a convenient online tool to review your history and make a note of any errors that should be changed.