How long do background checks take?

[Kev]

I interviewed for a new job last Wednesday. They called me on Friday to see if they could call my references (who are at the company I work for now), and to let me know that they need to do a background check before they can send me an offer.

It's been a week and I haven't heard anything. I'm wondering if I should call the HR person and see what the deal is?

 

[looker001]

Normal background probably takes minutes(depending on who they use and what type). Top secret security clerance background can take a while. What type of job are you getting?

 

[SunnyD]

~3-7 business days usually... unless it's more thorough (like DOD style).

 

[dakels]

It's good practice to follow up after a week or so but the background check can take a while, sometimes 1-4 weeks depending on how thorough and how efficient the HR is. You may want to call the HR contact and just ask how everything is going and if there is anything further you can do.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Dear Applicant,

Thanks for applying. While you are well qualified to perform a number of functions, your name came up on myspace.com where we saw a picture of you taking bong hits.

Unfortunately, we've no need for your services at this time.

Sincerely,

HR Dept.

 

[ProfJohn]

Also remember that hiring you may not be their highest priority and that they may have other things more important, to them, to work on.

I have done that myself. Got the background check back and then let it sit for a few days because I didn't have time to hire them.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: dakels
It's good practice to follow up after a week or so but the background check can take a while, sometimes 1-4 weeks depending on how thorough and how efficient the HR is. You may want to call the HR contact and just ask how everything is going and if there is anything further you can do.

Paperwork can get buried at a subcontractor office.

Contact HR of the people you interviewed with and politely ask what your status is.

 

[Rubycon]

To clear or to cache?

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

The company we contract out to takes about 24-48 hours for a basic check, so we usually tell applicants to wait 5-7 business days.