The Background On Background Checks
n one of my past lives I it's in the company's best
held a Top Secret clearance financial self-interest to find
as a Civil Service employee out if that person has done
working for the Air Force. So I anything in the past which might
am familiar with background indicate future problems.
checks. But many job seekers are
not. Here's a little background 3. Child abuse and abductions
on background checks... have resulted in new laws in
almost every state that require
More companies are doing criminal background checks for
background checks on potential anyone who works with children.
employees these days than ever
before. Why? Here are justa few 4. The September 11th attacks
of the reasons: have resulted in heightened
security and
1. Studies show that 30-40% of identity-verification strategies
all job applicants put false by many employers.
information on their resumes or
applications, and "exaggerate" 5. In addition, many state and
their qualifications during federal government jobs require a
interviews. Can you blame background check, and depending
employers for wanting to verify on the kind of job, may require
claims made by desperate job an extensive investigation for a
seekers? security clearance.
2. Lawsuits for "negligent So there are several reasons why
hiring" are on the rise. If an employers perform background
employee's actions hurt someone, checks.
the employer may be liable. So
when considering an applicant, Under federal law, the employer
must obtain the applicant's resumes or applications. Under
written authorization before the federal law, specific records
background check is conducted. such as transcripts and
discipline records are
The types of background checks confidential and will not be
companies do usually depends on released by schools without the
the job, but they typically authorization of the student.
include the following: However, a school may release
"directory information," which
Employment Verification can include name, address, dates
of attendance and degrees earned.
Often a potential employer will
contact an applicant's past
employers. Many states have laws Drug Screening
which prohibit employers from
intentionally interfering with Many large corporations have a
former employees' attempts to policy to drug-screen all
find jobs by giving out false or potential employees prior to
misleading references, but a starting. In this situation, the
former boss can say anything job offer is contingent on you
TRUTHFUL about your performance. successfully passing the drug
However, most companies have a screen.
policy to only confirm dates of
employment, final salary, and Credit Checks
other limited information.
This type of check (sometimes
Education Verification called a "consumer report") is
most often done by companies
This is done to verify degrees where employees have access to
and certifications listed on money, sensitive personal and
financial information. Some Although arrest information is a
employers also use your credit matter of public record, in most
history to gauge your level of states employers cannot normally
responsibility (they believe if access the arrest record of a
you are not reliable in paying potential employee (there are
your bills, then you will not be some exceptions, such as for law
a reliable employee). enforcement positions). If the
arrest resulted in a conviction,
In addition to your payment that information can be obtained.
history, a credit report In general, civil suits, civil
typically includes information judgments, and records of arrest
about your former addresses and more than seven years old are not
previous employers. Employers can reported (the seven-year limit
use this as one way to verify the may not apply to criminal
accuracy of information you convictions, depending on your
provide on an application or state).
resume.
Companies check motor vehicle
Federal law prohibits employers records when positions involve
from discriminating against the operation of company vehicles
applicants because they have and equipment.
filed for bankruptcy.
Employment Application Accuracy
Criminal and Motor Vehicle
Records Some companies verify the
accuracy of the information you
These types of background checks provided on the employment
are not as common but some application, including what you
companies have a policy of listed as your most recent
checking criminal records. salary. When you complete the
application make sure all copy of your driving record from
information is accurate. the Department of Motor Vehicles,
especially if you are applying
What Can You Do to Prepare? for a job that involves driving.
Take the following steps to 4. Do your own background check.
reduce the chances that you If you want to see what an
and/or the potential employer employer's background check might
will be "surprised" by uncover, hire a company that
information found during the specializes in such reports to
background check: conduct one for you. That way,
you can discover if the data
1. Order a copy of your credit bases ofinformation vendors
report. If there is something you contain inaccurate information.
do not recognize or that you Consult the Yellow Pages under
disagree with, dispute the "Investigators," or use one of
information with the creditor the many online search services
and/or credit bureau before you to find a service.
have to explain it to the
interviewer. 5. Ask if your former employer
has a policy about the release of
2. Check court records. If you personnel and/or employment
have an arrest record or have information. Most companies limit
been involved in court cases, go the amount of information they
to the county where this took disclose.
place and inspect the files. Make
sure the information is correct Remember, potential employers
and up to date. can't conduct a background check
without your written
3. Check DMV records. Request a authorization. You can "just say
no." Of course, doing that would background. Many employers will
give the impression that you have hire good candidates that fit
something to hide and almost their needs even if their
certainly eliminate you from backgrounds are less than perfect
consideration. -- as long as they didn't lie
about it.
Just be honest about your
About the Author:
Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular "Job Interview Success System" and free ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other career-building resources and tips at her website: www.best-interview-strategies.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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