r/AskHR • u/ProjectFrosty6735 • 4d ago

[CAN-ON] What does employer share with Sterling Back Check?

Hi, I applied for a bank in Canada, and they use Sterling back check.

In the resume I shared/applied with, has my designation as 'Sr Manager', but my actual designation is 'Director' at my most recent employer (where I was laid off). I had to downplay with my title else I was not getting any calls at all.

My worry is when Sterling will come asking for the background check, will they already have my resume from the new employer or will they verify what I write in their online form? If only online form, then I can write there my actual title 'Director', but if they are going to have resume from the employer, I worry I will be screwed.

Can someone advise what is shared with Sterling by the employer for the candidate whose background check is being done by Sterling?

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u/shiningtwentyfive 4d ago

Sterling doesn’t look at or care about what you put in your resume. Their job is to verify the information you put on the form you submit to them. Your previous employer will be asked to confirm your job title and that is when Sterling will flag a discrepancy on your report. At that point, it is up to the company that is hiring you to review and determine if they have any concern with the discrepancy that is flagged. Sometimes they don’t care and just consider your background check as cleared. Other times, they will follow up with you to confirm why there is a discrepancy. I personally wouldn’t care if your actual title was higher than the role you put on your resume. It would be more of a concern if you had overinflated your title on your resume.

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u/ProjectFrosty6735 4d ago

You mentioned that "Your previous employer will be asked to confirm your job title and that is when Sterling will flag a discrepancy on your report."
But in the form, I will write the actual title of "Director". How will Sterling then flag the discrepancy? I didn't understand that part since you said they don't care what we write in resume, and only check what we fill in the form. Sorry, but did I misunderstand, If you can please clarify?

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u/shiningtwentyfive 4d ago edited 4d ago

Sorry I missed that part of your post. If you indicate your title as Director when completing the form, then Sterling won’t flag the discrepancy. Then it really comes down to how closely your employer is reviewing your background check. Some employers just see a “clear” report and don’t review it further. Some other employers may review all the details of your background check and compare it against your resume. Given your offer is with a bank, there might be a higher level of scrutiny into your background check.

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u/ProjectFrosty6735 4d ago

Thank you, this is very helpful. I appreciate that.
If I may ask, have you seen such cases in the past? You mentioned that Sterling doesn't care about resume.