Applying for a new job is an exciting time, but the waiting game can be the most nerve-wracking part, especially when it comes to the background check. You’ve aced the interview, you’ve received a contingent offer, and now you’re just sitting by the phone, wondering, “How long is this going to take?” If you're in this position with Kroger, you're not alone. This guide is designed to walk you through the process, set realistic expectations, and give you the tools you need to stay informed.
Step 1: Submitting Your Information and Understanding the Process
First things first, congratulations on getting to this point! You're one step closer to becoming a Kroger associate. The background check process officially begins after you've completed your initial application and interview, and have accepted a conditional job offer. At this stage, Kroger, like many large companies, will partner with a third-party screening company to perform the background check.
You will receive an email from this company, often Sterling, with a link to a portal where you’ll provide your personal information. It is crucial to fill out this form as accurately and completely as possible. Any discrepancies or missing information, no matter how small, can cause significant delays. This is your first opportunity to take control of the timeline, so don't rush it.
The information you'll be asked to provide typically includes:
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Your full legal name and any aliases.
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Social Security number.
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Date of birth.
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Previous addresses.
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Employment history, including company names, addresses, and dates of employment.
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Education history.
Tip: Gather all your employment and education details beforehand to ensure a smooth, error-free submission.
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| How Long Do Kroger Background Checks Take |
Step 2: The Core of the Background Check and What It Looks For
The background check itself is a multi-faceted process. It's not just one search, but a series of checks that a screening company performs to verify the information you provided and to look for any potential red flags.
Sub-heading: What are they looking for?
Kroger's background check is designed to ensure the safety of its customers and employees and to confirm your suitability for the role. Here's a breakdown of the typical searches:
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Criminal History Check: This is a standard part of almost every pre-employment background check. The company will look for any felony or misdemeanor convictions. The scope of this search can vary based on state laws, but it's important to be honest about your history.
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Employment Verification: The screening company will contact your previous employers to confirm the dates of your employment and the positions you held. They may also attempt to verify your reason for leaving.
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Education Verification: This confirms that the degrees and educational institutions you listed on your application are accurate.
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Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check: If your position requires you to drive a company vehicle, an MVR check will be performed to review your driving history.
Step 3: Setting Realistic Expectations for the Timeline
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
This is the question on everyone's mind. So, how long does the Kroger background check actually take?
While it's impossible to give an exact number, the general timeframe is 3 to 5 business days. However, it's important to understand that this is an average, and there are many factors that can cause a delay.
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Sub-heading: Factors That Can Cause Delays
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Incomplete or Incorrect Information: As mentioned in Step 1, this is the most common reason for a delay. If you've made a typo on a date or an address, the screening company will have to go back and get the correct information, which can add days to the process.
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Difficulty Contacting Previous Employers/Schools: If your former company has a slow verification process or is difficult to reach, it can hold up your background check. This is especially true for smaller companies or ones that have since gone out of business.
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Jurisdictional Differences: Criminal record checks can sometimes be delayed if the records are not digitized and a court researcher has to manually retrieve them. This can be more common in some counties than others.
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Complex History: If you have lived in many different locations or have a long employment history, it will simply take longer to verify all the information.
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Drug Testing: If a drug test is part of your screening (and for many Kroger positions, it is), the results can add a few business days to the timeline. A negative result is usually reported quickly, but a positive result requires a review by a Medical Review Officer, which can extend the process.
Step 4: What to Do While You Wait
The best thing you can do while your background check is in progress is to stay calm and be patient. However, if it's been more than a week, there are a few proactive steps you can take.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
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Check the Candidate Portal: The third-party screening company will likely have a candidate portal where you can log in and check the status of your background check. This is your first and most reliable source of information. The portal may show you if any specific checks are still pending.
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Reach Out to HR: If the portal doesn't provide a clear status or if it has been an unusually long time, you can reach out to the Kroger hiring manager or HR representative you’ve been in contact with. A polite email or phone call asking for an update is completely acceptable. Frame your inquiry with a positive and enthusiastic tone.
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Be Ready to Provide More Information: In some cases, the screening company may need additional information to complete a verification. Be prepared to respond to any requests for information quickly to prevent further delays.
Remember: The waiting period is a normal part of the hiring process. Most of the time, a delay doesn't mean anything is wrong; it just means the screening company is working through all the necessary checks.
FAQ: Your Quick Answers
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate this process:
1. How to check the status of my Kroger background check? You can typically check the status by logging into the candidate portal provided by the third-party screening company, such as Sterling, via the link in the initial email.
2. How to know if I passed my Kroger background check? The company will notify you once your background check is complete and you have been cleared to move forward with the hiring process.
3. How to know if my Kroger background check is taking too long? While the average is 3-5 business days, if it has been more than 7-10 business days without any update, it's reasonable to reach out to the hiring manager or HR for a status update.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
4. How to deal with a past misdemeanor on my Kroger background check? Honesty is the best policy. If you disclosed the misdemeanor during the application or interview process, the company will likely already know. Many companies, including Kroger, consider the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job.
5. How to contact Kroger HR about my background check? Find the contact information for the hiring manager or HR representative you've been communicating with. A polite email or phone call asking for a general status update is appropriate.
6. How to find the name of the company doing my Kroger background check? The email you received with the link to complete your information will state the name of the screening company, which is often Sterling.
7. How to speed up the Kroger background check process? The best way to speed it up is to provide all the requested information accurately and completely on your first submission. Respond promptly to any follow-up requests for information.
8. How to know what information is being checked? The background check typically looks for criminal history, employment verification, and education verification. For certain roles, a motor vehicle record check may also be included.
9. How to know if a drug test is required for my Kroger job? If a drug test is required, it will be mentioned during your interview or in your conditional offer letter. You will be given instructions on where and when to complete it.
10. How to handle a discrepancy on my Kroger background check? If you believe there is inaccurate information on your report, you have the right to dispute it with the consumer reporting agency that provided the report. You should also notify the hiring manager or HR representative.
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