Background Check: What can a potential employer find out about my employment history?

Question

I have recently gone through an interview process and been offered a new job. My only concern is around the background check. I have no criminal record or history, but I did leave a previous job for undisclosed reasons, and have signed an NDA as a part of that severance. All I can say on that matter is that there was no malfeasance on my part, but I am still worried about what might come up when the background check is done.

I even have my direct manager from that job listed as a reference. I was a very good employee there, and she will say excellent things about me. But if they contact the HR department, I do not know what will be communicated. Can anyone offer expert insight as to how that all works? Thanks!

Answer 1

As a rule, our company will contact the person listed as the supervisor and if we don't receive a return call after a day or two, we'll pursue HR.  In most cases, HR will only reveal dates & position.

You could also try calling your employer yourself or have a close friend do it for you as a third party to get verification of employment.  There is no harm in that and you'll find out what they're saying about you.  

Remember, there's a fine line between fact and slander.  Not knowing why you left, it's hard to say a whole lot, but you would probaly do well to find out what they're saying ahead of time.

In the end, I believe, and have seen, that honesty is always the best policy.  I was in a similar situation and asked a potential employer to contact my direct supervisor for verification and not upper management.  They did so, had no problem with it and I got the job.

Answer 2

The person listed as a reference us usually the person who is contacted.  That is how we do it. One of the reasons is that the immediate manager or supervisor can often give a more direct and accurate rating of your performance.  

Answer 3

I seriously doubt they can find which jobs that you have done in the past.