Employee guide to the Wells Fargo employment verification process

Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the US. The company has around 8,050 branches and over 249,000 employees.

The financial institution is an inclusive and diverse workplace, and employees get a range of benefits. Workers who want to land a job there can choose from several opportunities, including jobs as tellers, associate personal bankers, analytics assistants, and mortgage loan officers.

To work at Wells Fargo, you'll need to complete the application process and attend an interview. And as a job applicant, one of the final steps is a background check.

Because you'll be dealing with finances and sensitive data, Wells Fargo must know you're trustworthy. The best way to determine this is by including a background check in their application process.

So, what can you expect from the background check process? What's Wells Fargo looking for, and how long does it take? Read on to find out.

What is Wells Fargo?

Wells Fargo is a banking institution with a suite of services, including checking accounts, credit cards, loans, financial advice, investment opportunities, and merchant accounts.

Its main headquarters are in San Francisco, but branches and offices across the US exist. Wells Fargo is often called one of the Big Four Banks, along with its top competitors Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase.

Henry Wells and William G. Fargo started the company in 1852. What began as a small business delivering finance by stagecoach has now become a brand that relies heavily on technology.

Wells Fargo bank has over 64 million customers today. They run several departments: personal, investment, wealth management, small business, commercial banking, and corporate banking.

Wells Fargo is a company that prides itself on a professional team, excellent customer service, and secure transactions.

Why would you want to work at Wells Fargo?

Working at Wells Fargo provides a wealth of benefits, and employees have many opportunities to grow in their careers. The pharmacy giant is known for its competitive salaries and excellent suite of benefits. This makes working for Wells Fargo ideal for those planning for the future through retirement and tuition assistance.

These benefits and the company's secure environment make Wells Fargo an attractive choice for job seekers. Those looking for a career change will appreciate the rigorous background check process, which ensures that Wells Fargo only employs reliable and professional staff with the potential to grow.

Part-time and full-time employees at Wells Fargo get a comprehensive benefits plan. Workers can receive coverage for health, dental, vision, and prescriptions.

Plus, the health plan comes with support for the following and more:

• Substance use disorders

• Well-being

• Mental health

Employees receive paid parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and paid time off. And you'll get a 401(k) plan and stock purchase options to help you save for your retirement.

Wells Fargo is an equal-opportunity employer. There are opportunities available for veterans and people with disabilities.

It's a friendly work environment, and if you work hard, you can build a long-term career with the company.

If you know you want to start working for Wells Fargo, begin with the Jobcase job board to find the latest listings and apply for the position that best fits your skills and experience. Next, read through tips for interviewing to prepare yourself for this process.

Interviewing is a pivotal part of the hiring process at Wells Fargo, and you want to make sure that you come across as personable, knowledgeable, and confident. This will increase your chances of being selected for the role.

Being proactive about preparing yourself will boost your chances of success for a role at Wells Fargo. Dedication and enthusiasm can make a difference during the interview, but the background check process will also play an important role in determining your success.

Common steps in the Wells Fargo employment verification process

Wells Fargo uses E-Verify to complete the employment verification process. E-Verify is a system operated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm the eligibility of workers in the US. Wells Fargo started using it in 2010 to process new employees in all 50 states.

Applicants may be asked to provide personal information, such as their name, address, social security number, and date of birth. Wells Fargo may also request documentation such as emails and resumes.

Here are some of the other steps in the Wells Fargo background check process:

Provide consent to the background check.

The first step in the background check is to provide your signature for consent. This is a required step for any potential hire and must be completed before any further action can be taken.

If you don't provide consent, you will not be able to move forward in the hiring process. Be sure to respond to any requests promptly.

Employment verification

Wells Fargo will check your employment verification, education or licenses, and motor vehicle record through the Department of Homeland Security. This is done to make sure that you are legally eligible to work in the US and have a valid driver's license.

This step is designed to verify that the information you provided in your job application is accurate. It's important to note that any discrepancies or inaccuracies could result in the termination of your offer.

Be sure to provide any documents Wells Fargo requests in a timely manner. This will help expedite the background check process and ensure that your potential employer has the information they need to make a final decision.

Drug screening

Depending on the role, Wells Fargo may require you to pass a drug screening test for illicit drug use. This can vary between roles and locations, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the exact requirements of the role you are applying for.

The type of test will depend on the job but usually includes a urine sample, hair follicle sample, or saliva swab. The results of these tests are confidential and shared only with the employer.

Criminal record check

Wells Fargo will also check your criminal record as part of the background check process. This is done to make sure that you have not been convicted of any felonies or other criminal activity that could negatively impact your job performance.

The criminal record check is designed to protect the company and its employees by ensuring that a potential hire does not have a history of criminal behavior. It's important to note that this step may take longer than the other parts of the background check, so be sure to allow sufficient time for this portion of the process.

Identity verification

Wells Fargo will verify your identity as part of the background check process. This is done to make sure that you are who you claim you are and that all of the documents you provided are genuine.

Wells Fargo may use a third-party provider to confirm your identity and check your credit history, including a review of any outstanding debts or financial obligations.

This ensures that all potential Wells Fargo hires are honest and reliable. Working in the banking and finance industry requires trust, so these steps are necessary for employees to meet the company's standard of excellence.

Understanding the Wells Fargo background check process can help ensure that you are ready for every step of the hiring process.

What are Wells Fargo employment verification and background checks?

Depending on the Wells Fargo job type, you can expect multiple interviews, a drug screen, and a background check. The screening process is there to verify your current employment status and education and to look for any red flags.

While most companies run these checks, the Wells Fargo hiring process is thorough.

