Jobsbridge Resources

How important is background check in today’s marketplace?

A background check is the process of retrieving important information on an individual through third-party services. Background checks have become very important now as companies expose their vital information & assets with employees. Nowadays, almost all types of employers are conducting background checks on potential employees. The types of information collected depend on the job, countries and regions and companies. Severity and duration of the background check varies according to job. Background check is going to be intense and lengthy if the job involves the following:

• Dealing with IP and confidential information.
• Handling of classified information and accessing restricted areas in office.
• Dealing with a lot of money and important assets.

Background check helps counteract deceitful jobseekers and examine the character of individual, which otherwise may put the reputation of a company at stake. If you have any past records that you may be concerned about then it is advisable that you reveal them even before the background check starts. If you have made mistakes in the past and you know they will show up on your background check and risk your career, being straightforward is your best bet.
The most common items of background check are as follows:

1. Felony Record - To decide if you have been involved in any deceitful activities or identity theft, companies may investigate if you have a history of felony and misdemeanor. Only information of public record is available. Juvenile records cannot be accessed. This check is done to evaluate your character and decide if you can be trusted with the job, e.g. if you are applying for store manager and have a history of shoplifting then you are not fit for the job. If however, your convictions is totally unrelated to the job then your criminal record cannot be taken into account.
2. Address Verification - As the name suggests this check reveals if the present and permanent addresses mentioned by you are true.
3. Prior employer reference & credentials check - The employment background check is very common these days. Companies simply call the past employers listed and generally confirm your employment dates and check some credentials. However, you can’t be sure if anything apart from dates will not be revealed. If you have had differences in opinion with any employers and left them on bad terms and fear about their comment on your performance, then listing them might not be a good idea even if you have gained good amount of relevant experience from working with them. Also never list an employer if you have never worked with them. If they find that you have never worked where you claim to have worked will typically result in immediate rejection in your consideration for the job.
4. Education and Document Authentication - As a result of overwhelming falsification of educational information, a thorough check is carried on the educational records to prove the authenticity. Documents that you submit in the company are verified for their authenticity. Phony documents are not accepted anywhere. Moreover, discovering your untruthfulness may not be a good way to start off a relationship with a potential future employer. Best way to stay safe is be honest about your education. If you believe you need additional education, enroll in an accredited school. Your efforts to complete or enhance your education will definitely be viewed positively.
5. Credit Report and Driving History - Sometimes credit reports and driving histories are also checked for bankruptcies and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
6. Medical History - If a job requires certain physical fitness then your medical history will be thoroughly screened. You cannot be rejected on the basis of your medical history until and unless your physical disability stops you from doing the job. E.g. if you are applying for military jobs then your physical fitness counts. Also sometimes you may be screened for any drug addiction based on the policies of some companies.

Due to the increased intensity of identity theft, you may be worried about the background checks. Identity thefts are creating havocs in the society. To deal with this you can periodically pull out your own credit reports and criminal records and stop an identity thief from ruining your chances at a successful career. You can also run a background check on yourself to find out what kinds of information are given out. Also, choosing the right background check company is the key and be careful not to share your confidential details through unsecured network.