How To Do An Employment Background Check, A Matter of Fact
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How to Conduct a
Background Check

Background Check
Start-Up Kit


The following Start-Up Kit is a step-by-step process for getting started.

Step 1: Open a Background Check Account

Review the following before getting started:
  • Notice to Users of Consumer Reports: obligations of users under the FCRA; summarizes your obligations under the FCRA. [Download]
Complete and return the following:
  • Agreement: Complete, sign, and return. [Download]
    NOTE: If you expect to order California Workers' Compensation reports, complete and return the California Workers' Compensation Form [Download].
    NOTE: If you expect to order Drug Screening, complete and return the Drug Screening Account Information Form [Download].
    NOTE: If you expect to use E-Verify or Form I-9, complete and return the Client Registration Forms [Download].
    NOTE: Please notify our office if you expect to order Credit Reports.
  • Account Information: Complete both pages and return [Download] or
    [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version).
  • FCRA Requirements: Sign and return. [Download]
  • Access Security Requirements: Sign and return. [Download]

Step 2: Provide Applicant with Background Check Documents

Give a copy of the following to the applicant BEFORE you order a background check:
  • A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (applicant’s rights): [Download]
  • Notice Required by California Civil Code Section 1786.16(a)2: [Download]
  • Applicant Authorization and Release: [Download] or
    [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version)

Step 3: Place a Background Check Order

Select the type of background check you want to perform:
Send us each of the following to place an order:
  • Employee Background Check Request: [Download] or
    [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version)
  • Applicant Authorization and Release
  • A copy of the Job Application and/or Resume

Step 4: If Needed, Provide Adverse Action Documents

Give the applicant the following if he/she is to be denied employment or promotion based at least in part on information provided by A Matter of Fact:
  • A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (applicant’s rights): [Download]
  • Sample Denial Letter: [Download]
NOTE: There are legal requirements imposed by the federal FCRA and some state consumer reporting laws regarding taking adverse action against a consumer based on a consumer report. Consult legal counsel prior to taking adverse action.

Note: You can download all documents and forms in a compressed zip file [Download Entire Start-Up Kit].

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Background Check Badges

We suggest you use an A Matter of Fact Background Check Badge to help get the "word out" that your organization conducts background checks. A Matter of Fact badges inform prospective employees, investors, and other stakeholders, that you are careful in your hiring process and what their benefits are for working with your organization. To learn more, see Thorough Background Check Badges. To view the page they will see when they click on the badge, go to We Conduct Thorough Background Checks.