Because Wells Fargo is an insured financial institution, it must have an extensive background screening process. The company can't legally employ anyone with certain criminal convictions, including breach of trust or dishonest behavior.

During the background check, Wells Fargo checks federal, state, and local databases and runs a fingerprint check through the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). They only use the background check for employment purposes to help them make the final hiring decision.

How far back does employment verification go?

The criminal background report, including employment screening resources, will usually go back at least seven years. In some states, this can be even longer. For example, some states have a ten-year limit.

On the other hand, during the credit check, the employer usually reviews the last ten years of your credit history. However, some states restrict employers from checking your credit history. These states include:

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Hawaii

• Illinois

• Maryland

• Nevada

• Oregon

• Vermont

• Washington

Remember that some criminal convictions, such as misdemeanors and felonies, can remain on your record beyond the 10-year mark and still appear during your Wells Fargo background check. If you find yourself in this situation, consider getting your record expunged before you apply to work at this bank.

They'll look for evidence of criminal activity, such as aggravated assault. And there'll be a focus on financial crimes such as simple theft and fraud. You may be fine to proceed with your application if you have other types of convictions on your record.

Will Wells Fargo hire me if there's a felony on my record?

You can still get a job at Wells Fargo if you've committed a felony. However, it'll depend on the specific situation, as there's a limit to who Wells Fargo can legally hire — even if they want to.

Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act restricts FDIC-insured banks from hiring someone convicted of certain crimes without FDIC consent. Wells Fargo is one of those banks.

Legally, Wells Fargo can hire you if you've been convicted of a crime involving “dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering,” but they must get consent from the FDIC first. Without this consent, they can get into trouble.

So can everyone get consent? Wells Fargo may be unable to obtain authorization to hire you for a high-risk position involving much power over people's money. Landing a job with financial convictions will be easier if you apply for a less risky position.

How long does a Wells Fargo background check take?

The time frame for a financial services background check is usually between three business days and one week.

But the background check continues after the hiring process. After the first background check report, Wells Fargo will check your criminal record at least once yearly while you're at the company.

If anything shows up on your background check after you start your job, you may lose your position with the company. It's important to be upfront and honest with Wells Fargo if there are any incidents.

Once you've filled out the job application forms, the hiring process can take around two months.

Tips for getting hired at Wells Fargo

Want to work at Wells Fargo? Here are the top suggestions to help you get a job:

1. Highlight your skills

Getting a job at Wells Fargo can be a competitive process. If you want to be a bank worker, you'll need to stand out from other applicants.

The company is looking for a range of hard and soft skills. They'll be looking for technical skills such as computer skills and cash handling experience. As such, try to give them examples of each. They'll also want examples of when you've demonstrated soft skills such as customer service and good communication.

2. Run your own background check.

You can do your own if unsure of what will appear on your criminal background screenings and credit checks.

A range of background check companies will give you a report for a small fee. When you see your report, you may find there are mistakes. You can try fixing these before Wells Fargo does the background check.

If something comes up that wasn't a mistake, you'll have a few options for how to deal with it.

Your first option is to try to get your record expunged if you're eligible to do so. If you're not eligible — or already deep in the job application process with Wells Fargo — you can either come clean about your history or withdraw your application.

If you withdraw your application, that'll give you a chance to get your record expunged and apply again later. On the other hand, if you continue with your application, you'll get a chance to explain yourself to the hiring manager and show how you're moving forward from your mistakes.

3. Dress for the job

Wells Fargo is a professional workplace. If you want to expand your chances of getting a job, you should dress appropriately for the interview.

We recommend professional business attire. This means a suit with pants or a skirt, a collared shirt, and a tie. Never wear jeans or sneakers to a job interview.

4. Be on time

If Wells Fargo invites you to a job interview, ensure you're on time. Try to get there ten minutes early to check in and have a glass of water.

If you arrive any earlier than around 15 minutes, wait to go in. Go for a walk or get yourself a coffee to kill time. You can use this time to think about the interview questions.

5. Prepare your references

Wells Fargo may ask you for references depending on the position you're applying for.

Before the interview, check in with people in your network to see if they'd put in a good word for you.

Previous managers, colleagues, teachers, and friends who can vouch for your characteristics and work habits are good people to ask for a reference.

6. Be honest about your history.

If you have a criminal history, be honest about it. You should tell the hiring manager about a criminal offense or misdemeanor that might show up on your criminal background screening results.

Why? It'll show them you're honest and improve your chances of working for the company. The hiring manager might assume you're trying to hide the truth if you don't say anything.

Entry-level positions won't have such strict bank background check requirements, but you still shouldn't try to hide anything.

During the interview, tell the hiring manager how you've changed since your conviction. If you have job references after your conviction, you can bring them up as proof of how you've moved forward.

How to appeal a rejected Wells Fargo background check

Per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), all individuals have the right to dispute information presented on their background check report. This means individuals can contact their state's Bureau of Identification to help resolve any issues, such as incorrect information.

The applicant can't dispute the background check if the information in it is correct — but applicants can dispute the results if they disagree.

Disputes are intended to remedy incorrect information that may flag an individual in a way that prevents them from securing employment.

It's important to note that appealing a rejected background check may not help with current applications, as the process can take weeks or months to complete.

Prepare for the Wells Fargo employment verification process

Wells Fargo has stringent employment verification and background check requirements for its job candidates, but following these tips can help you prepare — increasing your chances of success.

It's important to understand the steps in the hiring process and take the correct measures to ensure your interview will be a positive experience. Be sure to check out the Getting Hired Resource Center for more details on how to prepare for the job application process and interview tips.