04/01/2020
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Prepare for the pre-employment background checks that companies frequently carry out on potential employees. These include an employment credit check, a pre-employment criminal background check, employment reference check, and driving record check.
How to Prepare for Employment Background Screening
When you know that the employer will conduct pre-employment background checks take these steps.
1. Get a copy of your credit report
Request a copy of your credit report and check that the information given in this employment background check is accurate and up to date.
If there is wrong information you can dispute it with the credit reporting agency and the information provider before having to explain it to the employer.
Latest Update: The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for no cost from each of the three national reporting companies—Experian, Equifax and Transunion—every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission has issued the following statement:
-- "AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law."
They suggest that consumers should avoid TV ads, email offers and search results that offer "free" credit reports. There is only this one authorized source for a truly free credit report.
The Federal Trade Commission offers this excellent advice when requesting your free credit report:
-- "You have the option to request all three reports at once (from the three national reporting companies) or to order one report at a time. By requesting the reports separately you can monitor your credit more frequently through the year."
2. Check your motor vehicle record
You can get a copy of your driving record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a particularly relevant aspect of employment background screening if the job involves driving.
3. Check court records
If you have a record of arrest or have been involved in a court case you can go to the county where this happened and check the files.
Ensure the details are accurate and updated for any employment criminal background checks that may be conducted.
You can also request a copy of your criminal history record or FBI Identification Record in order to review or challenge the information.
4. Stick to the facts
Make sure your resume and job application are accurate and factual. The chances of wrong information being discovered in an employment history background check are very high. Your potential employer is likely to conduct an employment reference check as part of the employment background screening process.
How many years do they go back for a background check?
Employers conducting a background check on a job applicant will typically request a seven year history. Bear in mind that some states allow a 10 year history to be submitted. The number of years a background screening can go back can also depend on the job type and the salary.
Julia Penny has many years experience in recruitment and career management. She offers an insider's perspective to help job seekers succeed in their job search and job interviews at Best Job Interview.
© 2020 Julia Penny
The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.