What Happens When A Potential Employer Does a Background Check on You?

Well, it depends on the employer.

Employers have to be selective when it comes to hiring staff. With so many people applying for jobs, performing a background check is one way for them to weed through all of the applications.

The background check can simply be to see if you have a criminal record or it can go full scale. An employer may look to see if you have a criminal record, what your credit history looks like, past employment, college transcripts, and/or your DMV (driving) record.

The important thing to remember is that you need to be honest with your employer when filling out your job application. If you are aware that there is damaging information from your past, whether it be criminal or credit-related, it’s best to let them know ahead of time.  This will give you a chance to explain any mishaps from your past.

How should you present damaging information to a potential employer?

If they are going to do a background check on you, they are required to get your permission in writing. You will be asked to fill out a form that will ask for information such as your address, drivers license number, and social security number. Some employers will ask you at that point if there is anything they should be on the lookout for, some may not.

This is the best time to bring up anything that could cause concern. Always be honest in explaining your situation. Background checks have become more sophisticated in recent years and you may cause more damage if you lie.

Keep in mind that some employers will be understanding and some will not. Given the recent economic crisis, they may be more flexible than usual if you have a few dings on your credit. However, if you have something in your history that is from a criminal act, it may be harder to convince the employer to hire you but you may have a better shot if you are honest with them from the beginning.

What do you think?  Should potential employers be allowed to do a background check on you?  Have you ever been turned down for something that came up in a background check?

We welcome your comments below.