The Background on Background Checks

In one of my earlier life I had a Top Secret clearance as a Civil Service employee responsible for the Air Force. I am familiar with background checks. But many job seekers do not. Here's a little background, background checks ...

Other companies are in the process of background checks on potential employees these days than ever before. Why? Here are just some of the reasons:

1. Studies show that 30-40% of all the candidates the wrong information on their applications, or applications, and "exaggerate" their qualifications during interviews. Can you blame for the employer to establish claims of desperate job seekers?

2. Claims for "negligent attitude" are on the rise. If an employee actions someone was injured, the employer may be liable. So, if an applicant, it is in the best interests of the company's own financial interest to find out whether this person has done something in the past, the future problems.

3. Child abuse and abductions have in the new legislation in almost all states, the criminal background checks for all those working with children.

4. The 11th September attacks have led to increased security and identity-verification strategies by many employers.

5. In addition, many state and federal government jobs require a background check, and depending on the type of work, a comprehensive investigation for a security clearance.

There are several reasons why employers perform background checks.

Under federal law, the employer must obtain the applicant a written authorization before the background check is.

The type of background checks companies usually depend on the work, but they typically include the following:

Employment Testing

Often a potential employer contact an applicant's past employers. Many states have laws that prohibit employers intentionally interfering with the former employee tried to find work by providing false or misleading information, but a former boss can say what truth about your performance. Most companies have a policy of only confirming dates of employment, final salary, and other limited information.

General review

This is done by degrees and certificates on applications or applications. Under federal law, certain records, such as transcription and discipline records are confidential and are not from the schools without the approval of the student. However, a school may release "directory information" which includes name, address, date of attendance and degrees earned.

Drug screening

Many large companies have a policy to drug-screen all potential employees prior to the start. In this situation, the offer is dependent on you successfully to the drug screen.

Credit checks

This type of control (also known as "consumer report") is most commonly used by companies in which employees have access to money, personal and financial information. Some employers also assess your creditworthiness to your level of responsibility (if they think they are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not be a reliable employee).

In addition to your payment history, a credit report typically include information about your former addresses and previous employers. Employers can use this as an opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information you provide on an application or resume.

Federal law forbids employers to discriminate against applicants because they are bankrupt.

Criminal and motor vehicle records

This kind of background checks are not as frequent, but some companies have a policy of checking criminal records. Although arrest is a matter of public record, in most states employers can not normally be on the arrest of a potential employee (there are some exceptions, such as for law enforcement positions). If the arrest resulted in a conviction that the information can be obtained. In general, civil suits, civil judgments, and records of the arrest more than seven years old are not reported (the seven-year limit does not apply to criminal convictions, depending on condition).

Company check, motor vehicle records when positions with the operation of business vehicles and equipment.

Employment Application number accuracy

Some companies verify the accuracy of the information you provide on the application of employment, including what you consider as your final salary. If your application make sure that all information is correct.

What can you do to prepare?

Take the following steps to reduce the chances that you and / or the prospective employer will be "surprised" by information provided during the background check:

1. Order a copy of your credit report. If there is something you do not recognize or that you're not familiar with the dispute with the lender and / or Credit Bureau before you have to explain it to the interviewer.

2. Check court records. If you have an arrest or in court, go to the province where they have taken place and check the files. Make sure that the information is correct and current.

3. DMV will check. Request a copy of the record of the journey from the department of motor vehicles, especially if you're looking for a job in the journey.

4. Do you have your own background check. If you want to see what the background check reveal employer can hire a company that specializes in such reports, in order one for you. In this way you can find out whether the databases of the information contained incorrect information providers. Check the Yellow Pages under "Investigators", or use one of the many online search services to find a service.

5. Ask if your former employer has a policy concerning the release of personnel and / or employment information. Most companies, the amount of information they disclose.

Remember that potential employers can not be a background check without written permission is prohibited. You can "just say no." Of course, do give the impression that you have something to hide and almost certainly eliminate you from the exam.

Just be honest about your background. Many employers hire good candidates that are their needs, even if their origins are less than perfect - as long as they do not lie.