It's been over 3 weeks, or 16 business days, since my fingerprint. The initial email from the HR said it would take 5 days, which I doubted, but I didn't think it would take this long. Is this normal? The background check agency is First Advantage. I checked in with HR after 2 weeks and they said they're still waiting to get results back from courts and stuff. Waiting mindlessly is frustrating. How long did yours take?
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why does it matter?
I used First Advantage, took less than 24hours from the time I dropped the FedEx package in the mail. Called me early next day to confirm
That's a long time. If your start date is still a month or two away I'd sit tight for another week. If it's closer I'd politely apply some pressure to HR. Do you have anything they could possibly find?
Major Investment Bank Background check question (Originally Posted: 12/31/2014)
How long do these things usually take? Been waiting for 4 weeks now.
I submitted my info mid-December for MBB and still haven't heard back either. I think the holidays delay things a bit.
I submitted mine mid December also and it's still pending approval
I submitted mine mid December also and it's still pending approval
To update: annnd it's January 13 and I'm still waiting on that check/signing bonus
What are you afraid of thinking they found?
Why does it matter (and why would OP want to admit that a public forum)?
In my case -- nothing, I was honest. It's just nerve-wracking to be scrutinized like this and not have any updates on how when the check will be complete/how things are proceeding. Plus there's always the chance you made a mistake, mis-wrote something, etc., and the idea of having to deal with even an honest mistake is just worrisome.
Background Check Timing (Originally Posted: 06/01/2010)
Just wondering how long the typical background test takes to complete. I know that the drug test results are very quick, but not sure about the other aspects.
Any insight into timing from start to finish would be greatly appreciated....thanks.
hearing back after background checks at BB? (Originally Posted: 03/15/2011)
when do you generally hear back after background checks? how long should I wait before getting worried?
A week
for SA, I never did hear back. I assume they only contact you if something was amiss, such as a conviction that you didn't notify HR about. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry.
they generally dont contact you
never ever will you hear back. as suggested only if something is wrong (might be different in some cases)
GS 2013 FT Analyst Background Check (Originally Posted: 04/29/2013)
Hey monkeys, I accepted a FT offer and will start in August.
The only time I heard from 3rd party background check company was a month ago, when they asked for my US SSN for public records search. No news ever since.
Background check information was submitted in late Feb. 2 months have passed. Should I be worried? How long is this supposed to take?!
Thanks a lot.
You don't want to hear from the companies that run your background check and drug test. If you do, in most cases, they've got bad news. I wouldn't be worried if I were you.
Good point turtles. Thanks!
2 months waiting just feels a little long.
Hi, i know this follow up is a little late, but did you pass the background check? may i know how long ? i have similar situation as yours. thanks!
I don't think you "pass" background checks. I could be totally wrong as I've only had one done before two years ago (currently going through another now), but I submitted my information and signed a few consent forms and then never heard from them again. I think they only contact you if they need clarification. You don't really "pass", but you can definitely fail.
Background Check (Originally Posted: 05/29/2007)
How long do pre-employment background checks take? I submitted my paperwork about two weeks ago and haven't heard anything - does this mean that I passed (since I would assume I would only be contacted if I got a bad reference or something like that)? Only asking because I'm supposed to sign a lease this week but don't want to do so until I know 100% that the background check is clean. Is it inappropriate to just call HR and ask if I passed?
What do you have to hide? i.e. if you're sure you'll pass, sign your lease. If you've got a skeleton in your closet that could get your offer rescinded/get you canned, someone will find out eventually.
Background Check - Do you hear back from a check? (Originally Posted: 06/28/2012)
Do you usually hear back from your employer/the contractor they hired that you've successfully passed the background check?
Or does that automatically mean you passed the background check if you haven't heard back from them?
Do all employers require drug screening tests before you start your first day? I haven't heard from mine and my job starts in less than a week
You won't hear back unless there was a problem or you failed. Yes, you will need to go for a drug test. Most places allow anywhere from 1-4 weeks for the entire process.
OK, not entirely true. The only time I ever heard back re: a background check was when I applied for a volunteer position at a museum. I got to see my results as well. Yes, I passed.
.
Under federal law they have to give you the option to send you a copy of your background check. So the company they hired to conduct the check should send you a copy.
Not all companies drugs test as well. You probably would have been notified already if you needed one
Agree with turtles. Typically, if there is an issue or something doesn't match up, the outsourced company will contact you. However, if you haven't heard anything, it usually means that either, a) you passed or, b) it isn't complete yet. Even if you "fail" a background check, you will get the opportunity to explain any discrepancies. As long as you didn't intentionally (& badly) falsify information (for example, within x% of your last salary, if they can actually verify it), you'll be fine and it will get sorted out. My last HR rep said that even if I had a DUI, it's not a big deal. As long as I don't have 12 DUIs in addition to killing someone while watching child porn.
Obviously, not all places require a drug test. But just because you start in a week doesn't necessairly mean you won't get one. With my last employer, I had to get my drug test within 2 days of them notifying me that I needed to take one. So, there's a chance you still might have to. I think it goes without saying, but don't be stupid and do something now that will make you fail a drug test just because you think you're in the clear. If there's a chance you would fail a drug test right now if you had to take one, I'd err on the side of caution and take some necessary steps to beat the test if you had to take one (ie drinking lots of water, trip to GNC, etc.)
Background check - will HR notify you with problems? (Originally Posted: 05/26/2014)
I filled out paperwork for a background check a couple of months ago. I just realized that there's probably a major typo on the background check. I'm supposed to start my internship next week - would HR notify me if there's a problem with the background check?
If not HR, the background check company will if there is an issue - if you don't hear back you'll be fine!
Cheers, thanks! I haven't heard anything but I don't have access to my US phone at the moment - emailed HR just to be on the safe side.
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