Home » Lawsuit » Wells Fargo background check

Wells Fargo background check

The hiring process Wells Fargo background check begins immediately after submitting a job application and consists of several key stages to ensure a comprehensive review of the candidate.

Statistics

IndicatorValueSource
Rejection rate due to background checks30% of candidates are rejected based on background check resultsSHRM
Impact of credit history on employment47% of employers check candidates’ credit history, especially for finance-related positionsCareerBuilder
Impact of errors in reports on check resultsUp to 50% of background check reports contain errorsConsumer Reports
Economic impact of rejections due to checksCompanies spend about $4,129 to replace each employee who fails a background checkSHRM

These insights and statistical data help readers understand the importance and impact of background checks on the hiring process at Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo background check company 

Wells Fargo partners with SecurTest to conduct background checks. SecurTest, a leader in the screening industry, ensures thorough and comprehensive checks, adhering to high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.

Key Stages of the Background Check Process

StageDescription
Application Submission and Initial ScreeningEmployment history check begins. This stage includes a preliminary analysis of the provided resume.
Pre-employment ScreeningInvolves pre-employment screening. Checks the application and provided information for compliance with corporate standards.
Verification of Employment History and EducationVerification of previous workplaces and education. Contacts former employers and educational institutions.
Criminal Background and Credit History CheckCriminal record review and credit history assessment. Checks for criminal records and financial stability.
Reference CheckGathers additional information about the candidate through contact with referees.
Final StageAnalysis of all collected data and decision making about the hiring.

Submission of the Application and First Screening: The employment history check starts as soon as the application is submitted. A first look at the submitted resume is part of this phase to make sure it satisfies the fundamental qualifications for the job. Candidates should complete every section of the application and include correct information.

Pre-employment screening is carried out now. Reviewing the applicant’s application and supplied material to make sure they satisfy job requirements and business standards is part of it.

Verification of Employment History and Education: Part of the employment history check is calling past employers to validate positions, employment durations, and references. A vital component is also education verification, which verifies diplomas and certifications.

Criminal Background and Credit History Check: Criminal record review identifies any criminal records by checking the candidate through law enforcement databases. Credit history assessment helps understand the candidate’s financial stability, especially if the position requires financial management.

Reference Check: Reference checks serve as a link to confirm the candidate’s competencies and work qualities. Employers contact listed referees to obtain additional information.

Final Stage: The final stage involves analyzing all collected data and making a hiring decision. The results of the check are discussed with the management, and if all stages are successfully completed, the candidate is offered a position.

When and How the Check Starts: The background check begins immediately after the candidate submits a job application and successfully passes the initial screening. This process usually takes several days to several weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the provided data.

Tips for Candidates:

  • Ensure all information in your resume and application is accurate and up to date.
  • Prepare necessary documents and reference letters in advance.
  • Be prepared for employers to contact your former employers and educational institutions to verify the data.

The background check process at Wells Fargo ensures a thorough evaluation of candidates, guaranteeing that only the most qualified and reliable employees are hired.

What Does Wells Fargo Look for in a Background Check? 

During the check, various aspects that may affect the hiring decision are analyzed. The main criteria include:

Criminal Background: Wells Fargo checks candidates’ criminal history for crimes that may indicate unreliability or a security threat. The criminal check includes searching for records of convictions, arrests, and other offenses. Special attention is paid to crimes involving fraud, theft, violence, and financial violations.

Credit History: Analyzing the candidate’s credit history helps understand their financial responsibility. This is especially important for positions involving financial management or access to company financial resources. During the credit history assessment, Wells Fargo evaluates how responsibly the candidate handles credit and debt, and if they have significant debts or bankruptcy cases.

Employment History Check: Wells Fargo verifies the candidate’s previous workplaces to confirm declared positions, employment duration, and reasons for leaving. This information helps ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and experience for the proposed position. The employment history check also helps identify possible gaps in the work history that may require additional explanation.

Education Verification and Qualification: Verification of education includes confirming diplomas, certificates, and other documents proving the candidate’s qualifications. Wells Fargo contacts educational institutions to ensure the authenticity of the provided documents and the successful completion of educational programs.

Reference Check: Wells Fargo requests references from previous employers and colleagues of the candidate. These references help gather additional information about the candidate’s professional and personal qualities, work ethics, and ability to work in a team.

Documents and Information Required for the Check: For a comprehensive background check, Wells Fargo requests the following documents and information from candidates:

  • Resume and application form with detailed descriptions of work experience and education.
  • Copies of diplomas and certificates.
  • List of referees with contact information.
  • Identity documents (passport or driver’s license).
  • Information about previous workplaces (contacts of employers, employment contracts).

Tips for Successfully Passing the Check:

  • Be honest and open: Provide accurate and truthful information about your experience and qualifications.
  • Prepare documents in advance: Ensure that all necessary documents are on hand and easily accessible.
  • Contact referees: Inform your referees about the possible call from Wells Fargo so they are ready to give feedback.
  • Check your credit history: Make sure your credit history is clean and does not contain errors that could affect the check results.

