Background Check
A process through which an employer verifies a candidate's identity, employment history, qualifications, and — where permitted — criminal record.
Background checks are typically conducted at the final stages of a hiring process, after a conditional offer has been made. They may include identity verification, employment and education verification, professional reference checks, credit checks (for finance roles), and criminal record checks depending on the role and jurisdiction.
For remote roles, background checks are especially important because candidates may be based in different countries and their credentials are harder to verify through informal means. Many companies use third-party background check providers — such as Checkr or Sterling — that can run checks across multiple jurisdictions.
Employers must comply with local privacy laws when conducting background checks. In many countries, candidates must give explicit consent, and the use of certain information (such as criminal records for roles where they are not relevant) is restricted.