When you looking for a new job, it is important to be aware of the types of background checks employers may require in order for you to be hired for the job. Depending on the type of job you are applying for and the company, a potential employer can do a background check, a credit check, driving record check and even a worker's compensation check. With all of this screening, it is crucial that you prepare yourself and make sure that you know what the employer will see. This allows you a chance to clean up any negative items before they see them.
Here are some tips for preparing for a background screening.
- Order a copy of your credit report- Everyone is entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies. These are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. If you visit each company's website, you can find the links to get your copy. Be careful, there are many companies that tell you they will give you a free copy if you sign up for their credit monitoring service. This isn't necessary just to see your report.
- Check court records- If you have ever been arrested for anything, check with the clerk of courts in the place you were arrested and find out if it is still on your record. The clerk's office will also let you know if you are able to have the records removed. Even if you think that an arrest was expunged or dismissed, make sure that the court thinks so as well.
- Check your driving record- Especially if the job you want requires you to drive a company vehicle, it is important to get a copy of your driving record. If you have ever been charged with a DUI, remember that this is not considered a minor traffic offense. You will have to report it on your application when they ask if you have ever been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor of felony that is not a minor traffic offense. If you don't, and the employer finds out, they will consider you to have been dishonest.
- Hire a Background Check Company- If you are able to, it is a good idea to hire a background check company to do a check on you. That way, you will be able to see almost anything that the potential employer will see. There are many companies online that do these checks and typically they aren't very expensive.
- Tell your friends and neighbors- Make sure to let your family, friends and neighbors know that you are looking for a job and will be having background checks done. Depending on the job, some employers will talk with them to find out more information about you as part of the background check.
- Clean up your online presence- Make sure you don't have any incriminating pictures on your Facebook profile. It can be a good idea to do a Google search on your name to see what information is out there. Clean up any social networking profiles you have and don't forget about your Amazon wish list or Netflix comments etc. It is easy to overlook accounts that may have information you don't want to share with your employer.
Being prepared is a big step in making sure that you don't miss out on the job you want because of the background check. Take the time to make sure that there won't be any surprises and you can rest a little easier during your job search.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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