Verifying your employment history is a crucial step in various life events, from applying for a new job or a loan to securing an apartment. Experian, one of the three major credit reporting agencies, also offers employment verification services. While primarily known for credit reports, understanding how Experian handles employment verification can be beneficial.
Have you ever wondered how potential employers or lenders confirm your work history? Let's delve into the process of how employment verification through Experian typically works.
It's important to clarify upfront that Experian doesn't directly offer a service where you can proactively verify your own employment history in the same way you'd check your credit report. Instead, Experian acts as a data provider for employers and other authorized entities who need to verify someone's employment. These entities subscribe to Experian's employment verification services.
However, understanding this process from the receiving end can still be helpful for you. Here's a breakdown of how employment verification through Experian generally unfolds:
Step 1: The Request for Verification is Initiated
1.1 Consent is Key
The process always begins with your explicit consent. Whether you're applying for a job, a loan, or an apartment, you will typically be asked to sign a consent form authorizing the potential employer, lender, or landlord to verify your employment history. Never provide this consent lightly; understand who is requesting the information and why.
1.2 The Requester Chooses a Verification Method
The entity needing to verify your employment will then choose a method to do so. They might directly contact your previous employers (as listed by you), or they might utilize a service like Experian's The Work Number® or similar platforms that compile employment data.
Step 2: Experian's Role in Employment Verification
2.1 Experian as a Data Repository
Experian, through services like The Work Number (which it acquired), maintains a vast database of employment information. This data is typically provided by employers themselves on a regular basis. Many large and medium-sized companies subscribe to these services to automate the process of responding to employment verification requests.
2.2 How Employers Submit Data
Employers who subscribe to Experian's employment verification services regularly upload employee data, including:
- Employee name
- Social Security Number (or equivalent identification number)
- Dates of employment (start and end dates)
- Job titles
- Sometimes, salary information (depending on the service and employer)
This data forms the basis of the information Experian can provide when a legitimate verification request comes through.
Step 3: Processing the Verification Request
3.1 The Requester Submits Information
The authorized entity (e.g., the new employer) will submit a verification request to Experian or the relevant service. This request will typically include your name, Social Security Number, and the name of the company they are trying to verify your employment with.
3.2 Matching the Data
Experian's system will then search its database to find a match based on the information provided. If a match is found, the system can provide the requesting entity with the employment details it holds for you from that specific employer.
3.3 Information Provided (Typically)
The information shared usually includes:
- Confirmation of employment dates
- Your last held job title
Salary information is sometimes provided but often requires additional authorization or is not part of the standard verification process.
Step 4: Understanding Your Rights and Accessing Your Information
4.1 The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
It's crucial to understand that employment verification is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States. This act grants you certain rights, including the right to:
- Know if information in your file has been used against you.
- Request a copy of your file.
- Dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.
4.2 How to Inquire About Your Employment Data
While you can't directly "verify" your employment through Experian in the proactive sense, you can inquire about the information they hold regarding your employment history. Here's how you might approach this:
- Contact Experian's Consumer Assistance Center: Visit the Experian website and look for their contact information for consumer inquiries. You can typically find phone numbers and online contact forms.
- Inquire About Your "Employment Report": While they primarily deal with credit reports, inquire if they have a process for individuals to access the employment data they hold on them, especially through services like The Work Number.
- Provide Necessary Identification: You will likely need to provide identifying information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number) to verify your identity.
- Follow Their Instructions: Experian will guide you through their specific process for requesting this information, if available to individuals.
4.3 Reviewing and Disputing Information
If you obtain your employment information from Experian and find any inaccuracies, you have the right to dispute that information. Experian is obligated to investigate your dispute and correct any errors. You will typically need to provide documentation to support your claim of inaccuracy.
Step 5: Proactive Steps You Can Take
While you can't directly initiate a verification on yourself, you can take proactive steps:
- Keep Accurate Records: Maintain your own records of your employment history, including company names, dates of employment, and job titles.
- Review Consent Forms Carefully: Before signing any consent form allowing employment verification, understand who will be accessing your information.
- Be Prepared for Requests: If you know a potential employer or lender will be verifying your employment, ensure the information you provided on your application is accurate and consistent with your records.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if an employer used Experian to verify my employment?
If an employer used a consumer reporting agency like Experian (or a service like The Work Number owned by Experian) and took adverse action against you based on that report (e.g., didn't hire you), they are legally obligated under the FCRA to inform you of this, including the name and contact information of the agency.
How to access the employment information Experian has on me?
Visit the Experian website and look for their consumer support or contact information. Inquire about accessing your "employment report" or the data they hold on your employment history, especially through The Work Number. Follow their specific instructions for making such a request.
How to dispute inaccurate employment information on Experian?
If you find errors in your employment information held by Experian, contact their consumer support and follow their dispute process. You will typically need to provide documentation supporting the correct information.
How to prevent unauthorized access to my employment information on Experian?
You generally can't prevent authorized entities (with your consent) from accessing this information. However, be cautious about who you give consent to and review consent forms carefully.
How to know what information Experian shares during employment verification?
Typically, Experian shares dates of employment and job titles. Salary information may be shared in some cases with additional authorization.
How to contact Experian's employment verification service directly?
Experian's employment verification services are primarily for businesses. As an individual, you should contact their consumer assistance center for inquiries about your own data.
How to ensure my previous employer reports my employment accurately to Experian?
While you can't directly control this, maintaining good communication with your previous employers and ensuring they have accurate records can help. If you know a verification is coming, you could politely confirm the details they will likely provide.
How to understand the laws protecting my employment information during verification?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States is the primary law protecting your rights regarding information held by consumer reporting agencies, including employment data.
How to know if a company subscribes to Experian's employment verification services?
This information is generally not public knowledge. However, many large and medium-sized companies utilize such services for efficiency.
How to correct errors if my employer incorrectly reported my employment to Experian?
If you identify an error stemming from your employer's reporting, you should first contact your former employer to have them correct their records with Experian. You can also dispute the information directly with Experian.
Understanding the nuances of employment verification through Experian empowers you to be more informed about how your professional history is being managed and used. While you can't directly verify your employment through them proactively, knowing your rights and how the process works is invaluable.