How long does it take to get a job offer after a background check?

Author: Cristal Effertz  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

It's impossible to give an exact time frame, as every employer differs – but you should hear something within a week or two following a background check. It can take anywhere from two to five days to conduct an employment background check.

How long does it take to hear back from a job after a background check?

While two to five business days is how long it generally takes for the potential employer to get the results back, don't expect a reply right away. The hiring manager may have a wealth of other tasks they need to deal with before they come back to you with their final answer.

Do employers reach out immediately after background checks?

Do employers reach out immediately after background checks? Employers don't always contact you immediately after receiving the results of a background check. They may do so if they've already extended a job offer, and there was nothing of concern noted during the background check.

What happens after the background check is passed?

They want to verify that you are telling the truth about your impressive credentials, experience and certifications in order to ensure that you'll be a great fit for the role. If your background check comes back clean and you pass the employer's inspection, you may become eligible to receive a job offer .

Will I get offer letter after background check?

Yes, typically a background check occurs after a verbal offer is made but before a formal offer letter is issued. Employers often want to ensure that a candidate meets their hiring criteria and that there are no disqualifying factors before finalizing the offer.

What Does an Employment Background Check Include?

Does a background check mean I will be hired?

A background check doesn't guarantee that you'll get the job, but it's certainly a strong indication that the company is interested in your application and that you may receive an offer. A background check usually comes at the very end of the hiring process.

How do I know if my background check is successful?

There are only two sure-fire ways to know you passed the check: for the potential employer or hiring manager to confirm that you passed and/or for them to extend a job offer (that is not contingent on finalizing the background screening).

How do I know if I failed my background check?

If you want to know whether you passed your check, you can either reach out to the employer who requested it or reach out to the background check company itself. Ultimately, you can fight for yourself, especially if you fail your background record check.

Will a job tell you if you passed a background check?

How do you know if you passed your background check? After the employer receives a background check report, the hiring manager might take a few days to review the report. If you pass it, the hiring manager will likely send an email to you with your job offer or contact you by phone.

What is the next step after background verification?

What is the next step after the background check? The employer might take a few days to review the BGV reports. If the BGV occurred before a confirmation, the next step is sending an offer letter to the candidate. However, plenty of companies conduct the verification process after onboarding of the employee.

How do I follow up with my employer after a background check?

You can feel free to send a follow-up email if you do not get any update even after one week. If you still do not get any response, it means your employer is still engaged in the background checks of other applicants. Hence, you must wait for at least a week to follow up next time for the required details.

How long does it take to get a job offer after a reference check?

Company size significantly impacts how quickly job offers are made: Small Companies: These companies typically offer a quicker turnaround, with job offers often extended within one to two weeks of completing reference checks.

Does a contingent job offer mean you got the job?

A contingent job offer is like a “pre-offer” that hinges on certain conditions being met. It's the employer's way of saying, “We really like you, but we need to dot some i's and cross some t's before making it official.”

Is it okay to ask the status of a background check?

Is It OK to Ask About the Status of a Background Check? Yes, an applicant can ask to see their background check results from the agency that conducted it at any time during the process and up to one year after employment begins.

Will a company call you after a background check?

If you pass, the employer will likely move forward with the hiring process and contact you within a week. Again, hiring managers get busy and often leave people waiting.

Do background checks happen before or after an offer letter on Reddit?

Usually there is a contingent offer made before a background check but if not going through it means you Arena final candidate at least.

What's next after a background check?

After conducting a background check, employers should verify the information provided by the candidate. This will help to ensure that the candidate is qualified for the position and has no criminal history that would disqualify them from the job.

What is a red flag on a background check for employment?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

How do I know if I'll pass a background check?

You can determine whether you failed an employee background check if you have any of the following seven disqualifying factors:
  • Inconsistent employment history. ...
  • Inaccurate resume information. ...
  • A criminal history. ...
  • Negative reviews from employers. ...
  • Poor driving record. ...
  • A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
  • Poor credit history.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What does a yellow flag mean on a background check?

Generally though, a “yellow flag" means that the screening found some derogatory information, but nothing that satisfied any criteria for automatic disqualification. Think of a warning versus an error; one indicates something that you should watch for, and the other indicates an actual problem.

Can I still get hired with a failed background check?

Keep in mind that a failed background check doesn't necessarily disqualify the candidate for employment, but it does require a closer examination and some extra steps.

How do I know if I passed my sterling background check?

Check your screening status

Enter your email address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number that you provided as part of your screening. If Sterling is able to locate a screening that was performed within the last 30 days, you will receive an email notification informing you of the screening status.

What disqualifies you from a federal background check?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

How fast does a background check come back?

Checks conducted entirely in the US usually take one to two business days, although weekends, holidays, and court staffing issues can lengthen the process. However, candidates outside the U.S. should be prepared for a potentially longer journey, ranging from three to thirty business days.

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