The Basics of Background Checks
Date posted: 2008-06-04 22:52:11
Pre-employment background checks have become a standard step in most employment procedures. Information that employers retrieve from these searches usually play a big factor in their decision to hire you or not. A single discrepancy in your records could steal you of a good paying job. Thus, it is very important for one to know beforehand the details that could be found in his/her background records.
Background checks usually contain specific details of an individual’s life. Information could include criminal and litigation records, educational records, professional licenses, military records, property, employment history, past work compensations, medical records and even your social security number. Nowadays, one of the most popular background check services are those available over the Internet.
A background search however, will not show you the entire picture of an individual’s past. The Fair Credit Reporting Act has limited the extent that a particular background search can go. Under this law, bankruptcy records over the past ten years are the only allowable information that can be disclosed to the public; arrest records and paid tax liens are only limited to the past seven years.
Anyone can have access to this information and there is a constant fear in most job-seekers that employers could discriminate them for some old records that are irrelevant to their jobs.
Apart from this, background checks have proven to be extremely beneficial. This is extremely important in jobs that require credibility and trust from employers. In some states, these checks are also considered mandatory by law when purchasing handguns and firearms.
On-line dating sites are also starting to make use of background checks in the hopes of cultivating sincere relationships between their clients. But as any background check, concerns over privacy and security were raised.
It would be highly recommended that you do a background check on yourself to give you an idea of what picture your records would relay to your future bosses. There are several companies who offer these services, maybe in your local community or over the Internet.
Background checks usually contain specific details of an individual’s life. Information could include criminal and litigation records, educational records, professional licenses, military records, property, employment history, past work compensations, medical records and even your social security number. Nowadays, one of the most popular background check services are those available over the Internet.
A background search however, will not show you the entire picture of an individual’s past. The Fair Credit Reporting Act has limited the extent that a particular background search can go. Under this law, bankruptcy records over the past ten years are the only allowable information that can be disclosed to the public; arrest records and paid tax liens are only limited to the past seven years.
Anyone can have access to this information and there is a constant fear in most job-seekers that employers could discriminate them for some old records that are irrelevant to their jobs.
Apart from this, background checks have proven to be extremely beneficial. This is extremely important in jobs that require credibility and trust from employers. In some states, these checks are also considered mandatory by law when purchasing handguns and firearms.
On-line dating sites are also starting to make use of background checks in the hopes of cultivating sincere relationships between their clients. But as any background check, concerns over privacy and security were raised.
It would be highly recommended that you do a background check on yourself to give you an idea of what picture your records would relay to your future bosses. There are several companies who offer these services, maybe in your local community or over the Internet.