Written by : Stephane Bandeira
Published : September 27,2022
Published : September 27,2022
table Of Content
Can I Do A Background Check On Myself?

Written by : Stephane Bandeira
Published : September 27,2022
Published : September 27,2022
table Of Content
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.
This article will teach you how to conduct a background check on yourself, why you should conduct one, and how to do it. Then, you can better navigate the process of conducting a background check for yourself and further understand the data sources being used for these checks.
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 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.
Use a Professional Background Check Service
You don’t have to spend hours on the internet to run a background check yourself. You can easily use a professional background check service to conduct the background check for you.
Several online providers offer the tools to perform a personal background check within minutes. Here are some of the best options:
- GoodHire: GoodHire is among the industry’s top providers of employer background checks, making it simple to double-check your information before submitting any applications.
- SterlingOne: SterlingOne is another one of the leading companies for pre-employment screenings. The organization provides many options, such as background checks, driving record checks, DNA testing, and more.
- Checkr: In terms of background check services, Checkr is among the best. The service searches through various government databases to provide you with accurate results of your own background check.
Some other websites you can check out include First Advantage, HireRight, Accio Data, AccurateNow, and A Good Employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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!