Conducting a background check is an essential step in the hiring process. Employers use background check services to verify a potential employee’s identity and learn more about their work history, qualifications, and criminal record.
However, you may have noticed that some background check reports have “consider” written next to certain items. So, what does “consider” mean on a background check?
In this article, we’ll explain what “consider” means in a background check and how it can impact an employee’s employment prospects.
What Does Consider Mean on a Background Check?
When an employer sees “consider” on a background check, it means that they should consider the information when making their decision about hiring the applicant.
The “consider” designation does not mean that the applicant is automatically disqualified from the position.
However, the employer will likely give more weight to negative information that is marked “consider” than to information that is not marked.
For example, if an applicant has a criminal record, the employer may be more likely to disqualify them if the criminal record is marked “consider” than if it is not.
Sometimes, an employer may also contact the references listed on a “consider” background check to get more information about the applicant.
Overall, the “consider” designation means that an employer should consider the information when deciding to hire an applicant.
However, it is the employer’s decision on how much weight to give the information and whether or not to contact references.
What Information Is Usually Marked “Consider”?
There are a few types of information that are typically marked “consider” on a background check:
Criminal Records:
A criminal record is often the most critical information on a background check. A background check may mark a criminal record as “consider” if the offense is relevant to the job (for example, if the candidate is applying for a job that involves working with cars, a background check may mark an offense involving grand theft auto as “consider”).
Financial Records:
Financial records may be marked “consider” if they show financial instability or bankruptcy history. This includes credit scores, bankruptcies, liens, and foreclosures.
Work History:
If a candidate has gaps or inconsistencies in their work history, this may be marked “consider.”
References:
A background check sometimes lists references as “consider.” This usually happens when the applicant has listed a personal reference (such as a family member) instead of a professional reference.
In short, any information that may give an employer pause about hiring an applicant may be marked “consider” on a background check.
How Does “Consider” Affect The Chances Of Getting Hired?
The “consider” designation on a BG check does not necessarily mean that an applicant will not be hired.
It simply means that the employer will need to consider that information when making a decision.
Sometimes, employers may hire an applicant despite a “consider” designation on their check.
In other cases, the “consider” designation may be a deal-breaker. It depends on the offense’s severity and the job’s nature.
Conclusion
Now that you know what “consider” means in a background check, you can start to understand how it may impact your employment prospects.
Remember, the “consider” designation does not mean you, as an employer, should immediately disqualify an applicant.
However, it does mean that you should give the information more weight than information that is not marked “consider.”
FAQ’s
What does it mean by clear and concider on a background check report?
Clear a background check report means that the report is clear and does not contain any negative information about the candidate.
Consider, on the other hand, means, that the report has some adverse information about the person that can be considered.
Will a company notify you if you fail a background check?
The Fair Credit Reporting agency requires the person conducting the background check to report the reason as to why a person has failed their background check.
Should I be concerned about background checks?
You should never underestimate background checks. They can reveal a lot of information about you, including your credit score, criminal activity, education, employment history, and much more.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
