The decision to hire someone — whether for your business, your home, or your family — is one of the most consequential choices you make. A resume and an interview can tell you what someone wants you to know. A professional background investigation tells you what you need to know.
The Limits of What Applicants Self-Report
Studies consistently show that a significant percentage of job applicants misrepresent their employment history, education credentials, or professional licenses. Some misrepresentations are minor. Some are not — like claiming a degree that was never earned, hiding a termination for cause, or omitting an address where a criminal record exists.
The problem isn't that applicants are universally dishonest. The problem is that you have no way to know which information to trust without independent verification.
Employment Verification: What It Actually Involves
Employment verification means contacting prior employers directly to confirm:
- Dates of employment (start and end)
- Job title and role
- Whether the applicant is eligible for rehire
- Reason for departure (when the employer will disclose it)
Many employers have policies against providing more than dates and title — but even that information, compared against what the applicant stated, is often revealing. A gap in employment that wasn't mentioned. A title that's inflated. A short tenure that was omitted entirely.
Criminal History: Why Database Searches Aren't Enough
National criminal database searches are a starting point, not a complete search. They compile records from various county courts, but coverage is inconsistent — some counties report promptly, others have months of lag, and some jurisdictions are barely represented at all.
A thorough criminal history search requires direct county court searches in every jurisdiction where the subject has lived or worked — not just a database query. For candidates who have lived in multiple states, this is the only way to get a complete picture.
When a Caregiver Background Check Is Non-Negotiable
If you are hiring someone to work with children, elderly family members, or other vulnerable individuals in your home, the standard consumer background check is not adequate. You need identity verification, a multi-state criminal search, sex offender registry checks in every state where the person has lived, and reference verification.
The cost of a professional caregiver background investigation is small. The cost of hiring the wrong person is not.
Faithful Path Investigations conducts professional background investigations for individuals, employers, and landlords throughout Missouri and nationwide. Contact us or call (877) 331-4374 to discuss your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a professional background investigation take?
- Standard investigations are typically completed in 3–5 business days. Rush turnaround is available for time-sensitive hiring decisions.
- Is it legal to run a background check on someone in Missouri?
- Yes, with important conditions. Background investigations must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for employment purposes, which requires written consent from the applicant. For personal safety investigations not involving employment decisions, different rules apply. We ensure all investigations are conducted within applicable legal frameworks.
Owner and principal investigator at Faithful Path Investigations. Veteran-owned and operated, specializing in process serving and investigations throughout Missouri and nationwide.
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