If you are looking for work, then it is very much possible that a prospective employer will complete a background check on you. I know that when they did my background check, there was nothing to worry about, but I still worried because I didn’t know what information was out there about me and whether it was accurate or not. Hence, it is now recommended that, in order to prepare yourself, you do a background check on yourself.
How I Completed my Background Check
What I did was, firstly, enter my own name in Google to see what would come up. I then checked all my social media accounts, viewing them through the eyes of someone who was not connected to me. Eventually, I decided to use a free professional mugshot removal site, just to be sure there wasn’t anything odd out there about me. Thankfully, there wasn’t. However, my background check turned out to be quite complex, simply because I didn’t see it coming.
A background check is an essential part of the overall hiring process. I was slightly naïve to think that the information I had provided on my resume and application form would automatically be assumed as being true. A background check, simply put, is a way for employers to verify and confirm that someone is who they say they are. And, to be fair, that is something they should do. The statistics on applicants lying about or omitting information is quite significant. In fact, research has shown 85% of resumes are not quite reflective of the truth. Of course, this brings about the potential that this will put other employees, customers, and the business as a whole in danger.
Basically, a background check is there to make sure that an employer is sure that the prospective employee is who they say they are. There is nothing wrong with that. I was simply unprepared and this is what caused delays in my application. Knowing now what I didn’t know then, the following tips can be of benefit.
How to Prepare for a Background Check
Have a copy of your full resume to hand, including an email address and telephone number that enables you to get reached. If any questions arise during the process of your application because information is missing, for instance, you will be able to supply it straight away.
Complete a check on yourself and try to remember all the important dates of older jobs, how much you earned, and more. You need to make sure that the information you provide is fully accurate as well.
Collect your last W-2s, paycheck stubs, and copies of your diplomas, certificates, transcripts, and more. This will ensure that the information is there should the business or school you have referenced no longer exist.
Have all your address details to hand, usually for the past 10 years. Additionally, your driver’s license number will also be required.
Always be honest when you are completing your resume, when you are being interviewed, and when you have to fill in documents for your background checks. It will come back to haunt you if you don’t.
