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Background Checks for Employment

September 28, 2015 | Career Blog

In between the job interview and the hiring, there are a few things that need to happen –and happen in a certain way– in order for you to be taken on board as an employee. One of those things is a background check. What, exactly, is a background check and how does it help to determine your potential employment? Read on and find out.

A background check is an investigation into, among other things, any criminal and financial records of a potential employee. They are often requested by employers as part of a screening process. The initial phase of a background check will likely take place in an interview. As part of the inevitable question-and-answer session, the interviewer will ask for employment history, education background, medical history, and any criminal activity. The references you’ve provided will most likely also come up, and it’s important to note that a manager may ask for more than just your past titles and dates of employment. This is why it’s always important to treat your employers well and not burn any bridges; it may come back around.

Obviously, if an applicant has had any criminal problems that he or she hasn’t divulged, it is problematic for a few reasons. There would be a criminal history to worry about, as well as the issue of attempting to hide it–the latter being something that employers would most definitely want to stay away from. A criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get the job, depending on what it is, but if employers can’t accept your word at face value, that’s a red flag, for sure. This also applies to drug-testing, which is often another part of the background check. it is increasingly more difficult to “fool” a drug screening, and if you try (and fail), you will most certainly not be invited as an employee. Again, dishonesty is not a quality employers are looking for.

Of course, each employer covers different things in a background check, but the things mentioned here are the most common. Regardless, the best way to prepare for a background check is to be ready to discuss anything, openly and honestly, that a potential employer may find out that could prevent you from getting the job. If you’re honest, forthright, and prepared, the right thing will come of it at some point. If you need to know more about background checks or any other part of the employment process, please Join Our Talent Network and we’ll be happy to help out.