Background checks are a big deal, especially when it comes to hiring. Employers want to be sure they’re bringing the right people on board. That’s where Sterling Background Check comes in. It’s a well-known service that provides detailed reports about candidates. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, understanding how it works can be useful.
What is Sterling Background Check?
Sterling is a professional background check company. It helps businesses verify candidate information before hiring. They check things like criminal records, employment history, and education. Many companies use Sterling because of its speed, accuracy, and compliance with legal standards.
This service is mainly used in industries like healthcare, finance, and government jobs. These sectors require high-level security and trust. Sterling ensures that employees meet those standards before they get hired.
What Does Sterling Background Check Include?
Sterling’s reports cover a variety of details about a person. Some of the common checks include:
- Criminal record check – Verifies if a person has any past criminal offenses.
- Employment verification – Confirms previous jobs, roles, and duration of employment.
- Education verification – Checks if the candidate’s educational qualifications are valid.
- Identity verification – Ensures that personal details like name and Social Security number match official records.
- Drug testing – Some employers require drug screening as part of hiring.
- Credit check – Often used in financial sectors to see if a candidate is financially responsible.
- Reference checks – Employers can contact previous managers to get insights about a candidate’s work ethic.
Each employer customizes the check based on what they need. Not every job requires all these checks.
How Long Does Sterling Background Check Take?
The time frame for completing a background check varies. In general:
- Basic checks (like identity and education verification) take 1-3 days.
- Employment verification can take 3-5 days, depending on the response time of past employers.
- Criminal background checks take 2-7 days, depending on state and county laws.
- Drug testing results can take 24-48 hours.
Sometimes, delays happen if there is missing information or if a previous employer is slow to respond. But in most cases, Sterling is known for being faster than many other services.
How Accurate is Sterling Background Check?
Sterling is considered highly accurate because it pulls data from reliable sources. However, like any background check company, mistakes can happen. If a report contains errors, candidates have the right to dispute them. Sterling follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which protects individuals from incorrect background information.
To avoid errors:
- Double-check your personal details before applying for a job.
- Keep records of past jobs and education handy.
- If something looks wrong on your report, contact Sterling for correction.
Is Sterling Background Check Legal and Safe?
Yes, Sterling follows strict legal guidelines. Employers must have a candidate’s permission before running a background check. The company complies with federal and state laws to ensure fairness. Some key laws include:
- FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) – Protects job seekers from false background check reports.
- EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) – Ensures no discrimination occurs based on race, gender, or other factors.
- Ban the Box Laws – Some states have laws preventing employers from asking about criminal records early in the hiring process.
Candidates also have rights, such as requesting a copy of their report and disputing incorrect information.
How to Check Your Own Sterling Report?
If an employer uses Sterling for your background check, you can request a copy of your report. Here’s how:
- Visit Sterling’s website.
- Go to the candidate support section.
- Enter your details and request a copy of your background check.
- If you find errors, follow the dispute process to correct them.
This step is important because incorrect information can affect job opportunities.
Common Reasons for Background Check Delays
Sometimes, background checks take longer than expected. Some common reasons include:
- Incomplete information – If job applications are missing details, verification takes longer.
- Slow employer response – Past employers may take time to confirm work history.
- Legal restrictions – Some states have privacy laws that make it harder to access records quickly.
- Name variations – If a person has changed their name, it may take longer to verify identity.
If your background check is delayed, you can contact Sterling’s customer support for updates.
What Happens If You Fail a Sterling Background Check?
Failing a background check doesn’t always mean losing the job. It depends on the reason for failing. Here’s what happens:
- If there’s incorrect information, you can dispute it.
- If there’s a minor issue (like a missing employment record), you may be able to provide proof.
- If the failure is due to something serious (like a criminal record that affects the job), the employer has the right to decide.
Employers usually give candidates a chance to explain before making a final decision.
How Much Does Sterling Background Check Cost?
The cost depends on the type of checks required. On average:
- Basic identity and employment verification – $30-$50.
- Criminal background check – $50-$100.
- Comprehensive reports – $100-$200.
Most of the time, employers pay for background checks, but in some industries, job seekers might have to cover the cost.
