Forced Consent in Job Applications

I’ve always found it interesting that many job applications ask if you “consent” to a background check. The word consent makes it sound like you have a choice. But in reality, if you click “no,” your application usually isn’t considered any further.

So let’s be honest — it’s not really consent, it’s forced consent. The company legally needs your permission to run the check (that’s why they ask), but they also make it a condition of being hired.

You can refuse, sure. But refusing means you won’t even be in the running. It’s one of those things that highlights how “optional” isn’t always optional in practice.