One of the main things which is looked at during background checks before starting work is your work experience and history in employment. For many businesses, this is the most important check after identity checks to verify your right to work in the UK. Your work history is seen as an important indicator of your reliability, skills, and work ethic. But how far back with they actually look?
What Are Employment Checks Looking For?
A standard employment background check will verify fundamental details such as:
• Positions held – Job titles, company, or department you worked for.
• Employment dates – start and end date for each employer.
• Reason for leaving – did you leave of your own accord or were you dismissed?
• Contact details – office addresses, phone numbers or emails for employers.
Employers are often reluctant to give character references for people who worked for them, but most are happy to confirm the basics of employment dates and positions held.
How Far Back Do Employment Background Checks Go?
Most background checks are interested in the past 7-10 years of your work history. The checking period can vary though, and the general rule is that checking for very senior positions will go back a lot further than a more junior position. Other industries which are highly regulated may also have a higher level of employment history checking. In rare cases, employers might want to look back at someone’s entire career history.
Can You Exclude Past Employers from Background Checks?
While employers typically prefer a complete and accurate background check, there are options if you wish to gloss over a very short contract which ended badly or is not at all relevant to the role you are applying for. Never adjust lengths of employment to hide period where you have been out of work, but omitting shorter periods of employment of under six months is generally advised to keep your CV short and concise. Be prepared to talk honestly about any gaps in your employment history if asked, irrespective of whether you were out of work, travelling or doing something else.
How to Explain Problems in Your Employment History
If your work history includes a dismissal or something else which may come back in an interview, think about how to address these matters beforehand. If you were dismissed from a previous job, be honest about what happened without getting defensive, and accept responsibility for any mistakes you made. Try to turn the situation into a positive by highlighting what you learned from the situation, or any training you have had which would help you avoid repeating the mistakes. Try to talk about your experience since being sacked and showcase how this demonstrates your reliability and ability to be a good expertise.
Employment history checking doesn’t have to be scary and intimidating, as long as both employer and the person being checked are clear about what is being done, and why. Be honest on your CV and have good explanations for any gaps in your work history.
