What disqualifies you on a background check

Depending on the job, there are numerous things or offenses that can disqualify you from a level 2 background check. This will include any violence or sex-related offense that appears on your Level 2 background check.

A level 2 background check is a very in-depth report that explores both state and national registries. It is most often a fingerprint-based check that is used when evaluating high-responsibility job applicants. This includes individuals who have to work with children, the elderly, and other vulnerable people.

There are varying requirements for state and national level 2 checks. While you only require a name request or fingerprint card for a state check, a national investigation will warrant more. Also noted as the FBI level 2 screening, this type of investigation is often used for candidates who are applying for federal government jobs.

It is also used by agencies and companies that work with and for the federal government. This check tends to unearth any interaction an applicant has had with law enforcement agencies. To run this check, the candidate is expected to submit to fingerprinting by an accepted law enforcement agency.

The agent will then have to run the prints against the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). This system is a digital database of fingerprints that various law enforcement agencies have compiled. Note that the data found on the IACIS database encompasses both criminal and non-criminal matters.

For a level 2 background check, the agent in charge can also run the fingerprint data through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If you are being subjected to a level 2 background check, here are some common red flags and offenses that might disqualify you during a Level 2 background check.

Things That Disqualify You from a Level 2 Background Check

  1. Table of Contents

    • Criminal History
    • Poor Employment History
    • Bad Driving Record
    • Failed a Drug or Alcohol Test
    • You Lied On Your Resume, Or There Are Inconsistencies
    • Questionable Social Media Activity
    • Bad References From Previous Employers
    • Poor Credit History
    • You Are Not Entitled To Legally Work in the United States

    Criminal History

This is, without doubt, one of the first things almost all employers check when screening applicants and it tends to most often lead to the disqualification of job applicants.

However, depending on the hiring standards of the employer and the cruelty of the crime committed, an applicant can still be hired, as long as they make their criminal history known to the employer. Certain criminal histories such as minor misdemeanors or incidents that happened a long time ago can be overlooked, but serious crimes can put you out of the equation.

  1. Poor Employment History

Gaps in employment history won’t bring any cause for concern; however, a pattern of unemployment or a series of short-lived jobs may entail that an applicant is not stable, unreliable, and not worth investing in. Howbeit, note that this does not extend to internships, training, or seasonal work, which are most often considered an advantage for entry-level positions.

  1. Bad Driving Record

Your driving history will most definitely be checked if the job requires you to drive. Owing to that, a poor driving record, such as more than a couple of citations for speeding, driving under the influence, or a conviction for reckless driving, will cause you to be disqualified.

  1. Failed a Drug or Alcohol Test

You also need to understand that drug and alcohol tests are job-dependent in most places in the United States. This is especially true for those that require candidates to drive, work with machinery, or carry out highly technical duties. If a candidate fails a drug/alcohol test, they might become a liability to the company.

  1. You Lied On Your Resume, Or There Are Inconsistencies

A good number of employers will disqualify you if they discover you lied about your education, skills, or qualifications. These facts will most definitely be detected during a background check, regardless of how well-written or organized, your resume may be.

Employers usually reach out to your references to verify details about previous jobs, such as the period you worked there, and to gain an idea of your duties and work ethic. In the same way, a background check can also help to find out when and where you obtained your degree.

This part can be quite confusing especially since many rulings and laws protect job candidates’ rights when it has to do with social media. Although social media screening is not a must during a background check, it is still within the bounds of the law, and a good number of employers analyze social media or use screening services to obtain a good insight into a candidate’s character beyond the interview.

Employers will usually check for hate speech, foul language, or any negative material that may paint a bad image for the company and present potential problems in the future.

  1. Bad References From Previous Employers

Truth be told, a good recommendation goes a long way to guarantee that you will get the job. It tends to allow employers to learn more about your character, work ethic, and overall suitability for a role. However, bad references will also hurt your ability to get the job.

While one single bad reference will not hurt your chances, have in mind that more than one bad reference will definitely disqualify you. Owing to the risk of defamation lawsuits sought by former employees, a good number of workplaces do not provide information other than work dates, job titles, and salaries.

  1. Poor Credit History

Credit checks are most often only conducted for financial and federal jobs. Therefore, if you are going to be handling money and any other financial-related roles, a poor credit history will be considered a liability as it might impede your ability to handle money responsibly.

  1. You Are Not Entitled To Legally Work in the United States

Potential employees are always expected to be legally eligible to work in the United States. Note that during the hiring process, all citizens and non-citizens are expected to complete an Employment Eligibility Form (I-9). Job applicants will also need to present documents validating their identity and employment authorization to the employer.