Infomart background checks are a critical step in the hiring process, helping employers verify the credentials and history of potential employees. For job seekers, understanding how long an Infomart background check takes can alleviate stress and uncertainty during the hiring process. This article provides a detailed guide on the typical duration of Infomart background checks, factors that influence the timing, and tips for speeding up the process.

What is an Infomart Background Check?

Infomart, now part of Sterling, is a leading provider of background screening services that help businesses conduct thorough and accurate checks on potential hires. These checks typically include various components such as:

• Criminal History Checks: To verify if the candidate has any past criminal records.
• Employment Verification: Confirming the candidates past work experience and job titles.
• Education Verification: Validating the degrees or certifications listed by the candidate.
• Credit Checks: Often required for positions that involve financial responsibilities.
• Drug Testing: Ensuring candidates meet the companys drug-free workplace policies.
• Reference Checks: Contacting former supervisors or colleagues to learn more about the candidates performance and character.

Infomarts comprehensive checks help employers make informed hiring decisions, protecting their business and maintaining workplace safety.

How Long Does an Infomart Background Check Take?

The time it takes for an Infomart background check to be completed can vary based on several factors. Generally, an Infomart background check takes between 3 to 10 business days. However, this timeframe can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the check and external factors.

Factors Influencing Infomart Background Check Duration

1. Type of Background Check Required:

   • Basic Criminal Checks: Typically completed within 1 to 3 days, as they often involve automated systems and quick database searches.
   • Employment and Education Verification: These checks can take longer, usually between 3 to 7 days, due to the need to contact past employers or educational institutions directly.
   • International Checks: If the candidate has lived or worked abroad, international verifications can take longer due to differences in data access and time zone challenges.
   • Credit and Financial Checks: These are usually quick, often completed within a few days, unless the candidate has a complex financial history.

2. Response Time from Third Parties:

   • Verifying past employment or education can depend heavily on the response times of former employers, universities, or other institutions. Slow responses can delay the background check.

3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information:

   • If the candidate provides incorrect or incomplete information, such as wrong job titles, dates, or misspelled names, the verification process can be significantly delayed.

4. Location of the Candidate:

   • Background checks in certain regions or countries may take longer due to varying local laws, regulations, and data access issues. Some jurisdictions have stricter data privacy rules that can delay access to necessary records.

5. Manual Checks Required:

   • In some cases, automated systems cannot find or verify specific records, requiring manual intervention. Manual background checks often take longer due to the extra time needed for human verification.

6. High Volume of Checks:

   • During peak hiring seasons, such as the end of the fiscal year or post-graduation periods, Infomart may experience higher volumes of background check requests, potentially leading to slight delays.
     
     

Steps Involved in the Infomart Background Check Process

Understanding the steps involved in a background check can provide insight into why it takes time:

1. Data Collection: Infomart collects the candidates information, including consent forms, social security numbers, employment history, and education details.

2. Criminal Record Search: Infomart conducts a search of various databases to identify any criminal history at local, state, and federal levels.

3. Verification of Employment and Education: Infomart contacts previous employers and educational institutions to verify the candidates work history and academic qualifications.

4. Reference Checks: References provided by the candidate are contacted to gain insights into their past job performance and character.

5. Drug Testing (if applicable): For positions requiring drug-free certification, Infomart arranges for the candidate to complete a drug test at a designated lab.

6. Final Review and Reporting: Once all the information is collected and verified, Infomart compiles a final report and sends it to the employer for review.
   
   

Common Reasons for Delays in Infomart Background Checks

Several common factors can cause delays in the Infomart background check process:

• Slow Response from Third Parties: Employers or educational institutions may take longer to respond to verification requests.
• Public Holiday or Office Closures: Background checks can be delayed by public holidays, especially when verification is required from institutions in different regions or countries.
• Data Discrepancies: Mismatches between the information provided by the candidate and what is found in records can lead to additional verification steps.
• Pending Legal or Financial Records: If a candidate has recent legal proceedings or financial records that are still being updated, these checks may take longer.
  
  

How Job Seekers Can Speed Up the Infomart Background Check Process

Job seekers can play a proactive role in ensuring a faster background check process by:

1. Providing Accurate Information: Double-check all information on your application and resume, including dates, job titles, and school names.

2. Prepare Documentation: Have copies of diplomas, certificates, and past employment records ready, as this can speed up verification if any discrepancies arise.

3. Inform References: Let your listed references and former employers know that they may be contacted for verification, ensuring they respond promptly.

4. Promptly Complete Consent Forms: Quickly complete any authorization forms required by Infomart to initiate the background check.

5. Follow Up with Your Employer: If your check is taking longer than expected, dont hesitate to follow up with your prospective employer to see if theres anything you can do to expedite the process.
   
   

How Employers Can Ensure Faster Background Checks with Infomart

Employers can also streamline the background check process by:

1. Choosing the Right Screening Package: Opt for a background check package that matches your needs without including unnecessary checks that could delay results.

2. Clear Communication with Candidates: Ensure that candidates understand what information is required and how they can assist in the process.

3. Prepare Internal Teams: Have HR teams ready to respond to requests for information and ensure that all necessary data is prepared for Infomart.

4. Regularly Review and Update Processes: Continuously review the efficiency of your background check process and work with Infomart to optimize timelines where possible.
   
   

Understanding how long an Infomart background check takes is essential for both employers and job seekers. While the process typically ranges from 3 to 10 business days, various factors such as the type of check, response time from third parties, and accuracy of the information provided can impact this timeframe. By staying informed, preparing necessary documentation, and maintaining clear communication, both parties can help ensure a smooth and timely background check experience. For more in-depth insights on Infomart background checks, visit https://consumerattorneys.com/article/how-long-does-infomart-background-check-take.