What does a background check show for employment? Generally speaking, a background check for employment may show identity verification, employment verification, credit history, driver’s history, criminal records, education confirmation, and more.

Most companies require you to disclose past convictions on a job application. If the question on the job application is about felonies and you have a misdemeanor, then answer “No.” There’s nothing wrong with that—it’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Simply having a criminal record does not prevent you from getting a job. In a limited number of cases, certain convictions may prevent you from working in certain roles, but, you are likely to already know about this if it applies to you.

How far back does an employment background check go? Typically, employers requesting an employment background screening on an applicant will request a seven-year history, although some states allow reporting information of up to 10 years.

On the application, they ask if you’ve been convicted of a felony within the past 7 years. No Amazon does not hire felons because of their criminal background and the potential threat that they pose.

Amazon says that it should take 2-5 days to complete your background check, but it’s possible that it could take longer. If it’s been longer than 5 days, contact Amazon Flex support.

Depending on your previous employment history and how long you were in your previous role, they may just approach your most recent boss, but sometimes they will go two or even three bosses back. This isn’t something you should get too concerned about. Amazon is busy and they know other company bosses are too.

Tips for Answering “May We Contact This Employer?”

1. It’s fine to say no for your current employer. It’s common practice to say no for your current employer.
2. Contact your former employer’s HR department first.
3. Reach out to your former supervisor.
4. Explain your termination elsewhere.
5. Take the employer off your resume.