InfoMart is one of the leading providers of background check services, offering comprehensive screening solutions for employers across various industries. Whether you’re a job applicant undergoing a background check or an employer seeking to understand the process, knowing how long an InfoMart background check takes can help you manage expectations and streamline the hiring process.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the timeline of InfoMart background checks, the factors that affect processing times, and tips on how to expedite the process. Whether you’re a prospective employee or an employer, this article provides valuable insights into navigating InfoMart’s background check procedures.
What is an InfoMart Background Check?
An InfoMart background check is a screening process conducted to verify an applicant’s identity, employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information. Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, as they help employers make informed decisions and ensure that candidates meet the necessary standards for their roles.
InfoMart is known for providing a wide range of background screening services, including criminal background checks, employment verifications, education verifications, drug testing, and more. These checks help employers comply with industry regulations, maintain workplace safety, and protect their company’s reputation.
What Does an InfoMart Background Check Include?
InfoMart’s background checks are comprehensive and typically include several key components designed to evaluate an applicant’s qualifications and suitability for employment. Here’s a breakdown of what InfoMart’s background checks commonly involve:
1. Criminal History Check
One of the most critical components of an InfoMart background check is the criminal history check, which searches various databases to identify any past criminal activity. This check includes:
- National Criminal Database Search: A search of national databases for felony and misdemeanor convictions, including violent crimes, theft, and fraud.
- County and State Criminal Records Search: A review of county and state records for any local criminal charges or convictions.
- Federal Criminal Records Check: An examination of federal criminal records for offenses such as tax evasion, embezzlement, or other federal crimes.
- Sex Offender Registry Check: Screening against the national sex offender registry to ensure that applicants are not listed as sex offenders.
InfoMart evaluates criminal records on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job role.
2. Employment Verification
Employment verification is a key part of InfoMart’s background check process, ensuring that an applicant’s work history is accurate and aligns with what was stated on their resume. This step involves:
- Job Titles and Responsibilities: Confirming that the job titles and responsibilities match those verified by previous employers.
- Dates of Employment: Verifying the accuracy of the employment dates provided by the candidate.
- Reason for Leaving: Understanding the circumstances under which the applicant left their previous roles.
Employment verification helps employers avoid hiring individuals who may have misrepresented their work experience or qualifications.
3. Education Verification
InfoMart conducts education verifications to confirm that the applicant possesses the academic qualifications required for the job. This includes:
- Degree Verification: Checking that the candidate holds the degrees or certifications listed on their resume.
- Institution Verification: Verifying the accreditation and legitimacy of the educational institutions attended by the applicant.
- Professional Certifications: Validating any professional licenses or certifications relevant to the job role.
Education verification is critical for roles that require specific degrees, certifications, or specialized training.
4. Credit History Check
For positions that involve handling finances or sensitive data, InfoMart may conduct a credit history check to assess the applicant’s financial responsibility. This check involves:
- Credit Score Review: Evaluating the applicant’s credit score to gauge their financial reliability.
- Debt and Payment History: Examining outstanding debts, missed payments, and any accounts sent to collections.
- Bankruptcies and Liens: Identifying any bankruptcies, liens, or other financial judgments.
A poor credit history can raise concerns about an applicant’s ability to manage financial responsibilities, particularly for positions in banking, finance, or accounting.
5. Drug Screening
InfoMart provides drug screening services to ensure that candidates comply with company policies regarding substance use. The drug test screens for commonly abused substances, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). Drug screening helps maintain a safe and drug-free workplace.
6. Identity Verification
Identity verification is crucial in the background check process to confirm that the applicant is who they claim to be. InfoMart uses advanced tools to verify the applicant’s identity, including:
- Social Security Number (SSN) Trace: Verifying the validity of the applicant’s SSN and cross-referencing it with other records.
- Address History: Confirming the applicant’s current and previous addresses to identify any discrepancies.
- Driver’s License Verification: Checking the authenticity of government-issued identification documents.
7. Professional License Verification
For positions that require specific professional licenses, such as medical practitioners, engineers, or financial advisors, InfoMart offers professional license verification services. This ensures that applicants hold valid and up-to-date licenses to practice in their respective fields.
How Long Does an InfoMart Background Check Take?
The time it takes to complete an InfoMart background check can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the screening process, the type of background check conducted, and the responsiveness of third parties involved in verifications. On average, an InfoMart background check typically takes 3 to 10 business days. However, certain factors can cause delays or expedite the process.
Factors That Can Affect the Timeline:
- Type of Background Check: Simple checks, such as identity verification and basic criminal background searches, are usually completed within a few days. However, more complex checks, such as federal criminal record searches, employment verifications, and international background checks, can take longer.
- Responsiveness of Third Parties: Employment and education verifications often depend on the responsiveness of previous employers and educational institutions. Delays in receiving responses from these third parties can extend the background check timeline.
- Accuracy of Provided Information: Providing accurate and complete information, such as correct names, dates of employment, and contact details, can help speed up the process. Errors or incomplete information can lead to delays.
- Manual Record Searches: Criminal records searches at the county level may require manual retrieval or verification, especially in counties that do not have digital record systems. These manual searches can add time to the background check process.
- Backlogs at Screening Agencies: During peak hiring seasons or periods of high demand, background screening agencies may experience backlogs that can delay the processing of checks.
- International Checks: If the applicant has lived or worked outside the United States, international background checks may be required, which can significantly increase the time needed for completion due to differences in record-keeping practices and regulations.
What to Do If Your InfoMart Background Check is Delayed
If your InfoMart background check is taking longer than expected, consider the following steps:
- Contact the Hiring Manager: Reach out to your point of contact at the hiring company to inquire about the status of your background check. They may provide insights into any specific delays or additional information needed.
- Follow Up with InfoMart: If you were informed that InfoMart is conducting your background check, you can contact them directly to check the status of your report. Be prepared to provide your personal details and any reference numbers associated with your check.
- Ensure Accuracy of Your Information: Double-check that all the information you provided during the application process is accurate and up-to-date. Correcting any errors promptly can help expedite the process.
- Be Patient and Communicative: While delays can be frustrating, it’s important to remain patient and maintain communication with your employer or InfoMart. They may need additional time to verify certain aspects of your background thoroughly.
Tips for a Smooth InfoMart Background Check Process
To help ensure a smooth and timely background check process with InfoMart, consider the following tips:
- Provide Accurate and Complete Information: Double-check all information on your application, including your name, Social Security number, addresses, employment history, and educational background.
- Prepare Documentation in Advance: Have all necessary documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, pay stubs, and references, ready to provide if requested during the verification process.
- Be Transparent About Your History: If you have any concerns about your background, such as past criminal convictions or credit issues, be honest with your recruiter or hiring manager upfront. Transparency can help address potential issues early in the process.
- Respond Promptly to Inquiries: If InfoMart contacts you for additional information or clarification, respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Run a Self-Check: Consider running a background check on yourself before applying to identify and address any issues that could arise during the screening process.
InfoMart’s background check process is a crucial step in the hiring journey, helping employers verify that candidates meet the necessary standards for their roles. While the process typically takes 3 to 10 business days, various factors can influence the timeline, making it important to be prepared, provide accurate information, and remain patient.
Understanding the background check process and what to expect can help you navigate the screening procedures with confidence and increase your chances of a successful outcome. If you encounter any delays or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance and clarification.
For more detailed information on how long InfoMart background checks take, visit: https://consumerattorneys.com/article/how-long-does-infomart-background-check-take.
By understanding InfoMart’s background check process and being proactive, you can ensure a smoother path towards employment and reduce the stress often associated with background screening.
