Dear Deibie,
We have conducted 100s of background check for various profiles of the candidates starting from officer to VP level across various industries in many parts of cities, towns, mini metro locations since 5 years.
We do not differentiate the process between pre job offer or post job offer while carryng out the investigations. It is question of final results and time involved in the process. More the level of personnel or their responsibilities in the job, the process of verification is intensive on various parameters.
These days many out fits are labelling themselves as professional background consultants with questionable credibilities or process. This is an area of investment for the clients and honesty for the agencies. Whether you call it reference check or background check or antecedent verification the final call is done by the agencies and the HR depatment of the hiring company.
As a principle we do not relay on phone calls or sms or emails. It would be sad to disclose to HR fraternity the kind of games played in this process.
Best of Luck.
MIRA ( V. Rangarajan.)