employment-verification (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer employment verification questions? ›

Stick to the basics like dates of employment and the position your former employee held. Beyond that, remember that the best way to protect your company from related litigation is to make sure the only information you share is truthful and supported by records in the employee's file.

Employers frequently receive employment verification requests from prospective employers, government agencies, collection agencies, and mortgage lenders. However, receiving a verification request does not mean that an employer will necessarily have to respond to it.

Some hiring managers do it themselves, reaching out directly (typically via phone) to your current or previous employers to request official verification. Alternatively, employers may use professional background screening firms and/or an employment verification service such as The Work Number® from Equifax.

To Whom It May Concern: [Employee Name] was employed with [Company Name] from [hire date] to [term date]. The final position held was [job title] and final salary was [salary]. [Employee Name] [is/is not] eligible for rehire with our company.

Employment Record

A pay stub or payment statement that shows: An issue date within 12 months prior to the date your claim was filed. Your first name (or initial) and last name. At least the last four digits of your Social Security number or your employee identification number.

To check your credentials, a prospective employer calls your previous employers directly to verify the accuracy of jobs and dates of employment in your application. A prospective employer may also ask them about your skills and how well you performed tasks.

Can a Background Check Reveal if a Candidate Was Fired? It's possible that a job candidate's previous employers will reveal if he or she was fired from their previous job and the reason for the dismissal. However, in most cases, don't expect to receive this information.

When answering the question of continued employment, anything other than a solid, “yes,” or “very likely,” might alarm the applicant. Remember: The applicant's job performance isn't the focus of this question—the verifier is simply asking about whether the applicant will have a stable income months from now.

Can you decline employment verification? ›

As stated, unless legally required by a state or federal government agency, you do not need to respond to an employment verification request.

There are several types of background checks commonly used for employment screening: Employment verification: Confirms your work history, positions held, dates employed, salary, and reason for leaving. This information is verified through your listed employers.

Many employers will contact your most recent 1-2 past jobs. Some may only check your current or previous employer. Jobs from earlier in your career are less likely to be contacted unless particularly relevant. Leadership roles, noticeable gaps in employment, and jobs you held longest often warrant a reference check.

Most background check investigations certainly check to see that you did work for the most recent companies you listed on your resume. In some states, laws may prevent employers from asking about anything more than the basic details of your previous employment.

Employment verifications confirm a candidate's previous work history, including past employers, dates of employment, and positions held. A professional reference check provides a more in-depth look at a candidate's work experience and character through interviews with previous employers or colleagues.