Receiving a job offer is exciting, but then the background check status comes back as “consider.” If you’re a job applicant in the vibrant, competitive Houston market, this can feel like a major setback. The critical question everyone asks is: What does consider mean on a background check? And how can you, as a candidate, move from being “considered” to being definitively hired?
At Houston Fingerprint, we specialize in providing fast, accurate, and professional Fingerprinting in houston for employment, licensing, and FBI requirements. We understand the screening process and the anxiety a non-“Clear” result can cause.
Here’s your humanized guide to navigating the “consider” status in the Texas job market.
What "Consider" Really Means in Houston
The status “consider on a background check” is not a rejection it’s a request for a closer look. It means the Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) or screening service has found information that an automated system can’t simply greenlight or red-flag.
In the Texas employment landscape, which is heavily influenced by federal laws like the FCRA and EEOC guidance, a “consider” status triggers the employer’s individual assessment process.
Common Triggers for a “Consider” Status:
Criminal History: This is the most common flag. It could be an older misdemeanor, a conviction not directly related to the job (e.g., a non-violent offense for a desk job), or, critically, a pending charge or a case under deferred adjudication. Houston employers must evaluate these findings based on job-relatedness.
Discrepancies: A mismatch in dates of employment, a degree found under a slightly different name, or an unverified past job. Even minor errors require a manual review.
Texas’s 7-Year Rule: For jobs paying less than a certain threshold (currently $75,000 annually), certain non-conviction records (like arrests without conviction, civil judgments, and paid tax liens) cannot generally be reported if they are over seven years old. If a screening firm accidentally reports old or otherwise restricted information, it can trigger a “consider” flag for the employer to review compliance.
Why the Individual Assessment Matters (and Your Right to Respond)
Houston employers, especially large corporations, follow strict guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This guidance requires them to prove that excluding you based on your record is “job-related and consistent with business necessity.”
If your check comes back as “consider,” the employer is legally obligated to perform an individualized assessment that considers:
The Nature and Gravity of the Offense: How serious was the crime?
Time Elapsed: How long ago did the offense occur or was the sentence completed?
Job Requirements: Is the crime relevant to the specific duties of the position you applied for? (e.g., a fraud conviction for a finance role vs. a simple assault charge for an IT role).
This process is your opportunity to advocate for yourself.
Your 3 Essential Next Steps
If you receive an adverse action notice or a conditional rejection based on a “consider” status, act quickly and professionally:
1. Immediately Request a Copy of the Report
Under the FCRA, before an employer takes adverse action, they must provide you with a Pre-Adverse Action Notice, which includes a copy of the background check report and a summary of your rights.
Review it: Check every detail. Is the record actually yours? Is the disposition (conviction, dismissal, deferred) correctly noted?
2. Dispute Errors and Gather Documentation
If you find an error, immediately file a dispute with the screening company (the Consumer Reporting Agency). They have a fixed period to investigate and correct the inaccuracy.
For accurate, but concerning, information, prepare a document that includes:
Explanation: A brief, honest account of the circumstances.
Time Elapsed: Highlight the time that has passed since the event.
Evidence of Rehabilitation: Provide references, letters of recommendation, evidence of steady employment, education, or community service since the flagged event.
3. Proactively Engage
Offer to meet with the hiring manager or HR to discuss the findings. Transparency is a massive asset in Texas employment. Your willingness to address the issue directly shows maturity, honesty, and a commitment to the job.
Special Considerations for Houston Job Seekers
Many roles in and around Houston especially in energy, port operations, education, and healthcare require a Fingerprint-based background check for state or federal clearance (often through the Texas DPS and the FBI).
At Houston Fingerprints, we make the start of this process seamless. We provide reliable electronic fingerprinting (Live Scan) that ensures your prints are submitted accurately and quickly, reducing the chance of delays or status issues related to poor print quality.
To get started on your required FBI background checks or any employment-related screening, visit our services page today.
Conclusion
A “consider on a background check” is not a closed door it’s an invitation to a conversation. In a major metropolitan area like Houston, employers must look beyond the initial flag and assess you as an individual. By being prepared, honest, and understanding your rights under the law, you can confidently turn that “consider” into the final offer.
Need fast, professional fingerprinting for your employment or licensing requirements? Contact Houston Fingerprints today.
FAQs About what really Consider mean on A Background Check
What Does “consider” Mean on a Background Check?
“Consider” means that the background check has identified some information that requires further evaluation. It does not mean automatic disqualification but indicates that the employer should review the findings more closely before making a final decision.
Does “consider” on a Background Check mean I won’t get the Job?
Not necessarily. “Consider” means there are items that need further review. Many candidates with a “consider” status still get hired, especially if they can explain or mitigate the flagged issues.
How can I Find out why my Background Check is marked as “consider”?
You have the right to request a copy of your background check report. Reviewing the report can help you understand the reasons behind the “consider” status.
Can I contest the findings of my Background Check?
Yes, if you believe there are errors in your background check, you can dispute the findings with the background check provider. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute inaccuracies in your report.
Where can I get an authentic FBI Background Check for personal review or foreign travel in Houston?
For personal review, immigration, or travel, you can obtain an official FBI Criminal History Summary Report (often within 24 hours) through an FBI-Approved Channeler. Houston Fingerprints provides this service, using Live Scan technology to capture your prints and securely submit them to the Channeler for the fastest results.
How long will it take to get my fingerprints taken at Houston Fingerprints?
Getting your fingerprints captured electronically (Live Scan) typically takes less than 15 minutes. Our streamlined process ensures minimal wait time and accurate submission, which helps reduce the risk of delays in your overall background check process.
