A background check is a process of retrieving information about someone from various sources. This can include everything from criminal records to education history. Employers often conduct background checks on potential employees to ensure they are a good fit for the company. There are several things that employers can find out about you when using a background check service. Here is a look at some of them.
Employment History
When you apply for a job, your potential employer will run a background check to learn more about your previous employment. This is standard procedure when it comes to performing checks on new hires. They want to know where you were employed so they can find out if you are qualified for the position or not. If similar positions are available, this should also ensure that you have enough experience in your field of work.
Criminal Histories
A criminal records check reveals information about any arrests and convictions you may have. It includes misdemeanors, felonies, or traffic violations that could impact your eligibility or ability to get hired for the job opening. Many employers conduct these types of background checks to make sure there are no legal issues surrounding the potential employee. This can also help reduce the risk of any legal liability for hiring someone with a criminal history.
Education History
Your education history includes items like transcripts or diplomas. Employers might run educational background checks to verify that you have met the required level of education they are looking for in their potential employees. They may also want to know more about your grades if they are part of the selection process for certain positions. Your education is usually presented on paper, but it is possible that an employer will request transcripts or other documents as well during the screening process.
Verification/Authorization
Employers may perform employment verification checks if there’s some doubt about whether you provided them information on your job application. For example, they may run a background check if information you provided about previous employment history does not match up. The employer will contact the previous locations to verify the dates of employment you have provided. They can also do this type of check to validate your authorization for employment in the country if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Credit History
Many employers may run credit background checks to determine your history with money. Information such as bankruptcies, wage attachments, and other public records related to your financial standing can all be found in a credit report. Employers may also be interested in the type of debt you have accumulated or if there are any delinquent payments on bills that could impact your ability to do certain tasks for them.
Driving Records/Motor Vehicle Record
A driving record is a compilation of information about an individual’s driving history and experience behind the wheel. This would include items like accidents and violations. Many employers conduct motor vehicle record checks on potential employees who will be driving company cars during business hours. They need to they can trust you when it comes to driving because it could impact not only your life but also the other parties involved.
A motor vehicle record check reveals what vehicles you may own and if you have any accidents or violations associated with them. Employers might ask for this information if they’re considering hiring you to drive company cars during business hours. This type of background check is crucial in larger companies that use a fleet of vehicles. You’ll want to make sure that the driving history and experience on your record don’t affect your ability to get hired by an employer.
Personal and Professional References
The references you list on your resume are the ones most likely to be contacted during a background check. Employers want to know more about who is recommending you for employment so they can get an idea of what type of person you are. They may call these people or send them letters if they are considering hiring you for the job opening.
Professional Licenses/Certificates
Many employers run background checks that include verifying whether potential employees have professional licenses and certificates. This helps ensure that their workers have all of the required credentials, which could affect liability in certain cases. The employer will contact the issuing agency of your license or certification to verify that it is valid and active according to their records. If not, this might be an indicator that you might not have all of the required qualifications for employment.
Conclusion
Having a clean background check can be very useful when applying for a job. You want to make sure you give the best impression possible on paper and in your interview (if given one). This will help increase your chances of getting hired, which is what you want. However, if the employer finds something out about you, they don’t like or didn’t ask for, that could lead to them not offering you the position and moving on to somebody else who is more qualified. It’s always important to know exactly what information they’re looking for during their background check and try your best to meet their expectations.