Employers usually conduct background checks as part of the employment process. But, do you know that you can utilize this for your benefit as a prospective employee?
When performing personal background checks, you can see what kind of information is out there and make sure it’s giving the right impression. With an accurate and detailed background check, you will know what a prospective employer and others can see about you online.
Can I Do A Background Check On Myself?
Yes, you can perform a background check on yourself using various sources, like online background check services, public records databases and official government websites.
The results of a personal background check will show you what information is publicly available to others. By conducting a background check on yourself, you can review the information that potential employers, landlords, or others might see when they conduct background checks on you.
This can help you identify any inaccuracies or discrepancies in your records and take steps to correct them if necessary. For example, suppose something about your background is holding you back as a candidate. You can craft an explanation that gives the employer more information or clarifies the situation.
Also, by conducting a background on yourself you can find out if someone has stolen your information or whether you share a name with someone who could taint your search results. At the same point, you can fix any mistake you find by contacting the appropriate departments, websites, and databases (depending on the nature of the mistake).
Additionally, these results allows you to be prepared to address any questions that may arise during job applications, rental applications, or other situations where a background check may be conducted. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of these background check services and to use reputable sources to ensure the accuracy and legality of the information obtained.
Need a Background Check?
Get StartedHow To Run A Background Check On Yourself
Any company you apply to may examine your references when you submit a job application. After they have finished, you can request the results from the employer or screening agency to evaluate the information with more context.
However, if you want to examine your online history or public records on your own, you can run a personal background check by following the steps below.
1. Look Up Your Social Security Number
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is often required by employers who want to perform background checks. It helps employers verify your identity and look up all kinds of information about you, such as your credit history, the places you’ve lived, and sometimes even the medical conditions that you have. You can also look up your Social Security Number online to see exactly what potential employers see.
2. Check Your Credit Report
A potential employer may look at your credit report when conducting a background check. You can also examine this data on your own by requesting a credit report from the major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Many will provide you with one free credit report annually.
Companies may also get a credit report to confirm your identity or investigate your financial background. Certain employers use this data to measure a candidate’s fiscal responsibility.
But, they can only pull this information from background check providers that abide by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Additionally, prospective employers cannot do a background check credit report without your consent according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
3. Criminal History
Many employers conduct criminal background checks on prospective employees as well. This type of background check may reveal past criminal activity, such as arrest records and criminal charges either on the federal level or state level.
You can request your criminal records from the relevant courts, prison authorities, or corrections department to discover exactly what information is provided to employers.
4. Look Into Your Driving Records
Even though not all companies look at it, your driving records could appear in a pre-employment background check. When employers require driving, they often look for such details. Transportation services need to know that they are hiring drivers who will be trustworthy, conscientious, and careful with their motor vehicles. But, the employer needs your consent to run a report like this, just like a credit check.
You can also get a copy of your driving record from the DMV in your state. You can view this information either online or visit one of their offices in-person and request a copy. The cost of obtaining a copy of your driving record will depend on your state.
You may also want to check with any other states where you’ve held a driver’s license in the last few years.
4. Employment Record
Job applications usually require candidates to provide details about their work history. You can verify your employment history by contacting your previous employers. Other options include getting your social security file, tax returns, and credit reports to learn more about your employment background.
5. Academic Record
Some prospective employers request transcripts from the schools you have attended. They may request details about your academic background, such as where you went to college and a general academic overview, to get a better understanding of your educational background. You can check your transcripts by contacting the academic institution(s) you attended to verify their accuracy.
6. Confirm Your Past Addresses
Some employers check a candidate’s past and current address during employment background checks. Address details are useful for authenticating your identity. This information can also corroborate information found in other databases about your driving and criminal histories. You can use your credit reports, tax data, and other public documents to confirm which past addresses will be accessible to an employer.
7. Examine Your Online Profiles
Many employers nowadays check the social media presence of prospective employees. They care about their own online reputation and want to make sure their staff doesn’t do anything to harm it. Therefore, your social media accounts should not display or link you to any illegal, violent, aggressive, or harassing content.
Review your existing social media profiles and make any necessary modifications or updates. Additionally, keep an eye on public profile social media accounts that you follow to maintain a good name for yourself. You can also try searching for your name or common online aliases to discover past profiles. If you discover outdated profiles that you’d rather keep hidden from employers, you can always try to delete them permanently.
Background Check FAQs
What Information Will an Employment Background Checks Show?
Employment background checks will aim to verify your identity, employment history, education, criminal history, financial background, references, and more.
Why Does Someone’s Background Get a “Red Flag”?
Inconsistencies in your work or school history, as well as criminal histories and arrests, are the most prevalent reasons for red flags on a background check. Inaccurate employment histories, negative drug tests, suspicious online profiles, poor credit, and negative recommendations can also bring warning signs.
Can a Person With a Criminal History Get Hired?
Many businesses hire those with criminal backgrounds. Much of the decision will come down to the nature of the crime, its relevance to the position sought, the length of time that has passed since the conviction, and whether or not the candidate was exonerated from the offence. Plus, discrimination against job applicants because of their criminal records is illegal under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. People with convictions should be given the same opportunities to work.
Why Do Companies Conduct Background Checks?
Background checks are often considered crucial because they allow businesses to reduce their exposure to risk throughout the hiring process and to develop a reliable workforce. A solid background check result allows for more rational, well-informed, and sound employment judgments. They also help make the workplace secure for everyone there.
Can I Do a Level 2 Background Check on Myself?
Yes, in many cases, you can request a level 2 background check on yourself. Level 2 background checks typically involve more extensive searches, including criminal history records, employment history, and other relevant information. You may need to contact a background check service or government agency authorized to conduct level 2 background checks in your jurisdiction to initiate the process. Be prepared to provide necessary identification and possibly pay a fee for the service.
Key Takeaways
The importance of self-background checks cannot be overemphasized. Every time you apply for a new job or look for a new place to live, someone may perform a background check.
An employer or landlord can look into your personal history by conducting a background check report. Foreseeing the information that could pop up can help you avoid unpleasant surprises, while also giving you time to prepare a response. Follow the steps above to perform a personal background check and you’ll be good to go!
Published : March 26,2024
Published : March 26,2024