Background Search and How Far Back They Go
People make mistakes and sometimes, these mistakes will go on record forever. The mistakes will always haunt them when they are out to look for a job. Most employers will do criminal background checks on potential employees and people are afraid that past mistakes will be taken into account. This is a tricky situation depending on which side you are on. But whether you are the one with the record or the one asking for a check, you should know how far back does a background check go.
There Are Several Factors How Long A Criminal Record Is Kept
How long a record is kept depends on a few factors. First is how proper the record is kept. All records are meant to be kept forever but there are rare cases where mistakes happen like typing the wrong serial number on the file or there was a fire in the record department that destroyed the file. When that happens, the records are lost forever. The company that hold the record might also go under and takes down what records it have. You should note that free criminal background checks are in most cases completely inaccurate. This can be dangerous and thus should be avoided.
Some Companies Erase Criminal Records That Are Older Than 10-20 Years
Second factor depends on the company that keeps the record. Some company will erase records that are more than 10-20 years old while others will not destroy the records at all. Criminal and court records are example of records that will never be erased. Anyone with proper permit can access these records anytime they want.
Private Companies Are Different
Third factor is the company’s policy on records viewing. While criminal and court records require you to either have a proper license to view them or go through proper channels, private companies are different. They may withhold information from anyone without a warrant simply because it is in their company policy.
On Average Criminal Records Go Back 7 To 10 Years
When you do a check, you will get to see records that are dated back 7 to 10 years and that is how far back does a background check go. Most standard procedures does not require you to go back more than 10 years because it will cost more to dig out records that are older than that. If you are just hiring a person for a low level job then a check that goes back 7 years is enough. However, if you are planning to hire him for a high level position then how far back the background check should go is at your discretion.
Criminal Records And Employment
If you have a record and are looking for employment, then whether or not you tell your future employer about it is really up to you. You might be safe from background checks if you are only applying for a low level job like a cashier or office boy. Also if the offence happened a long time ago and you had been a good citizen since then, you will have less to worry about. However, you shouldn’t lie if your employer asked about your past records. Lying about it is a big mistake and can cost you the job immediately. Some employers will deliberately ask this question knowing the answer, just to see how honest you are about your past.
To people that have a bad record, you should be more prepared now that you know how far back does a background check go and how safe are you if one is performed on you.
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Posted in Criminal Background Records, General