What Does Consider Mean On Sterling Background Check

{
“title”: “What Does Consider Mean On Sterling Background Check”,
“slug”: “what-does-consider-mean-on-sterling-background-check”,
“excerpt”: “On a Sterling background check, the status ‘Consider’ indicates that the report contains information requiring further evaluation before a final decision can be made. It is not a definitive pass or fail, but a temporary hold pending additional review or clarification from the candidate or employer.”,
“seo_title”: “Sterling Background Check ‘Consider’ Status Explained”,
“meta_description”: “Learn what ‘Consider’ means on a Sterling background check: a status indicating pending review, not a failure. Understand its impact on hiring and how to respond.”,
“content”: “

Overview

On a Sterling background check, the term Consider refers to a specific status assigned to a background screening report when it contains information that requires additional evaluation before a hiring decision can be finalized. This status is part of Sterling’s adjudication process, which helps employers interpret the results of a background check. A “Consider” designation does not indicate a clear pass or fail; instead, it signals that the report includes findings—such as a criminal record, employment gap, or discrepancy in education—that need further review or clarification. The employer may request additional documentation, a candidate explanation, or a re-check of certain records before making a final determination.

History / Background

Sterling, founded in 1975 as Sterling Infosystems, is one of the largest background screening companies in the United States, providing employment and tenant screening services to organizations across various industries. Over the decades, Sterling developed a standardized adjudication framework to help clients consistently assess background check results. The “Consider” status emerged as part of this framework to handle cases where findings are not automatically disqualifying but require human judgment. This approach aligns with fair hiring practices and legal guidelines, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommendations on using criminal records in hiring. The term “Consider” is used internally and in reports to flag items that may need context, such as the nature of an offense, time elapsed, or relevance to the job.

Importance and Impact

The “Consider” status plays a critical role in the hiring process by ensuring that background check results are not interpreted in a binary manner. It helps employers comply with laws that require individualized assessment of criminal records, reducing the risk of discriminatory hiring practices. For candidates, a “Consider” outcome can be a source of anxiety, but it also provides an opportunity to explain potentially negative findings. The impact extends to hiring timelines, as additional review can delay job offers. For employers, the status prompts a structured review process, often involving HR professionals or third-party adjudicators, to determine whether the flagged information poses a legitimate risk to the position.

Why It Matters

Understanding what “Consider” means on a Sterling background check is practically important for both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, knowing that “Consider” is not a rejection can reduce stress and encourage proactive communication with the employer. Candidates may be asked to provide context, such as a written explanation or supporting documents, which can positively influence the final decision. For employers, recognizing the nuance of “Consider” helps avoid premature disqualification of qualified candidates and supports compliance with fair chance hiring laws. In today’s competitive job market, where background checks are routine, clarity on statuses like “Consider” fosters transparency and fairness.

Common Misconceptions

“,
“categories”: [“Background Checks”, “Employment Screening”, “Human Resources”],
“tags”: [“Sterling”, “background check”, “Consider status”, “employment screening”, “adjudication”, “hiring process”, “fair chance hiring”],
“quick_facts”: [
{“label”: “Company”, “value”: “Sterling (Sterling Check Corp.)”},
{“label”: “Status Type”, “value”: “Interim adjudication status”},
{“label”: “Meaning”, “value”: “Report requires additional review before final decision”},
{“label”: “Common Triggers”, “value”: “Criminal records, employment gaps, education discrepancies”},
{“label”: “Impact on Hiring”, “value”: “Delays decision; candidate may be asked to provide context”}
],
“related_terms”: [
{“term”: “Adjudication”, “definition”: “The process of evaluating background check results against company policies and legal guidelines to make a hiring decision.”},
{“term”: “Adverse Action”, “definition”: “A formal notice sent to a candidate when an employer decides not to hire based on background check findings, in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).”},
{“term”: “Fair Chance Hiring”, “definition”: “A set of laws and practices that prohibit employers from automatically disqualifying candidates with criminal records, requiring individualized assessment instead.”}
],
“references”: [
“Sterling Background Checks Official Website – About Sterling”,
“Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records”,
“Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.”,
“Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Background Check Best Practices”,
“Sterling Client Support Documentation – Report Status Definitions”
],
“faq”: [
{“question”: “What should I do if my Sterling background check shows ‘Consider’?”, “answer”: “Contact your prospective employer or the HR department. They will likely ask you to provide additional information or documentation to clarify the flagged item. Be honest and prompt in your response.”},
{“question”: “Is a ‘Consider’ status always negative?”, “answer”: “No. It is a neutral interim status. Many candidates with a ‘Consider’ status are still hired after the employer reviews the context of the finding.”},
{“question”: “How long does the ‘Consider’ review process take?”, “answer”: “The timeline varies by employer and the complexity of the issue. It can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the need for additional records or candidate responses.”}
],
“related_articles”: [
“Background Check Status Meanings: Pass, Consider, and Fail”,
“How to Respond to a Background Check Discrepancy”,
“Understanding Sterling Background Check Reports”,
“Fair Chance Hiring Laws and Background Checks”
]
}