How To Prepare For An Employment Background Check

Anyone looking for a job should think a lot about their possible pre employment background checks. Anyone taking a leap into the job market should take several steps to make sure they (and their possible employer) aren't surprised by their background check.

Employers should check their own background. They should get a copy of their credit report first thing. If there is something you do not recognize or that you disagree with, dispute the information with the creditor and/or credit bureau before you have to explain it to the interviewer. Another individual's name may appear on your credit report. This happens when someone mistakenly writes down the wrong Social Security number on a credit application causing that name to appear on your file. Or you might be a victim of identity theft.

Check your court records and make sure all the information is valid. Court records are not always updated correctly. For example, a signature that was needed to reduce the charges might not have been obtained or recorded by the court. Don't rely on what your attorney may have told you. If you think the conviction was expunged or dismissed, get a certified copy of your report from the court. Having a felony that you thought was expunged could mean no job.

Do your own background check with an employment screening agency. Getting a cheap background report would allow you to see exactly what your prospective employers will see.

Ask for a copy of your personnel file from your old or current job. Anything in your report could be available in a employment background check. You may also want to ask if your former employer has a policy about the release of personnel records. Many companies limit the amount of information they disclose.

Clean up your digital fingerprint. Google yourself, check your Facebook page, MySpace page any anyplace your name may exist. Countless jobs have been lost due to unprofessional content on their social media pages. Take down anything that shows illicit drug use, excessive drinking or poor choices across the board. Bloggers should remove or edit postings that could harm your jobseeking efforts. But don't necessarily remove Web content that shines a light on your positive achievements. A personal Web site or blog that highlights your good deeds could benefit you.

These steps will help you see what employers doing an employment background check will find and ensure that it is always good.