In one of my past lives I held a Top Secret clearance as a Civil Service employee working for the Air Force. So I am familiar with background checks. But many job seekers are not. Here's a little background on background checks...
More companies are doing background checks on potential employees these days than ever before. Why? Here are justa few of the reasons:
1. Studies show that 30-40% of all job applicants put false information on their resumes or applications, and "exaggerate" their qualifications during interviews. Can you blame employers for wanting to verify claims made by desperate job seekers?
2. Lawsuits for "negligent hiring" are on the rise. If an employee's actions hurt someone, the employer may be liable. So when considering an applicant, it's in the company's best financial self-interest to find out if that person has done anything in the past which might indicate future problems.
3. Child abuse and abductions have resulted in new laws in almost every state that require criminal background checks for anyone who works with children.
4. The September 11th attacks have resulted in heightened 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 kind of job, may require an extensive investigation for a security clearance.
So there are several reasons why employers perform background checks.
Under federal law, the employer must obtain the applicant's written authorization before the background check is conducted.
The types of background checks companies do usually depends on the job, but they typically include the following:
Employment Verification
Often a potential employer will contact an applicant's past employers. Many states have laws which prohibit employers from intentionally interfering with former employees' attempts to find jobs by giving out false or misleading references, but a former boss can say anything TRUTHFUL about your performance. However, most companies have a policy to only confirm dates of employment, final salary, and other limited information.
Education Verification
This is done to verify degrees and certifications listed on resumes or applications. Under federal law, specific records such as transcripts and discipline records are confidential and will not be released by schools without the authorization of the student. However, a school may release "directory information," which can include name, address, dates of attendance and degrees earned.
Drug Screening
Many large corporations have a policy to drug-screen all potential employees prior to starting. In this situation, the job offer is contingent on you successfully passing the drug screen.
Credit Checks
This type of check (sometimes called a "consumer report") is most often done by companies where employees have access to money, sensitive personal and financial information. Some employers also use your credit history to gauge your level of responsibility (they believe if you 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 includes information about your former addresses and previous employers. Employers can use this as one way to verify the accuracy of information you provide on an application or resume.
Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.
Criminal and Motor Vehicle Records
These types of background checks are not as common but some companies have a policy of checking criminal records. Although arrest information is a matter of public record, in most states employers cannot normally access the arrest record of a potential employee (there are some exceptions, such as for law enforcement positions). If the arrest resulted in a conviction, that information can be obtained. In general, civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest more than seven years old are not reported (the seven-year limit may not apply to criminal convictions, depending on your state).
Companies check motor vehicle records when positions involve the operation of company vehicles and equipment.
Employment Application Accuracy
Some companies verify the accuracy of the information you provided on the employment application, including what you listed as your most recent salary. When you complete the application make sure all information is accurate.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
Take the following steps to reduce the chances that you and/or the potential employer will be "surprised" by information found during the background check:
1. Order a copy of your credit report. If there is something you do not recognize or that you disagree with, dispute the information with the creditor and/or credit bureau before you have to explain it to the interviewer.
2. Check court records. If you have an arrest record or have been involved in court cases, go to the county where this took place and inspect the files. Make sure the information is correct and up to date.
3. Check DMV records. Request a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, especially if you are applying for a job that involves driving.
4. Do your own background check. If you want to see what an employer's background check might uncover, hire a company that specializes in such reports to conduct one for you. That way, you can discover if the data bases ofinformation vendors contain inaccurate information. Consult 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 about the release of personnel and/or employment information. Most companies limit the amount of information they disclose.
Remember, potential employers can't conduct a background check without your written authorization. You can "just say no." Of course, doing that would give the impression that you have something to hide and almost certainly eliminate you from consideration.
Just be honest about your background. Many employers will hire good candidates that fit their needs even if their backgrounds are less than perfect -- as long as they didn't lie about it.
Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.
When looking for a telecommuting position, it is very important... Read More
As you know by now, if you have been a... Read More
So, you currently have a job but you are looking... Read More
I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Network With People? B)... Read More
Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end... Read More
You've had 3 interviews with a potential employer and they've... Read More
Some people reserve the word "vocation" for religious calling. Contemporary... Read More
TIP: Update your resume often. Be sure to add details... Read More
As a head-hunter and Career Coach I see so many... Read More
Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More
Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More
While you're revamping your resume or cover letter or constructing... Read More
Mention "outsourcing" to a programmer and you may as well... Read More
Unless you are among the luckiest people in the world,... Read More
Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in... Read More
Do you have what it takes to become an FBI... Read More
Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More
If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More
A career consultant can diagnose and overhaul a troubled resume.... Read More
So you noticed the new job board posting on your... Read More
When you hear the word "networking", what comes to your... Read More
If your career has gone off the road, take control... Read More
Despite the President's encouraging words, the job market is still... Read More
After establishing a trusting relationship with the safety officer, it... Read More
The thought of writing a resume intimidates... Read More
Thinking of a career as a proofreader? Then you will... Read More
Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of... Read More
Successful career change is based on first making an honest... Read More
No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More
Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I... Read More
In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires... Read More
There is no easy way to define exactly what editors,... Read More
Is your job search sagging? Are you still looking for... Read More
Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More
Salary and Benefits NegotiationOne of the most difficult aspects of... Read More
A paperweight sits on my desk, etched in... Read More
It has been over twenty five years since I started... Read More
For nine years Jeff worked for company G as an... Read More
Unexpectedly loosing your job can be a very traumatic and... Read More
buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More
Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What... Read More
What is FraudFraud occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally... Read More
According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time... Read More
After completing their translation training programmes at higher professional education... Read More
Warning: Lying on your resume could cost you your job... Read More
"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More
What makes for a rich career? It is more than... Read More
There are several types of online resume formats that can... Read More
In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More
The whole job search effort is completely exhausting and at... Read More
Last article I discussed why a telecommuter would benefit from... Read More
Need a great resume to land that great job coming... Read More
My starting point was how to draw on 25 years... Read More
In today's competitive job market you can't afford a résumé... Read More
Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This... Read More
Most of us interact with our co-workers on a daily... Read More
You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your... Read More
Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an... Read More
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, March 2004 had... Read More
The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More
Are you miserable at your job (or what you are... Read More
1. Select the right type of recruitment partnerDetermine whether you... Read More
If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More
Have any of these situations happened to you? Forgetting your... Read More
Why Lawyers Should Eat Bananas by Simon Tupman is a... Read More
This article relates to the Job Security competency, commonly evaluated... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |