{"id":394072,"date":"2026-03-16T17:34:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T22:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=394072"},"modified":"2026-03-16T18:13:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:13:35","slug":"do-background-checks-show-your-employment-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/hiring-process\/do-background-checks-show-your-employment-history.html","title":{"rendered":"Do Background Checks Show Your Employment History?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do Background Checks Show Your Employment History?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Employment <\/span>background checks<\/span> typically include employment history<\/span> verification<\/span>. What shows up depends on the type of <\/span>background check<\/span>, the reporting agency used, and how far back the employer looks.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For most people, the idea of a prospective employer running a background check<\/span> on them isn\u2019t a big deal. Some people have things in their past that they don\u2019t necessarily want future employers to know about, which makes it a big deal for them.<\/p>\n

Like it or not, most employers today run employment <\/span>background checks<\/span><\/a>. This helps them weed through the many applications they receive to target the most qualified candidates. These background checks<\/span> often reveal information about your criminal record<\/span>, credit history<\/span><\/a>, and educational background.<\/p>\n

The question is whether these background reports include information on your work history<\/span>. If they do, exactly what information do they reveal about your employment history<\/span><\/a> and work experience<\/span>?<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains what information employers see in a background check<\/span>. We will also discuss what you need to know about job seekers<\/span>\u2019 rights regarding pre-employment<\/span> screening<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you feel that someone has violated your rights, consider contacting an employment attorney<\/a>. Not doing so could limit your possible remedies and risk further damage to your reputation and job opportunities.<\/p>\n

What Employment History<\/span> Information Shows Up on a Background Check<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Most of us will never know what made a prospective employer choose another candidate over bringing us on board. If we had any idea what kinds of information employers have access to during pre-<\/span>employment<\/span> background screenings<\/span><\/a>, we would be better armed in future job searches.<\/p>\n

A standard employment verification<\/span> typically includes the following information:<\/p>\n