How Long Does a Walmart Background Check Really Take? Your Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve aced the interview and are eagerly awaiting the call from Walmart. But that pesky background check is hanging in the balance. The big question on everyone’s mind: How long for a Walmart background check? The short answer is that a Walmart background check typically takes between 24 hours and a week. However, this timeframe is just a ballpark figure. Several factors can influence the actual duration.

Decoding the Walmart Background Check Process

Understanding the intricacies of Walmart’s background check procedure is crucial for comprehending potential delays. Here’s a breakdown:

What Does the Check Entail?

A typical Walmart background check usually includes:

• Criminal history check: Searching national and local databases for felony and misdemeanor convictions. This is the most common and often time-sensitive aspect.
• Employment verification: Confirming your previous work history with former employers.
• Education verification: Validating your educational qualifications, such as high school diplomas or college degrees.
• Sex offender registry check: Ensuring you are not listed on any state or national sex offender registries.
• Drug screening: Depending on the role, a drug test might be required. This adds time due to scheduling and lab processing.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check: If the position involves driving, your driving record will be scrutinized.

Factors Influencing the Timeline

Several elements contribute to the variability in background check durations:

• Accuracy of Information: The more accurate and complete the information you provide, the faster the process. Mistakes or omissions can lead to delays.
• County Court Availability: Criminal record checks rely heavily on county court systems. Some courts are slower than others in providing information. Rural areas, in particular, might experience slower turnaround times.
• Number of Residences: If you’ve lived in multiple states or counties, each location will need to be checked, increasing the time required.
• Employment Verification Challenges: Contacting previous employers can be a bottleneck. Companies may have slow response times or require specific procedures for verifying employment.
• Third-Party Vendor: Walmart usually uses a third-party background screening company, such as Sterling or Accurate. The efficiency of this vendor directly impacts the speed of the check.
• The Specific Role: Certain roles, especially those requiring security clearances or involving financial responsibilities, may involve more comprehensive and time-consuming background checks.

What to Do While You Wait

Patience is key, but you can take proactive steps:

• Double-check your paperwork: Ensure all information provided to Walmart is accurate and consistent.
• Inform your references: Let your former employers or references know that they might be contacted for verification.
• Stay reachable: Make sure your phone and email are easily accessible in case Walmart or the background check company needs to reach you.
• Don’t contact them excessively: While it’s tempting to check in frequently, avoid overwhelming the recruiter with inquiries. A reasonable follow-up after a week is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walmart Background Checks

Here are 12 FAQs to further clarify the process:

FAQ 1: What happens if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Walmart considers the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the job you’re applying for. Minor offenses, especially if they occurred a long time ago, are less likely to be a barrier.

FAQ 2: Does Walmart do credit checks?

Generally, no. Unless the position involves significant financial responsibility (e.g., handling large sums of money or working in accounting), a credit check is unlikely.

FAQ 3: How far back does a Walmart background check go?

The look-back period for criminal records varies by state and depends on the type of offense. Generally, employers can’t inquire about arrests that didn’t lead to convictions. For convictions, the typical look-back period is 7 years, but some states may allow for longer periods, especially for serious crimes.

FAQ 4: Will a traffic ticket show up on a Walmart background check?

Minor traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, usually won’t appear on a criminal background check. However, more serious traffic offenses, like reckless driving or DUI, will likely be reported, especially if the position requires driving.

FAQ 5: What if there’s an error on my background check?

You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your background check. Contact the background check company immediately and provide documentation to support your claim. Walmart will likely put your application on hold until the issue is resolved.

FAQ 6: Can I see my background check report?

Yes, you are entitled to receive a copy of your background check report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants you the right to access and review the information used to make employment decisions.

FAQ 7: Does Walmart drug test all employees?

Not all positions at Walmart require drug testing. Typically, drug tests are required for roles involving safety-sensitive tasks or operating machinery.

FAQ 8: What kind of drug test does Walmart use?

Walmart commonly uses a urine drug test. The specific panel of drugs tested may vary depending on the position and state laws.

FAQ 9: Does a pending criminal charge affect my application?

A pending criminal charge may raise concerns for Walmart, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. They may postpone the hiring decision until the case is resolved or assess the situation based on the nature of the charge and the job requirements.

FAQ 10: What happens after the background check is complete?

If the background check is clear, the recruiter will contact you to discuss the next steps, which usually involves onboarding and scheduling your first day.

FAQ 11: Can Walmart rescind a job offer based on the background check?

Yes, Walmart can rescind a job offer if the background check reveals information that disqualifies you based on their hiring criteria. However, they must provide you with a copy of the report and an opportunity to explain or dispute any adverse information.

FAQ 12: What can I do to speed up the process?

While you can’t directly control the speed of the background check, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application information, promptly responding to requests from the background check company, and informing your references can help minimize potential delays. Be honest and upfront about any potential issues that might arise, as transparency is often appreciated.

In conclusion, while the average Walmart background check typically takes 24 hours to a week, understanding the factors that can influence the timeline is crucial. By being prepared, providing accurate information, and staying patient, you can navigate the process with confidence and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Good luck!