Wattpad: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Wattpad describes itself as the largest storytelling platform in the world, where millions of readers and writers come together to discover stories and build fandoms. According to Wikipedia, the platform was developed in 2006 by Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen, and the company is based in Toronto, Ontario. Wattpad's own jobs page says it is now part of WEBTOON Entertainment.

The company says it helps creators build audiences early and gives publishers, studios, and producers evidence that readers are already invested in a story. Wattpad says stories that start on the platform can grow into books, films, series, and other media. Its jobs page names a family of brands that includes Wattpad itself, WEBTOON Productions, and WEBTOON.

Wattpad's jobs page lets candidates filter openings by location, brand, team, and work type, which suggests roles in more than one place and format. Open roles change over time, so candidates should check the live list for current openings.

Company culture and employee programs:

Wattpad describes its workplace as one where creativity, fandom, and technology come together, and it says it builds for passionate communities and believes good ideas can come from anywhere. Its jobs page speaks to creative, curious people who care about entertainment and online community. Benefits and pay vary by role and location, so candidates should confirm specifics during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the digital media and online storytelling industry, including Wattpad, are legally permitted to run pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and local laws. Wattpad is based in Canada and may hire in more than one country, so the rules that apply to a given hire depend on where the role is located.

Wattpad is generally reported to run pre-employment screening for some roles, which is consistent with standard practice at technology and media companies. The company does not appear to publish its screening policy. The scope of a Wattpad background check may vary by role, team, and country.

The Wattpad hiring process typically starts with an online application through the careers section of its company site, where candidates can filter by location, brand, team, and work type. Qualified candidates may complete a recruiter conversation and one or more interviews with the hiring team. Candidates who receive a conditional offer may be asked to consent to a background check before their start date is confirmed.

A Wattpad background check can take from a few business days to longer, depending on the searches ordered and how quickly courts and agencies respond. Candidates who have lived or worked in several places, or in other countries, may wait longer. Learn more about typical timelines in this guide to background check turnaround times.

The employer decides which searches to order, and they may vary by role and country. For a technology or media job at a company like Wattpad, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should read the disclosure and consent forms they receive to see which searches apply to their role.

Whether Wattpad requires a drug test is not publicly stated, and it may vary by role and location. Drug testing is less common for office-based technology and media jobs than for safety-sensitive work. Candidates should check any offer paperwork or ask their recruiter about the policy for their role.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Wattpad does not publish a policy on candidates with felony records, and decisions are generally made case by case. Employers often weigh the type of offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role, particularly roles with access to user data or community content. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history, and candidates should answer application questions honestly.

Candidates applying to Wattpad will typically be asked for written consent before a background check starts, usually through a disclosure form. They should be ready to provide their full legal name, date of birth, address history, and, for U.S. roles, a Social Security number. Accurate information helps searches run in the right places and can prevent delays.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

A Wattpad technology or content role may include education and employment verification in addition to the standard searches, though the exact checks may vary. Roles with access to user accounts or moderation tools may draw closer attention to criminal history and identity. Candidates should read their disclosure forms for the searches that apply.

It may. Wattpad is based in Canada, and background screening in Canada follows provincial employment and privacy rules, while U.S. checks follow the FCRA. A role based in another country may follow that country's consent and data rules. Candidates should ask their recruiter how screening works for the location of their job.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Wattpad may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.