Background checks are downright nerve wracking. Employers typically request them when you're pretty close to being hired, and even model employees can get sweaty palms wondering if they've overlooked something that will stand between them and the job they want.
For applicants with a slightly tarnished history, the stress is even greater. But you may be able to relax: depending on what, when and where it happened, the information keeping you up at night may never even cross your boss's desk.
We're going to let you in on all the secrets: what background checks cover, why a potential employer wants to know this stuff in the first place and what you can do about it.
Who usually requires background checks, and why?
There are two main reasons employers want background checks: personal safety and financial security.
Personal safety factors in whenever a job gives you access to, or control over, other people. Correctional officers, security guards, airline careers and some construction jobs are just a few of the many positions where employers need to know who you are before they bring you on board. Aspiring daycare providers, teacher's assistants and bus drivers take note: if you want to work with children you can bank on a background check.
While most people mean well, it only takes one dishonest employee to spell financial disaster for an employer– which leads us to the second major reason for background checks: financial security. Jobs that have access to large sums of money, small valuables or that put people in positions where they might be offered bribes are often subject to background checks. This includes jobs like bank tellers, jewelry retail and electronics sales positions. Planning to work in a hospital? Plan to pass a background check. Most people wouldn't dream of taking medical supplies from the people who need them, but employers need to be sure they don't hire someone who would.
What does a typical background check include?
Simple background checks confirm your Social Security Number, while high-level security clearance can include an investigator who visits your friends and acquaintances to grill them about the only subject they have in common: you.
In most cases, background checks include:
- Employment history– who you worked for and when.
- Financial history– bankruptcies, credit score, tax liens etc.
- Criminal history– if you've been in court for it, it's probably here.
So what won't be included?
- Education, medical and military service records - without your consent, employers cannot access this information (though you may be asked to allow them to research it).
- That one night you spent in jail 23 years ago -- state laws vary, but some have limits on how long an offense is included in your background summary (provided you served your sentence).
What can you do to improve your chances of employment?
Do your homework; you can order a background check on yourself for between $20 and $50. Seeing the results gives you a chance to prepare for questions from your employer, as well as ensuring the information is correct. Background checks aren't 100 percent accurate, and you certainly don't want your job prospect to take the fall for someone's clerical error.
Don't like what you see? Don't worry. Even if you think your background check disqualifies you for certain positions, that knowledge can help you focus on the jobs you're more likely to land (saving you time and energy). Once you've got a new job, use that opportunity to begin building an employment history that will help you get hired next time.
About Amy White
Hi, I have been applying for a job like crazy!! I have gotten a lot of “ur not the right fit for us right now” even tho they had like 12 openings in my area?? Retail. We (my sister & I had a small retail business) went under from the recession and no business but, all along we kept on buying new different items, which meant we were digging the hole bigger! So now when I apply I tell the truth on forms – ‘closed and debt’ as y I am not there. If they check my credit oh boy, bad bad. All of the business stuff was in my name credit cards, bills, buildings all, then I have my own house and bills which are affected too. So, when I am told no or hear nothing back from potential employers, I do not know if it is because of my age 52, all my debt or something else? I worked hard all my life never had any trouble with the law , only had 2 or 3 speeding tickets long ago and until the recession had pretty good credit. oh yea I was recently told that 1 of my daughters vehicle tickets?? was put on my license, how the heck! It is so bad for me I have to file bankruptcy. Most of these forms have no place to leave a comment, so after reading ur’s now I guess that could be another reason. Oh hell, I’ve applied for backroom warehouse jobs, assembly, almost anything (no cooking, selling insurance) I already lost our store building and have had utilities shut off, just waiting to see what is next! All I know is that I have to keep this internet alive! I wont run my truck to places, but this I will and stay home. Well I chewed your ear off enough and God will only give me what I can handle. But my shoulders are about to break.. Thanks so much if your read this, I feel a lil better. Have a great night/day
Donna
Have you tried applying with your local career development center which is usually affiliated with the unemployment office. I do know they have special programs to help assist (older) applicants in employment opportunities. They may also have resources to aid you in recovering from your previous credit issues. I am 34 and share some of your concerns. Good Luck !
Donna- I’m not sure where you live, so this may or may not, help you. For me and my friends, our biggest problem concerning employment is we all have a criminal record, which we know means certain companies just wont hire us. But, fortunately, in Southern California, there are a few “fail-safes”. We have something called a PennySaver, and it is a little publication that comes out every week, and offers current, local, goods and services, Rentals, etc. Well in the back there are a few offers for employment that are essentially guaranteed, but the jobs rough. They are for companies like Closet World, Kirby, and stuff like that. I guess depending on where you live, you may have no idea what I’m talking about. Well, good luck, I don’t feel I’ve been too helpful.
It’s scary. With the birth and development of the Internet personal public records have become far more accessible and visible than they've ever been. People are making important decisions about you based on a background check. Your credit score, your insurance rates, and even whether you get a loan or a job can be determined by a Public Records Database Search… Good content. thank you.
It’s scary. With the birth and development of the Internet personal Public records have become far more accessible and visible than they've ever been. People are making important decisions about the "real you" based on your “Virtual you”. Your credit score, your insurance rates, and even whether you get a loan or a job can be determined by a Public Records Database Search. Good content. Thanks.
Hi, to any concerned person r sumone who can help.. i have a back round that clearly states that i have had a problem with putting my hand on thing that wern’t mines.. Im all grown up and have came to realise that i cant get work any where i apply to… Hum i have open warrents that im afraid to go take care of cause i dont have any money. I’m crying out to God and any one willing to help me to get my backround together.. so i could provide a better life for me n my kid… Baton Rouge, La….