What do employers look for in a background investigation?

I live in CA. I've heard that employers in CA by law, can only go back 7 years in your criminal history. Do they or can they check my juvenile records? I know it depends on what type of job it is. I am applying for a hotel customer service job. No big deal. Should I worry? I've worked at other places where they've checked out my back ground.

Your juvenile records should be sealed unless you were charged as an adult. Employers are looking for felonies and any blatant dishonesty (not revealing a felony or question about your background that they specifically asked about).

Each industry has it's own "what they're looking for" when it comes to background checks. They only go back 7 years, and the background check is based upon your social security number. If your number was issued in let's say, Kansas, they will run a check there too.

Juvenile records are sealed. It's doubtful they will even know about it.
Most company's choose to do background checks because its a way to tell the history of the employee. Background investigation are a low-cost way to significantly reduce employee theft and dishonesty and increase productivity and safety. There are many types of background checks available. There are county wide, city wide, state wide, and country wide. I doubt though the company would hold any juvenile record against you in deciding on to hire you or not. Know your rights..........a company can not do a background check on you without your written consent to do so first.