Pre-employment screening or background check is the process of investigating the personal, professional, and educational history of an applicant in order to verify their suitability for a position.

This process usually includes a review of the applicant's criminal record, credit history, and employment history, as well as any other relevant information that may be found through public records or references.

The goal of pre-employment screening is to help employers make more informed hiring decisions, and to protect them from potential liabilities.

Background checks are not just for employers; they are also used by landlords, government agencies, and others who need to verify someone's identity or background.