Maybe you are applying for a job and know that a background check is coming soon.It is a good idea to verify your legal and financial records so that you are aware of what is out there.You have legal rights during this process.If there is any negative information in the report, you will have a chance to respond.It's important to give accurate information during a background check.
Step 1: If you've been involved in a court case, you should get a copy of your criminal and civil court records.
If you have been arrested, sued, divorced or involved in any other legal proceedings, this will apply to you.Depending on which state you live in, this process will be different.The court clerk's office should be able to help you.You can find the court where your case was filed by looking at the website of your state judicial department.You may have to pay a small fee to get copies of the court records.The amount of time it takes to get your records will vary depending on the court.All information on these records should be accurate.
Step 2: It is possible to have your record expunged.
A conviction will be wiped from your record if you have it expunged.If you were a juvenile when the event occurred or if the arrest was made in error, this is done.The incident won't show up on a background check if the records are sealed.Depending on where you live, the laws about expunging records vary.You can start looking forsealing and expunging in the U.S. by visiting your state's website and using the search function.
Step 3: You can get a copy of your credit report.
Your credit report contains information such as your name, address, how you pay your bills, and whether or not you have ever filed for bankruptcy.Three major credit reporting agencies are in the U.S.They have to give you a free credit report once a year.The reports can be ordered online at annualcreditreport.com.The reporting agency can be contacted if there is an error.It is possible that you will be asked to provide supporting documentation.
Step 4: It's time to clean up your digital footprint.
Your digital footprint is made up of information on the internet.You should learn what is out there and make any necessary changes before the background check.You can search yourself.If you find information you don't want to see, ask the site administrator to take it down.If it is a post by a friend, ask them to remove it.Ensure that you have the strictest settings applied to your social media accounts by updating your privacy settings.You should not post things that a potential employer would not want to see.Don't post personal information, or fight with an internet troll.
Step 5: Do you have professional licenses and certificates?
Check with the issuing agency to make sure that your records match theirs if your profession requires you to hold a license.Depending on where you live, this process will vary.You can get started in the U.S. by going to your state's.gov website.If you live in Indiana, you can go to in.gov and click on the tab that says "License" to see your options for requesting and viewing licenses.
Step 6: Your reference information needs to be updated.
If you choose to list references on your resume, make sure you give up to date phone numbers and email addresses.When applying for a job, you should have this information handy.You don't want a prospective employer to know that you have an out of date phone number.If you are using them as a reference, it is a good idea to give people a heads up.
Step 7: What will and won't be checked.
It is possible that your credit report and criminal record will be checked.Many people worry that their political affiliation will keep them from getting a job.Your credit report and court records won't reveal who you are.A potential employer might be able to find information about you on social media, so take care with your posts.In some states, that information is public record.If you think you've been denied a job because of politics, you can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Office.It's against the law in the United States to discriminate on this basis.You won't see a workers' comp claim on your background check.These records are public in some states.An employer can't see them until they make you a job offer.
Step 8: Be honest.
Ask the questions and get the information you want.A background check will show discrepancies if you lie on your application or resume.If a prospective employer knows that you have been dishonest, they might not hire you.
Step 9: Provide complete answers.
All sections of the application should be filled in.A prospective employer might see a blank blank as a red flag.If you are asked to provide your work history for the last 9 years, don't just give information from the past 5 years.
Step 10: Make sure your information is up to date.
All fields should have updated information.If you left a job recently, you should note the end date on your resume.Updating your resume should include your most recent degrees, awards, and promotions.It's a good idea to state your current job title.
Step 11: You should be prepared to explain any negative information.
If the employer is concerned about your ability to do the job, be prepared to explain why.You may have been arrested in college for making a loud noise.Explain that you have matured and that it was a youthful indiscretion.It is against the law to refuse to hire someone based on their political activity or national origin.If you think you have been discriminated against, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.If your background check reveals information that would keep you from doing a good job, your employer can refuse to hire you.If you apply for a job as a driver, but you've been convicted of vehicular manslaughter, the employer doesn't have to hire you.
Step 12: The background check needs to be reviewed.
If you are not hired because of something that shows up in your background check, you have the right to ask the prospective employer for a copy of the report.They have to give you contact information for the agency that conducted the report.Look over the report with care.If something is incorrect, contact the reporting company and ask them to fix it.You will need to give evidence of the error.