How to Check Status of Delayed Background Check?

In today’s employment landscape, background checks have become a standard part of the hiring process for most organizations. However, the process doesn’t always go smoothly as background checks face delays, leaving both candidates and employers in a frustrating holding pattern. If you’re experiencing a delay, knowing how to check your background check status can help you proceed with confidence. Let’s dive into the topic: How to Check Status of Delayed Background Check.

Understanding Background Check Statuses

Before diving into how to check your background check status, it’s important to understand the different status terms you might encounter. Various background check providers use slightly different terminology, but here are the most common status notifications you’ll see:

Pending Status

This is the standard status when a background check is still in process. It simply means the verification is ongoing and additional time is needed to complete all required searches. Most background check providers will show this status during the normal processing timeframe.

Suspended Status

This indicates that the background check has temporarily stopped processing due to missing or incomplete information. When a report is suspended, additional action is typically required from either the candidate or the employer to continue the process.

In Progress Status

Similar to pending, this status indicates active processing of the background check. You might see specific sections marked as “in progress” while others are complete. This means the verification team is actively reviewing records and awaiting responses from relevant institutions.

Delayed Status

This specifically refers to situations where the background check is taking longer than the standard timeframe due to various factors that require additional research, verification, or paperwork. Common reasons include court backlogs, slow employer responses, or additional identity verification steps.

Completed Status

The final status indicating all components of the background check have been finished and the report is ready for review. At this stage, the employer can make a hiring decision based on the finalized background check results.

Understanding these status indicators helps you interpret exactly where your background check stands in the process and what actions might be needed on your part to move things forward.

Common Reasons for Background Check Delays

Understanding why background checks get delayed can help you anticipate what may happen and potentially prevent issues.

Candidate-Related Factors

• Incorrect personal information is the most common cause of delays. This includes misspelled names, incorrect Social Security numbers, or incorrect dates of birth on application forms.
• Common names may require additional verification time as researchers ensure records belong to the right person, especially if multiple individuals share the same name, leading to potential identity mix-ups.
• Multiple previous addresses or job changes require more extensive verification, particularly if any experience is international.
• Recent name changes due to marriage or other reasons often complicate the verification process as records may exist under multiple names.
• Phone number mismatches can lead to difficulty verifying past employment or identity records.

External Factors

• Court closures or limited access hours significantly impact criminal background checks that require manual courthouse searches.
• Some institutions still maintain paper records that must be physically retrieved, adding days to the process.
• During high-volume hiring seasons (like graduation periods), background check providers face backlogs that extend normal timeframes.
• Technical issues with verification systems and varying procedures across different jurisdictions further contribute to unexpected delays.
• Legal regulations and federal law changes may impact processing times if new compliance requirements are introduced.

When employers understand these common delay factors, they can better communicate expectations to candidates and take proactive measures to minimize delays.

How to Check Your Background Check Status (Step-by-Step)

For Candidates

1. Access the Candidate Portal

Most background check providers send candidates an email with login credentials to a dedicated portal. Log in using the provided link and your information. Navigate to the status section, typically found on the dashboard, and review any notes indicating specific delays or required actions.

2. Check Email Notifications

Keep an eye on your email (including spam folders). Background check providers typically send status updates. Check your inbox for any notice requesting additional information, such as missing paperwork, which could delay the process.

3. Contact the Background Check Provider

If the portal doesn’t provide clear information, contact the provider directly. Have your reference number and personal details ready. Be prepared to verify your identity before receiving status information.

4. Contact the Employer’s HR Department

As a last resort, reach out to the employer. Keep communication professional and concise. Understand they may have limited visibility into specific delay reasons.

For Employers

1. Log into Your Background Check Provider Dashboard

Most background check providers offer real-time status updates through an employer portal. Log in to your dashboard and check individual candidate statuses. Pay close attention to any suspended or delayed reports, as these may require further action. Review detailed notes about specific verification challenges to determine the next steps.

2. Set Up Status Alerts

To stay informed, configure your account to receive notifications about delays or suspended reports. Setting up automated reminders ensures that reports taking longer than expected are followed up promptly, helping to avoid unnecessary hiring delays.

3. Contact Your Account Representative

For persistent delays or complex issues, reach out to your provider’s account team for additional support. They can often provide insights that aren’t visible in the dashboard and may suggest alternative verification methods to expedite the process. This direct communication can be crucial in resolving delays efficiently.

How to Resolve a Suspended or Delayed Background Check

If your background check is delayed or suspended, taking prompt action can help expedite resolution:

• Identify the Specific Issue: Carefully review all communications from the background check provider.
• Submit Required Information Promptly: Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
• Follow Up After Submission: After submitting information, wait 1-2 business days before checking your background check status.
• Prepare Alternative Documentation: If standard documents aren’t resolving the issue, prepare alternatives such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax records.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), candidates have the right to:

• Be informed that a background check will be conducted.
• Give written permission for the check.
• Receive notification if information is found that might result in a negative decision.
• Dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.
• Receive a copy of the background check report.

Many states have additional laws governing background checks, including:

• Limitations on looking back more than 7 years for certain information.
• Restrictions on using credit history for employment decisions.
• “Ban the Box” laws limiting when criminal history can be considered.

Conclusion: How to Check Status of Delayed Background Check

Navigating delayed background checks requires understanding the process, knowing how to check status, and taking prompt action. Stay proactive by keeping documentation ready, monitoring communications, and responding quickly to information requests. Most delays resolve successfully with proper follow-up, and patience during this thorough verification process ensures accurate results.

Eliminate background check delays with Sapphire Background Check’s streamlined verification process, real-time status updates, and dedicated support. Visit our website to discover how our transparent approach can transform your hiring experience with greater efficiency and peace of mind.

FAQs: How to Check Status of Delayed Background Check

What does it mean when your background check is delayed?

A delayed background check indicates that additional research or information is needed to complete the verification process, often due to name similarities, incomplete records, court access issues, or missing candidate information.

What’s the longest time a background check can take to come back?

While most background checks complete within 3-5 business days, complex cases involving international verification, extensive criminal searches, or information discrepancies can take several weeks or even 1-2 months in extreme situations.

How do I ask for background check updates?

Contact the background check provider directly through their candidate portal, call their customer service line with your reference number, or reach out to the employer’s HR department as a last resort.

Why is my background check taking months?

A background check taking months typically indicates serious verification challenges such as international record searches, court closures, identity conflicts, or missing documentation that hasn’t been properly addressed in the past week.