Pre-employment background screening is common today for employees from tech workers to teachers. And many employers are more cautious and thorough than ever when hiring.
Regardless of the position you're applying for, you may be asked to submit to a pre-employment background check. Some employers even require background checks for temporary workers.
And just because you're already employed doesn't mean that you're immune. Employers can also perform retroactive background checks on current employees.
But don't start shaking in your boots just yet.
How Deep Do They Dig?
A potential employer wants to conduct a background check. Should you be worried? And what exactly are they looking for?
Typically, a background check reviews criminal and court records. The check often includes driving records and vehicle registrations. It may also review sex offender databases.
Credit checks are increasingly common too. Employers sometimes assume that good credit means you've kept your promises and are responsible with money. And more employers are verifying candidates' education and degrees as resume fraud becomes more frequent.
Not all companies conduct background checks in the same way. An employer will decide how far back into your history to check. They'll also determine which offenses might make you "unhirable."
Advice and Consent
To submit to a background check is your decision.
Potential or even current employers can't conduct a background check without your written authorization. And it is your prerogative to say "no."
However, you should realize that failing to allow the check has risks. In many cases, you'll eliminate yourself from consideration for the job. Or, if you refuse to allow a current employer to do a check, you could lose the job you have.
If you agree to a background check, an employer must share the results with you upon your request. You also have the right to dispute the findings if you think they're incorrect.
Honest Mistakes
Mistakes aren't commonplace in background checks -- but they do happen.
And the consequences can be devastating.
Incorrect information can prevent you from getting a job. Potential employers are often likely to discount you immediately if your background check uncovers an issue, while current employers may allow you to dispute the inaccuracy.
What type of errors are most common?
The person conducing the check can enter your social security number incorrectly. Or they can confuse you with another person who has a similar name.
State or county practices can hurt you too. Some places, for example, record a failure to pay a traffic violation as a probation violation. That could raise a red flag in a background check.
Last, a courthouse can fail to correct a file to indicate that your record has been expunged of an offense.
But don't panic yet.
Check Yourself Out
Don't be surprised by the results of a background check.
Have a check done on yourself if you're concerned about incorrect information or what potential employers might find.
You should also review your credit report annually with all three major reporting agencies. You can find instructions on how to get a report and correct errors here.
And, you can request a copy of your driving record from your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
From writing your resume to interviewing to negotiating, you work hard to get a job offer. And you don't want to lose it due to a background check.
