Background Check Unable to Verify Employment
I recently completed the background check form for a Bank of America internship, where I listed my work experiences. However, a couple of days later, I received an email stating that one of my previous jobs couldn’t be verified. The background check is conducted by a third-party service called Business Information Group (BIG), which relies on “The Work Number” database for employment verification.
Unfortunately, the company I worked for is a small, local entity that doesn’t appear in their database. BIG attempted to reach out to my former employer via email and phone, but received no response (they confirmed their attempts). They have now requested that I provide a W-2 or pay stub to verify my employment, but since I worked there over three years ago during high school, I don’t have those documents. I indicated that I couldn’t provide them.
I’m concerned that this lack of verification could lead to my background check being deemed a “failure,” as the company is unlikely to respond to BIG’s inquiries, which they may perceive as spam. What should I do to verify this job so that my background check remains successful?
One response
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough spot with your background check for the Bank of America internship. Since the company you worked for is small and doesn’t have a presence in the verification database, it’s understandable that this situation has arisen.
Contact Your Former Employer: If you have any way to reach out to the person you worked for or someone in HR at the company, it could be beneficial to explain the situation. Ask if they can respond to the verification request from Business Information Group (BIG). Providing them with the correct context might prompt them to respond, as they’re likely not aware that verification attempts are being made.
Provide Alternative Documentation: Even though you don’t have a W-2 or pay stub, if you have any other documentation that can help verify your employment (like an offer letter, paycheck stub, or even an email correspondence from when you worked there), gather those and see if you can submit them to BIG or to Bank of America as proof.
Communicate with Bank of America: Reach out to the HR or recruitment contact for the internship. Explain the situation honestly, including that it’s a small company that may not have responded to verification attempts. They may have protocols in place for handling such situations.
Keep Records: Document your attempts to resolve the issue, including any communications with your former employer and Bank of America. This will demonstrate your proactive approach in trying to verify your employment.
Know the Process: Many companies understand that employment checks on smaller or older jobs can sometimes be difficult. It’s possible that your background check won’t “fail” solely due to the inability to verify one job, especially if you have other relevant experience to offer.
Remember, communication is key. Being proactive and transparent about the situation can work in your favor. Good luck!