Jen David 
You've reached the final stage of the recruitment process!
Congratulations! You've written a knock-out CV, passed the pre-employment tests, flown through the interviews, and the job is in the bag. Just one more hurdle to overcome before you sign the contract and settle in behind your new desk: the background check. In this article, we're looking at what's involved in this final stage of recruitment and what you can expect.
What is a background check?
A background check can involve several different verifications, depending on the company and the role, but in essence, its purpose is to confirm that you are, in fact, the person you claim to be and have the experience, abilities, and eligibility that you claim to have.
Why do companies do background checks?
Background checks are a way for the hiring company to safeguard its interests. Imagine a bank hiring a new recruit and giving them access to client accounts, only to discover later on that they'd previously been convicted of theft. Or a care home for the elderly hiring someone who'd been fired from their last job for abusing a resident. The impact of such scenarios on a company's reputation and legal liabilities could be huge, so it's understandable that businesses want to confirm their hiring decisions by carrying out a background check.
What does a background check involve?
Background checks in the UK can cover several different verifications and a variety of sources can be used.
Identity check: The most basic check that will be carried out is an ID check, confirming that you are indeed who you say you are. This is usually done by asking the applicant to show a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Right to work: Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that their staff have the right to work in the UK, which is done by checking original documents. They may also choose to use an identity service provider or the government's online database.
Reference check: Beyond these basics, the most common kind of background check in the UK is the reference check, where the hiring company contacts previous employers or tutors. The details checked could range from a simple confirmation that you worked there and the dates, to a full assessment of how you carried out your work, your attitude, and ethics. The method of collecting this information can also differ, from a quick phone call to a basic tick-box form or an in-depth written review.
Criminal record check: While any employer can request a criminal background check, many will only carry it out if a criminal record would impact the role. A basic check will only show unspent convictions and conditional cautions. For roles working with vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, or the disabled, an Enhanced DBS check can be carried out. This covers not only spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and warnings, but also any information held by the police and whether you appear on any barred lists.
Education: Some employers may want to confirm that you have the qualifications you're claiming. This check is most often completed by requesting that you produce original copies of your certificates or transcripts. Less commonly, they may contact the awarding institution directly or use a third-party verification service.
Financial check: Roles requiring some degree of financial responsibility may require a financial background check, which is usually carried out by an external agency.
Health check: Employers are only able to carry out these checks if they're a specific requirement of the job or to meet their legal obligations. If needed, employers can ask your doctor for a report.
Social media: Last but not least, it is very easy for employers to check out the social media of prospective new hires. Applicants should ensure their post history won't generate any red flags, or at least lock down their privacy settings.
Can I do a background check on myself?
Applicants will generally know if they're likely to fail any element of the background check. If they've presented themselves honestly and accurately throughout the selection process, the checks – on the whole – will be a tick-box exercise.
If you have concerns, you may wish to carry out certain checks yourself before you apply. For example, you may be worried that a historic conviction could show up, crushing your chance of landing a new role.
You're able to carry out a criminal background check in the UK by making a subject access request to the police, although there is a fee involved. You can also request your records from HM Prison Service, HM Courts and Tribunal Service, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
How long does a background check take?
The time it takes a company to complete a background check can vary wildly, depending on how many checks they carry out and how much time and resource they dedicate to it. While it will no doubt feel like forever if you're desperate to leave a toxic workplace or just get started in your dream role, there's not much you can do to speed the process up – especially if external agencies are involved.
An easy way of knocking a few days off the timeline is to contact your referees to warn them that a reference check is pending, so that they're ready to write a glowing reference for you as soon as the request comes in.
What can I do if I fail a background check?
Forewarned is forearmed, so if you're worried you might fail a background search you could take proactive action to address the situation directly with the employer. If it's too late, it's possible to prevent it from happening again.
Ask the employer for a copy of the report – they are legally obliged to provide this. If any of the information held about you is incorrect, you can flag it to the employer, raise it with the agencies concerned, and ensure it is corrected in time for future applications.
If the report is accurate, and the same issues are likely to arise with future job applications, it may be time to consider alternative career choices where the checks aren't given as much weight.
Time to update that CV
Whatever the result of your background check, it's time to update your CV. If you passed, you'll need to add your new role, but if you failed, it's worth considering reframing your experience to aim at a different career.
Whatever the reason for updating your CV, TopCV can help you to put your best foot forward. Send your CV for a free CV review from our experts to iron out any red flags.