How long does a background check take in Texas for a job? (2023)

How long does it take to get a background check for a job?

Typically, a background check should take between two and five business days. That said, each individual's history is different and factors can prolong this timeframe. Fortunately, there are two main ways to prevent delays in the process.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides you with the following rights: Potential employers must notify you if a background check is the reason you didn't receive a job offer. You must receive a copy of your background check if you request one.

The records must show that during the past 20 years for a felony, and the past 10 years for a class A or B misdemeanor, the person has not been convicted of, or sentenced to deferred adjudication for, an offense against a person or a family, an offense against property, or public indecency.

Industry-wide, the average background check takes 3-5 days. Checkr's ETA tool provides an estimate of when the Candidate's report should be complete. While these estimates are highly accurate, they are not a guarantee. In a small number of cases, delays of 3+ weeks may occur.

Under perfect conditions, a background check takes one to three business days. However, one can take up to 14 days or longer, depending on the scope of the searches. There are steps built into the process that take time, such as: Reviewing the list of job applicants.

Why Is My Background Check Taking so Long? There might be an issue if your background check takes more than two weeks. It is also possible that your recruiter has rejected your application after checking your background. In such a case, you can expect your recruiter to contact you and clarify some details.

Your work history, identity, financial, and criminal status may be scrutinized as part of the process. Employers who conduct background checks want to confirm details about you and see if you present a risk to them. Being prepared will help you avoid any nasty surprises.

Inconsistency in Experience or Education

One of the most common red flags on a background check is inconsistency. If a background check for employment pulls up different information than what the candidate and their resume told you, you need to investigate the matter.

A delayed background check can lead to anxiousness whether you're a job candidate or a hiring manager. Thankfully, they are rarely a cause for concern. Background checks can be extensive processes that require strict attention to detail.

How can I speed up my background check?

The most common cause of delays is when staffing agencies submit incomplete or inaccurate background check request forms. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates strict guidelines which must be followed when requesting for background checks.

It depends. If you're applying for a non-federal job, the background check will take about a week. If you're applying to a federal position, the background check can take a couple of months.

If you're concerned that the process is taking too long, reach out to your contact at the hiring company. He or she might be able to answer your questions or can let you know if the company needs any additional information to finish the process.

So when does a criminal record stop you getting a job? Serious crimes involving violence or sexual abuse are likely to prevent you from working with children or vulnerable adults, whilst crimes involving fraud or theft may prevent you from getting a job involving finance or cash handling.

In general, background checks for employment typically cover seven years of criminal and court records, but may go back further depending on federal and state laws and what is being searched.

County criminal history searches are the most common form of criminal background check. These searches allow employers to pull reports from court records of specific counties.

Criminal background checks will reveal felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions, any pending criminal cases, and any history of incarceration as an adult. Arrests pending prosecution may also be reported, and in some cases, arrests that did not lead to a criminal conviction may also appear.

Generally speaking, a background check for employment may show identity verification, employment verification, credit history, driver's history, criminal records, education confirmation, and more.

What happens if employer doesn't respond to background check?

Contact Background Check Company

If the employer does not respond or cannot be reached, the company can require you, as the employee, to provide copies of W-2s for every year you were employed, usually to be submitted within 48 hours.

When it comes to background checks, “no news is good news.” Unfortunately, chances are that from time to time you will be alerted to something that has shown up in one of your employee's background checks.

And even then, the majority of employers (59%) only disqualify 5% or fewer applicants based on past criminal convictions, according to Sterling Talent Solutions' Background Screening Trends & Best Practices Report—and 67% of employers said they would proceed with a candidate evaluation after finding a conviction not ...

There's a chance you will fail a background check if you have a criminal history. This is particularly true if the offenses on your record are relevant to the job you're applying for (i.e. if you committed a sexual offense and are applying to work with children).