What Does Your Background Check Say About You?

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


In today's job search, it is safe to expect that every potential employer will perform a background check of some sort before offering you a position. Most candidates think of background checks as criminal history checks, but today's background checks can cover much more information than just criminal records. Here are a few common things the employer may check for.

Criminal History

A criminal records check is the most common form of background check and is especially important for positions that require trust and integrity, such as teachers, law enforcement and financial officers. The presence of a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you from the running, but it does depend on the nature of the offense, the type of job and the employer's discretion. Violent or sexual offenders, those convicted of theft or deception, and repeat offenders will have the most trouble finding employers who will give them a chance.

Credit History

While not every employer will look into your credit history as part of the hiring process, the practice is becoming more common, especially with background checks for financial positions such as accountant, bookkeeper or controller. If you are buried in debt or have multiple accounts in collection, that is a major red flag for potential employers, as it makes you appear too irresponsible to handle their finances. Though credit history checking is controversial, and there are efforts to make the practice illegal, it is still commonly used to screen candidates for certain positions that involve key responsibilities.

Driving Record

Not every employer will look into your driving record as part of a background check, but it is to be expected for certain positions. If the job requires operating a vehicle or the use of a company car, it makes sense to check your driving record. One speeding ticket or another minor violation probably won't hurt your chances, but if there is evidence of driving while intoxicated or multiple moving violations, you can expect the hiring manager to throw out your application.

Work History

Many background checks involve verification of previous employment and education, and rightfully so. Candidates routinely embellish or downright lie on their resumes and applications, so a thorough records check is an effective way to uncover discrepancies in an applicant's history. It is always a good idea to be honest on your resume. Even a small lie can cost you a position, as companies don't want to hire someone they view as dishonest.

If you have a blemish or two on your record, the best way to handle it is to be upfront about it with the potential employer during the hiring process. No one is perfect, and if the background check reveals a minor flaw or two, it is not a deal breaker for most employers, especially if the candidate has a good explanation and is otherwise a great fit for the job.


Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • Larry M.
    Larry M.

    Agree. Firms in order to be successful must employee personnel who have integrity. Integrity is how you conduct yourself when no one is looking.

  • Catherine P.
    Catherine P.

    No problem. I had to have a background check and fingerprints for my childcare job.

  • Quincy b.
    Quincy b.

    good

  • christine d.
    christine d.

    I DEFINATELY AGREE HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK,

  • Rickie P.
    Rickie P.

    I think employers should have to "apply" to the candidate. Disclose things like how often payroll is wrong or incorrect, some references of former employees etc. They can lie better than applicants can.

  • SHERRI H.
    SHERRI H.

    I believe if you have a criminal background employer's will not consider you as an employee even though they say they are an eoe.. Like Mr Stephen said people learn from their mistakes.. If I had my own business I would look at each person by a case by case because I believe they can change their lives if they are given a second chance. If people/ companies can stop stereotype this might be a little bit better world.. Just because if one person does something wrong doesn't mean that whole race is like that, guess I am one of a kind I look each person individually this is a color world not black & white... I will make sure my children are raised the same way.. It only takes one person to start something good... That's my opinion and I know there is a lot of negative people out there I just stay away from those kind and bring myself and my family around positive... Good things do come out from that... We are all one god made us like that...

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks @Sherri. It truly is unfortunate that our credit scores can keep us from getting jobs. However, in your case, you can explain it away - if asked. In today's world, a larger percentage of the population have bad credit due to the economy. Employers know this and understand. I think that criminal behavior is more what they look for - unless you are seeking a financial position. If you are, then you will need to explain that the issues happened due to circumstances beyond your control. I agree that people should be given a second chance. @Stephen, I truly believe in "what goes around comes around".

  • Stephen D.
    Stephen D.

    Yes, this is extremely unfortunate since most people learn from their respective past experiences and mistakes, while others who may have been simply lucky continuing in their nefarious activities and poor behavior, thus non-repentant and actually will post remarks as the bullies of the atoned on the never forgiving www

  • SHERRI H.
    SHERRI H.

    I agree I do not like how people judge you do to your background your past is your past... How do they know how you will be in the future... I had a bad divorce which made my credit bad but that doesn't mean I don't have great work ethic's.... I believe people should be given a second chance in life...

  • MICHAEL B.
    MICHAEL B.

    You have that one correct!

  • ZEN0 C0LLINS C.
    ZEN0 C0LLINS C.

    You can't convinced any one how truthful and honest you ar" our lives is like abook u can't predict next page"" everyone deserve chance in a lifetime..

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