How Do I Dispute An Employment Background Check?

Because information in a background check can sometimes contain errors, it’s important for job candidates to look for any mistakes or incomplete information in their background check results.

Find out what you should do when you receive your copy of your background check results, how to dispute inaccurate information, and how GoodHire can help with the process.

Dispute Process

At GoodHire, we’re committed to accuracy, transparency, and promoting fairness in the hiring process. Sometimes, though, the information reported by county courts, credit reporting agencies, and other sources contains errors.  

These errors might result from:

• Transcription/typing errors at the courthouse
• Confusion because of common names
• Outdated information from credit reporting agencies
• Identity theft

We know background checks play an important role in the hiring process. That’s why you should look for any mistakes or incomplete information in your background check results.

How To Find Inaccuracies

When you receive your copy of your background check, the first thing you’ll want to do is look it over carefully.

In the event you do find incorrect information on your check, you have the right to dispute that information with the background check company that provided the results. You might have to call or write the company that performed the background check to start the dispute process.

At GoodHire, we’ve created a simple online portal you can use to let us know about incorrect information. When viewing your results, simply select the criminal records that are inaccurate, provide any additional information, and click Submit.

GoodHire will investigate your dispute and let you know the outcome within 30 to 45 days as the law requires – typically sooner. If we find that the information is not correct, we will fix it and give you and the employer a copy of the updated background check.

You should file a dispute as soon as you spot a mistake so that the employer who ran the report is aware of inaccuracies that may affect their decision to hire you.

About the Author

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As GoodHire’s managing editor, Sara Korolevich produces educational resources for employers on a variety of employment screening topics, including compliance and screening best practices, and writes about GoodHire’s company and product news. Sara’s experience stems from 20+ years working as a B2C and B2B PR and communications professional.