Understanding what Wells Fargo looks for in a background check will help candidates better prepare for the process and increase their chances of successful employment.

Wells Fargo Background Check Disqualifying Factors Main Reasons for Job Rejection

When candidates undergo the background check process at Wells Fargo, there are several factors that can lead to job rejection. The key disqualifying factors include:

Criminal Records: Wells Fargo pays particular attention to candidates’ criminal records. Serious offenses such as fraud, theft, violence, and financial crimes are primary reasons for rejection. Such records may indicate a potential threat to the company’s security and reputation.

False Information: Providing false or misleading information in the resume, application, or interview is a serious violation. If it is discovered during the check that the candidate intentionally concealed or distorted data about their qualifications, work experience, or education, it can lead to immediate rejection.

Credit History Issues: Candidates with poor credit history may face rejection, especially if the position involves financial management or access to confidential information. Wells Fargo considers significant debts, frequent late payments, and bankruptcy cases as potential risks.

Unverified Employment Records: Employment history check is an important part of the background check. If Wells Fargo cannot verify the candidate’s previous workplaces or if gaps in the work history are discovered without explanations, it can raise doubts and lead to rejection.

Negative References: Reference check may reveal negative feedback from previous employers or colleagues. If the references indicate issues with discipline, low performance, or conflicts at work, this can be a ground for rejection.

How Long Does Wells Fargo Background Check Take? 

Timeline of the Check: The background check process at Wells Fargo typically takes from three business days to one week. However, the duration may vary depending on several factors, including the completeness and accuracy of the information provided by the candidate.

Main Stages and Their Duration:

StageDuration
Data Collection and AnalysisInitial data collection, including employment history check, education, credit, and criminal history verification, takes several days.
Interaction with External OrganizationsThe process can slow down due to the need to interact with external organizations such as educational institutions, previous employers, and government agencies.
Criminal Background CheckThis usually includes analyzing data from federal, state, and local databases. This stage can take from several days to a week, especially if records need to be checked in multiple jurisdictions.
Credit CheckCredit history assessment takes relatively less time but may be delayed if additional clarification or correction of information is required.

How Far Back Does Wells Fargo Background Check Go? 

Timeframe of the Check: Wells Fargo conducts background checks covering a period of up to ten years. However, the exact depth of the check may depend on the legislation of a specific state and the nature of the position the candidate is applying for.

Periods Covered by the Check:

PeriodDescription
Criminal HistoryThe criminal check includes analyzing records from federal, state, and local databases over the past seven to ten years. In some cases, the check may cover longer periods, especially for serious offenses.
Credit HistoryCredit history assessment usually covers the last ten years. Some states have restrictions on credit history checks that may affect the depth of the analysis.
Employment HistoryEmployment history check covers the last ten years of the candidate’s work experience. It is important that all workplaces for this period are verified and documented.
Education and QualificationEducation verification includes confirming all academic achievements of the candidate, regardless of when they were obtained. This may include diplomas, certificates, and other documents proving qualifications.

Legislative Restrictions: In some states, there are laws limiting the depth of background checks. For example, in California, Colorado, and Maryland, credit history checks may be limited to certain timeframes.

Errors in Wells Fargo Reports

Common Errors in Reports: Errors in reports can occur for various reasons. These errors can lead to incorrect conclusions and even job rejection. Here are some common errors:

  • Errors in Personal Data: Incorrect spelling of the name, date of birth, or social security number can lead to confusion with another person with similar data.
  • Errors in Employment History: Incorrect dates of employment, and incorrect positions can distort the candidate’s actual experience.
  • Errors in Education: Incorrect data about obtained diplomas, certificates, and academic achievements can reduce the candidate’s chances of getting a job.
  • Errors in Criminal History: Incorrect inclusion or exclusion of records of convictions can significantly affect the hiring decision.
  • Errors in Credit History: Incorrect data about credits, debts, and payments can create a false impression of the candidate’s financial stability.

Impact of Errors on Check Results: Errors in reports can lead to job rejection, a decrease in trust in the candidate, and other negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to carefully check and correct all data provided for the check.

Understanding potential errors in reports and ways to correct them will help candidates improve their chances of successful employment at Wells Fargo and avoid unnecessary problems.

Free Consultation at KFZ Law 

If you have questions or problems with the background check at Wells Fargo, the specialists at KFZ Law are ready to help. We offer free consultations for all candidates. Our lawyers will help you understand the check results, identify and correct errors, and give valuable advice on improving your chances of employment.

Contact us today to get qualified help and confidence in successfully passing all stages of the background check at Wells Fargo. KFZ Law is always ready to support you on the path to a new career!

Written By Oliver Kedr, Attorney at KFZ Law

Oliver Kedr


Position: Main Attorney at KFZ Law
Oliver Kedr has specialized for over 15 years in FCRA and resolving background check mistakes and credit report errors.
Education: J.D., Boston College Law School
Get a free consultation: Contact Us