Before choosing a background check provider, many employers want to see a background check report sample. That makes sense: the report is what you are paying for.

Here is what a good employment background check report (also called a background screening report) should include and how to read it.

1. Candidate details

The top of the report should clearly show who was checked: full name, IC number (often partially masked for privacy), and the date the check was run. This lets you confirm at a glance that you are reading the right report.

2. Consent confirmation

A good report, or the platform it comes from, should show that the candidate gave consent. This protects both you and the candidate.

3. Summary of results

Busy hiring managers need a quick overview. Look for a summary that shows each check and its status, for example:

• Identity verification: Verified

• Education history: Verified

• Criminal prosecution: No record found

• Civil litigation: 1 record found

• Industrial Court: No record found

• Fraud/scam records: No record found

Colour coding or clear labels make the summary easy to scan.

4. Detailed findings

For any check that returns a record, the report should give enough detail to understand it, such as the type of case, the court or source, and the date. Without this, you cannot judge whether a finding is relevant to the role.

5. Sources

A trustworthy report tells you where information came from. CheckDulu draws on 10+ public sources, and knowing the source helps you decide how much weight to give each finding.

6. Limitations and disclaimers

No background check can cover everything. A good report is honest about what was and was not searched. For example, a background check does not include credit history, which is handled by credit reporting agencies.

Background verification report format: what to avoid

• Reports that only say "clear" or "not clear" with no detail

• Reports that match on name only, without the IC number

• Reports with no date or no source information

• Reports delivered as unprotected attachments through chat apps

How to read an employment background check report

1. Confirm the candidate's details are correct.

2. Read the summary first.

3. For anything flagged, read the detailed finding and its source.

4. Ask whether the finding is relevant to the role.

5. Discuss concerns with the candidate before deciding.

Want to see a real report?

The best sample is your own. CheckDulu gives you your first report free, so you can see exactly what you get before you spend anything. Reports are delivered by email within 24 hours. For tips on handling findings, read 10 red flags to look for in a background check.

Try your first background check free with CheckDulu.