The job market is tough. You have a 6-month gap. You are tempted to just... slide the dates. Maybe change "March" to "September." Or maybe you were an "Associate" but you list "Manager." Be very careful. In 2025, Background Checks are no longer just a phone call to your old boss. They are automated data queries that ping massive federal databases instantly. If you lie about the wrong thing, you will be flagged as "Do Not Hire" before you ever speak to a human.
For more on resume strategy, check out our guide on resume gaps.
The Scenario
You extend your last job by 3 months to cover a gap. You get the offer. You sign the contract. Then you get an email from "Hireright" or "Sterling" asking for your info. Two days later, the offer is rescinded. Why: The database showed your payroll stopped in June, but your resume said September. You failed the "Integrity Test."
The Old Way vs. The New Way
The old way was "Reference Calls." The new way is "The Work Number."
| Feature | The Old Check | The New Check (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Calling your old boss. | Querying Equifax Database. |
| Speed | 3-5 Days. | Instant. |
| Accuracy | Subjective ("He was a good guy"). | Objective (Exact Payroll Dates). |
| What they see | Title, Dates (Approx). | Title, Dates (Exact), Status. |
| Can you lie? | Maybe. | No. |
1. The "Permanent Record" (The Work Number)
Most candidates don't know that Equifax owns a database called The Work Number. Over 2.5 million employers report payroll data to this database every pay period. When a background check runs, they query this using your Social Security Number. What It Reveals:
- Exact Dates: To the day.
- Official Job Title: The title in the HR system (e.g., "Software Engineer II").
- Termination Reason: Usually NO. Most databases only show "Active" or "Inactive."
2. Job Titles: The "Gray Area"
Can you change your title?
- The Lie: You were a "Sales Associate" but you list "Sales Director." -> Flagged.
- The Optimization: You were "Software Engineer III" but you list "Senior Backend Engineer." -> Safe. Rule: As long as the seniority is accurate, "translation" is acceptable. Pro Tip: If you change your title, add the official title in parentheses: Senior Backend Engineer (Official: Software Engineer III).
3. Education: The "National Student Clearinghouse"
You cannot fake a degree. There is a centralized database called the National Student Clearinghouse. It returns your degree type, major, and graduation date instantly. If you say you "Graduated" but you are 3 credits short, you will be caught.
4. What They (Usually) Don't See
It's important to know what is private.
- Your Salary: In many states (NY, CA, CO, WA), it is illegal for background checks to report your previous salary.
- Your Performance Reviews: The database doesn't know you got a "Needs Improvement" rating.
- Why You Left: Unless you committed a crime, the database usually just says "Separated."
The Real Numbers
What gets people caught?
| Lie Type | Detection Rate | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Extending Dates | 99% | Offer Rescinded. |
| Fake Degree | 100% | Offer Rescinded + Blacklisted. |
| Title Inflation | 50% | Warning or Rescinded. |
| Fake Reference | 20% | Rescinded if caught. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I say I'm still employed if I was fired? A: No. The database shows your "Termination Date." If you say "Present," and the date was 2 months ago, you are lying.
Q: What if the database is wrong? A: You can dispute it. You will need to provide W2s or Paystubs to prove your dates.
Q: Do startups check this? A: Yes. Even small startups use platforms like Checkr because it's cheap and protects them from liability.
Q: Can I omit a job? A: Yes. You are not required to list every job you've ever had. Omitting a short stint is not lying; it's "curating."