Many employers run background checks when they're hiring new employees. Whether this is because they're concerned about a potential red flag or not, you should disclose any relevant information. Let's look at what employers can learn from a standard background check.
Employers Will likely do a Background Check on you
When you are applying for a new job, employers will likely run a background check on you. These background checks may cover your credit history and previous employers. This may help them determine if you're responsible and have been paying your bills on time. It also helps them find out if you have a criminal record. You should be open and honest about your past.
If you're concerned about background checks, you should schedule a conversation with your potential employer and prepare your answers ahead of time. You should also update your references to reflect any recent changes. It's also important to make sure that they have not shared damaging information. In addition, you should contact your previous employers and ask for a copy of their personnel file.
They Can Reveal Your Criminal History
Background checks are common in the world of employment and can help employers determine whether you are a good candidate for a position. They search national and county records for incidents, including felony and misdemeanor convictions. Fortunately, these records do not automatically mean that you will be rejected from a job opportunity, and ban-the-box laws are in place to protect against discrimination based on criminal history.
There are many types of background checks available, but the most common are county criminal records searches. A fingerprint-based background check can reveal any arrests, military service records, federal employment records, and naturalization records. Fingerprint-based background checks are used in most industries and are required by law in many states. However, pandemic states and other jurisdictions have waived this requirement.
They Can Reveal Your Driving History
Many employers now do background checks on applicants for jobs - this includes driving history. Whether you're looking for a job in a public transportation company or a private company that transports goods, this information can help the employer decide whether you're a safe driver.
Motor vehicle reports are easy to order and contain detailed information about a person's driving history. These records may include violations, accidents, and license suspensions, depending on your state. They may also include personal information, including current and former addresses and even maiden names and marital status.
Employers Will Look at Your Social Media
In addition to looking at your resume and work experience, employers will check your social media to make sure you're a good fit for the company. Studies show that nearly forty-five percent of employers check social media to find out about prospective hires before making an offer. Social media can reveal much about your personality and qualifications beyond your resume. This is why it's important to clean up your social media before you start applying for jobs.
While it's impossible to know exactly what employers are looking for, they will check your social media pages if they're public. Some employers will also check your private profiles. If an employer requests your personal details on a job application form, it's best to pull your application and look elsewhere.
Background Checks Don't Reveal Employment History
If you're looking for employment, you may be wondering whether background checks will reveal any information about your past employment. They will not. Background checks are designed to reveal criminal history and other relevant information, but they do not contain any information about your employment history.
However, employers may contact your previous employer to verify your dates of employment and job title. However, they will not receive any information about your performance or reasons for leaving the company.
Background Check Summary
Background checks are also used to verify employment, identity, and education. Some employers even conduct drug tests as part of their screening process. The type of screening varies by industry, but most background checks will include a search for criminal activity and financial background information, including driving records. A future employer can request your previous employers' contact information for these background checks.
Conclusion
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process, but they don't necessarily reflect everything about you. If you have a clean criminal history and your social media is up to date, you should be in good shape. However, if you have any concerns, it's always best to speak with an experienced employment attorney.
