Does HireRight Call Previous Employers Reddit? The Inside Scoop

Yes, HireRight absolutely calls previous employers. It’s a core part of their service. However, the nuances of how, when, and why they do it are far more interesting, and often misunderstood. Let’s dive into the details that really matter, separating fact from fiction, and clearing up any confusion you might have encountered on platforms like Reddit.

Understanding HireRight’s Employment Verification Process

Forget the quick-and-dirty searches you might do yourself. HireRight provides a professional background check service. This goes far beyond simply Googling your name. Employment verification is a critical component, aimed at confirming your employment history. It involves directly contacting your former employers to verify the details you provided on your application.

How HireRight Contacts Previous Employers

HireRight employs several methods for contacting previous employers, not just phone calls:

• Phone Calls: This is a common method, allowing for direct communication and clarification of any uncertainties.
• Email: Email provides a written record and can be more convenient for employers with busy schedules.
• Online Portals: Some companies use secure online portals where employment verification requests can be submitted and tracked.
• Fax (Believe it or not!): While less common, fax is still used by some organizations, especially those with older systems.

The method used often depends on the employer’s preferred verification process and the accessibility of their HR department.

What Information Does HireRight Seek?

The information HireRight seeks from previous employers is usually quite specific:

• Dates of Employment: Verifying your start and end dates.
• Job Title: Confirming the position you held.
• Salary: Sometimes, although this is less common due to privacy concerns and company policies. You’ll likely be asked to provide proof of salary through pay stubs.
• Eligibility for Rehire: This is a crucial question, indicating whether the employer would hire you again.
• Job Performance: Typically, previous employers will only confirm basic facts; detailed performance reviews are rarely shared due to legal liabilities.

The Role of HR Departments

HR departments are the gatekeepers of employment information. HireRight’s representatives will typically contact the HR department of your previous employers to request verification. The HR representative will then access your employment records and provide the requested information to HireRight. It is crucial your resume matches the records they have on file.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions from Reddit

Reddit can be a treasure trove of information, but also a source of misinformation. Here are some common misconceptions floating around the platform that need addressing:

• “HireRight only verifies employment dates.” False. While dates are crucial, they also try to confirm your job title and eligibility for rehire.
• “They’ll call all my previous employers, even part-time gigs from years ago.” Not necessarily. They typically focus on recent and relevant employment, especially those directly related to the job you are applying for.
• “If I have a bad reference, I’m doomed.” Not always. HireRight presents the information they gather. The hiring manager will ultimately decide how to interpret it. A negative reference might be an issue, but it’s not automatically a deal-breaker.
• “HireRight only contacts employers I list as references.” This is incorrect. HireRight verifies employment history, not just references. They will contact employers you list on your application, regardless of whether you provided them as references.

Factors That Influence HireRight’s Verification Process

Several factors can influence how HireRight conducts its employment verification:

• Industry: Certain industries, like finance and healthcare, require more rigorous background checks due to regulatory requirements.
• Company Size: Verifying employment at a large corporation can be more streamlined than at a small business, as larger companies often have established HR processes.
• Job Level: Higher-level positions often warrant more thorough verification.
• The Laws of the Land: HireRight operates in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which gives you the right to access and dispute information in your background check report.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into HireRight’s Practices

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity about HireRight’s employment verification process:

1. Can I refuse to allow HireRight to contact a specific employer?

Generally, no. If you list an employer on your application, you are essentially agreeing to allow them to be contacted. However, you can explain to the hiring company (and HireRight) why you might prefer a specific employer not to be contacted. They might consider it, but it’s not guaranteed.

2. What happens if a previous employer doesn’t respond to HireRight’s inquiries?

HireRight will typically make multiple attempts to contact the employer. If they still don’t receive a response, they will document their efforts and may ask you to provide alternative documentation, such as W-2 forms or pay stubs.

3. How long does the employment verification process take?

The timeline varies, but it typically takes 2-7 business days to complete employment verification. This depends on the responsiveness of your previous employers.

4. What if I worked at a company that is no longer in business?

You’ll need to provide alternative documentation, such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns, to verify your employment. You might also provide the contact information of a former supervisor or colleague who can vouch for your work history.

5. Can I see the information HireRight collects about me?

Yes! Under the FCRA, you have the right to access a copy of your background check report and dispute any inaccuracies.

6. What if there’s an error in my HireRight report?

If you find an error, you have the right to dispute it with HireRight. They are obligated to investigate the discrepancy and correct it if necessary.

7. Does HireRight verify self-employment?

Yes, but the process is different. You may need to provide documentation such as business licenses, tax returns, client contracts, or bank statements to verify your self-employment.

8. What is the role of “The Work Number” in employment verification?

“The Work Number” is a database maintained by Equifax that contains employment information for millions of employees. HireRight may use “The Work Number” to verify your employment if your previous employer contributes to the database. This automates the process.

9. What if I was fired from a previous job? Will that automatically disqualify me?

Being fired doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The hiring company will consider the circumstances of your termination and how you explain it. Transparency and honesty are crucial.

10. Does HireRight conduct criminal background checks as well?

Yes, HireRight offers a range of background check services, including criminal background checks, which involve searching various databases and court records.

11. How far back does HireRight go when verifying employment history?

Generally, they look back 7-10 years but it depends on the industry and position requirements. Some positions may require a more extensive background check.

12. What can I do to prepare for the employment verification process?

Be honest and accurate on your application. Gather any supporting documentation, such as W-2 forms or pay stubs, in case they are needed. Be prepared to explain any gaps in your employment history.

Conclusion

HireRight’s employment verification process is a vital part of the background check process. While Reddit can offer glimpses into the process, it’s important to rely on accurate information. By understanding the intricacies of how HireRight operates, you can be better prepared and navigate the process with confidence. Remember, honesty and accuracy are key to a smooth and successful outcome.