Hiring the right candidate is essential to protecting your workplace, maintaining compliance, and avoiding costly turnover. That’s why reviewing a candidate’s background check isn’t just a formality—it’s a crucial part of the hiring process.
At National Background Check, Inc. (NBCI), we help employers spot critical warning signs in background reports that could signal risk. Below are five red flags that should always prompt further review or discussion before moving forward with a hire.
1. Undisclosed Criminal Convictions
One of the most common red flags is when a candidate’s report reveals a criminal conviction that wasn’t disclosed during the application process. This is especially important if:
- The conviction is related to the job duties (e.g., theft for a cashier role)
- It occurred recently or involved violence, fraud, or abuse
- The applicant provided misleading or incomplete information
Tip: Some states restrict how far back you can consider convictions. NBCI ensures FCRA and state compliance.
2. Inconsistent Employment History
If the background check reveals gaps or discrepancies in employment dates, job titles, or companies, it may be cause for concern. This could indicate:
- Résumé inflation
- Job-hopping patterns
- Termination for cause that the applicant chose not to disclose
Always verify the information and ask follow-up questions to clarify.
3. Failed or Refused Drug Test
Failing a pre-employment drug screen—or refusing to take one—raises serious red flags, particularly in regulated industries (DOT, healthcare, construction). Drug use may indicate:
- Safety risks
- Legal liability
- Compliance violations with federal or state laws
NBCI provides lab-based drug testing and instant test options with fast results to help employers make confident hiring decisions.
4. Discrepancies in Education or Credentials
Candidates may list degrees, licenses, or certifications they don’t actually have. When education verification or license checks don’t match the résumé, it may point to:
- Intentional misrepresentation
- Lack of qualification for the job
- Licensing board issues or revocation
NBCI verifies education, professional licenses, and certifications across the U.S. to ensure your candidates are fully qualified.
5. Negative References or Termination for Cause
While not always included in standard background checks, professional reference checks or employment verification can reveal that a candidate:
- Was terminated for misconduct or performance issues
- Had multiple warnings or violations
- Has a pattern of unprofessional behavior
Don’t ignore red flags in the reference stage—it’s your opportunity to validate culture fit and performance history.
What to Do When You See a Red Flag
Before automatically disqualifying a candidate:
- Follow the FCRA adverse action process
- Give the candidate a chance to explain
- Evaluate the nature, relevance, and recency of the issue
- Consult legal counsel or your background screening partner if unsure
NBCI helps you navigate red flags while staying compliant and fair.
Protect Your Workforce with NBCI
At NBCI, we specialize in delivering compliant, accurate, and customizable background checks that help you hire smarter—without putting your business at risk.
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National Background Check, Inc. — Trusted Screening Since 1999
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