Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly focusing on effective background checks, including reference checks and criminal history checks. Without running a background check, an employer only has access to the data the candidate has provided, and they face the risk of making a less-than-optimal hiring decision.
When faced with the prospect of undergoing a background check, job candidates can get nervous. Often, there is no reason at all to be anxious. However, when you don’t have information about what a background check does, the fear of the unknown understandably takes over.
This article will shed light on the strategies you can adopt to stop a background check from ruining your chances of snagging the job of your dreams.
What information will your potential employer get?
Background checks provide a full picture of a candidate, which can help in the following ways:
- Preserve company reputation and brand image
- Avoid workplace harassment and safety issues
- Prevent theft and other criminal activity
- Hire the most qualified people and improve productivity
With some notable exceptions, a background check might reveal the following details:
- Employment history
- Education history
- Criminal history
- Financial history and credit report
- Misappropriated ID
- Driving records
Not every job requires all of this information. For instance, the candidate won’t need to provide information about their driving history if they don’t have to operate a vehicle at the position they’re applying for. What’s more, different federal and state laws determine when and whether you can assess someone’s financial or criminal history information.
The importance of a high-quality background screening is not limited to the above. Here are some things you can do to make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming background check.
1. Be prepared to clarify anomalies
If your background has a few spots here and there, be prepared to be asked about them. When you expect the questions, an employer is less likely to catch you off guard.
2. Know what they’re looking for
Find out what your potential employer might be looking for in advance. Ask their HR department or the recruiter what information or documents you must provide for the background check to make their job easier. Generally, employers aren’t looking for negative information; they just want to avoid hiring the wrong person for the job.
3. Inform yourself about drug laws
Some jobs in healthcare mandate candidates to take a drug test. Check what substances are allowed and what substances aren’t in your state. Make sure you can explain why you are taking certain prescription drugs if they aren’t legal. Being direct and honest makes a successful outcome far more likely.
4. Ask previous employers for employment record copies
Regardless of your state, you’re entitled to ask for copies of your employment records. This strategy will help you avoid any potentially uncomfortable interview questions connected to reference checks or employment history.
5. Have a look at your credit report
Jobs in finance come with the requirement to check financial history, especially if the job involves handling funds. What’s more, employers tend to perceive financial history as something telling of a prospective employee’s character.
To know what your financial background entails, request a free copy of your credit report from one of the three leading credit bureaus. If something on it seems wrong, contact the associated parties. You might want to dispute items on that document, but you should check your credit regularly because dispute procedures can be lengthy. While no employer may check your credit score, they have the right to access your credit report.
6. Familiarize yourself with employment laws
If you’re applying for remote work, you need to be familiar with the laws that your potential employer is observing. If the job is out of state, do research on the local laws to avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. Do a self-background check
It’s worth investing in a personal background check. You’ll be asked for your full name and Social Security number, among other basic personal details. You can address potential problems if you know what will appear on your background check report in advance. Detecting and addressing false information and other errors ahead of time can stop the background check from ruining your chances.
Be ready to discuss any accurate and negative information rather than going with the flow. You can explain any extenuating circumstances which might change the employer’s perception of you for the better.
It’s much easier to get the job if you’re prepared with the most suitable information for their background screening and you’re ready to explain any problems in your background.
