Background check
A background check is verification of facts a candidate stated about themselves — identity, work history, education, sometimes criminal record. Done with the candidate's consent.
What gets checked
Standard scope for a European SMB:
- Identity: passport or ID card.
- Right to work: visa or residency status.
- Education: degree verification when the role requires it.
- Employment history: dates and titles, sometimes salary.
Optional and role-dependent:
- Criminal record: only when the role objectively requires it (finance, working with children, security clearance).
- Credit check: rare in EU, almost never used in SMB hiring.
- Social media review: not technically a background check; do not confuse the two.
What the candidate has to agree to
In the EU, no check happens without explicit, documented, role-specific consent from the candidate. Generic consent in an application form does not cover a credit check.
Timing
After the offer, before the start date. Doing it earlier wastes money on candidates who don’t get offers and risks GDPR exposure on data you didn’t need.