Job Candidates Guide to Background Checks
In today’s hiring process, it is standard business practice to initiate an employment background check prior to extending a job offer. The goal of the employer is to minimize risks and assess your qualifications, character, and dependability.
Your track record for paying bills on time and maintaining a reasonable credit rating give clues about your character and integrity. Validating information provided on your resume indicates honesty and sincerity.
WHY DO EMPLOYERS CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECKS?
Employers are attempting to verify all information you have provided and identify any misleading or false information. Their primary objective is to ensure that you have the skills and behaviors required to perform at an optimal level. By thoroughly conducting a background check, they also minimize their risks that you present a detriment to the organization in any way.
The increased risks of terrorism and white-collar crime have driven companies to routinely deploy background checks. Federal or state government requires an employment background check for certain jobs such as individuals working directly with minors or mentally disabled individuals.
HOW DO THEY RECEIVE PERMISSION?
Employers are required to get your written consent prior to launching a personal background check. This is usually done during the initial interview phase on the application. More detailed information from medical records, military background, and educational background require specific authorization from you.
HOW DO THEY GET INFORMATION ABOUT ME?
Once you give written consent, an employer is free to investigate your credit history, driving record, criminal or court records, and financial background.
A background check may include interviews with your neighbors or associates. The questions are designed to evaluate your character and general reputation. This type of background check is especially critical for jobs such as law enforcement.
Employment background checks can be conducted by the company itself, an online data broker, or a third-party that specializes in background checks. Some companies engage private investigators for this purpose. They must all follow strict guidelines for protecting your privacy.
WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY?
You have a responsibility to ensure that the information maintained about you and your background in various databases is accurate. Even with today’s advanced technology, errors can occur easily. It is advisable to periodically request a copy of your credit report and bank records to ensure they are accurate. If your job requires driving, you should request copies of your DMV records.
If you believe you have been denied a position as a result of inaccurate or incomplete information, you have a responsibility to correct any erroneous information with the appropriate entity and request corrected and current information be sent to your potential employer.
When you have nothing to hide in your past, an employment background check should not be intimidating. However, if there are shadows in the background that will be brought to light, be sure that you have already explained them on your resume or through discussion with your potential employer. This may avoid a rejection letter down the road!