When is a background check done? (employment verification, felony, interviewed, job)

[luzianne]

I applied for a job, had a long interview, which I thought went well. I was told they would make a decision by the end of last week, but I heard nothing. I assumed I was out of the running. Today I got a call from the company they use for background checks asking for copies of my 1099s, W2s, check stubs. So I guess I'm not out of the running.

Would they do a background check on all applicants, or does a background check probably mean I have the job as long as the background check comes back okay (it will)?

[EzPeterson]

Really depends on the company. I don't run a background unless I intend to offer, but I know some companies run their top candidates.

[joe from dayton]

Depends on the company. For us, a background check means you are a top contender but not the only contender.

[luzianne]

Okay, thanks to both of you!

[Marie24]

With my company, a background check is done when you've been given a tentative offer. It's tentative because federal law prohibits my industry from hiring people with a felony conviction. Once the background check comes back clean, you're given your start date.

[luzianne]

I haven't been given an offer. Last I talked to them was the day I interviewed, and the hiring manager told me that they'd be making a decision the end of last week, and that any offers/etc. would come through the HR department. So I really had accepted that I wasn't going to get the job and I had started looking into other things. Then got a call late this afternoon from the background check company wanting employment verification.

[ccm123]

Usually, you will receive a "contingent offer based on a successful background and reference check". If all comes back clear, you will receive an offer. Good luck!