Post-Interview Background Checks: What Actually Happens?
Post-Interview Background Checks
If you have ever purchased a car or applied to rent an apartment, then you undoubtedly have had a background and credit check done. The car dealer and the landlord of the rental property are well within their rights by asking you to subject yourself to a credit and reference check. By checking your credit history and talking with those that have either loaned you money in the past or have rented to you, they can decide whether or not you will be a good investment.
An employment background check is very similar and done for the same type of reasons. At this point you have applied for the job, gone through the interview process, and provided a list of professional references; you may be told that the next (and typically last) step is a background check. Once you pass (we'll discuss what "passing" means below) you can typically expect to receive a job offer.
What Happens During The Background Check Process?
Other than checking your work and educational history, the background check will pull up any criminal records you may have. In addition, if you have been asked to give a urine sample, you can be assured that you are being drug tested, but you probably already knew that. Something a little less obvious that most do not think about is that your credit history and score may also get assessed. Now, assuming that you have told nothing but the truth about your previous employment and where you obtained your degrees, there is little reason (if any) to be concerned.
What About Negative Records or Credit Histories?
If you have any kind of criminal record, whether something extremely small or not, it is completely understandable that you may be anxious. However, depending on the job description and the criminal charge, it could get an employer in trouble with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if you are denied automatically because of certain conviction or record of arrest. With that said, if you are unable to pass a drug test and are continuing to wait for a job offer, you may want to keep on the hunt. It's important to remember drug testing practices even though some states have made recreational drugs legal, most have not and drug testing is common practice before employment, much like background checks.
Now, if you are not worried about the criminal background checks and drug testing will be a breeze, but you are worried about a bad credit history, there are a few things to keep in mind. The purpose of this check: a prospective employer is looking to hire a responsible individual. If they find you have some negative marks on your credit history or have racked up large amounts of debt, they might decide you are not fit for the job, even if the position you applied for is not directly related to finance or money management. Fair? Not always. Is it something that you will be judged on? Unfortunately yes. It is part of the process but keep your head up, it can be overcome!
Is There a Way to Fix Bad Findings?
First, you can do all that you can to research your credit scores and standings yourself. Do the best you can to ensure your findings are accurate. If you are over the moon about a job and are at the background check stage of the process, perhaps you can speak up if you know something slightly unsavory might come up in review. There are ways to turn your mistakes into learning experiences and show the potential employer your problem-solving and workplace soft skills.
Understand the situation and discern the hiring manager's explanation of the background check. Educate yourself the best you can about this next step in the process. Some corporations may be ruling out anyone with a felony while others might really want to make sure you graduated at the top your class from Quincy University in 2012 (as an example).
Knowing your rights, as well as what most potential employers are concerned about is all part of the job search process. If you are fortunate enough to get all the way to this point, make sure to do what you can to ensure you get past it. Be open and honest with anything you think the hiring personnel should know that could come up later. Plus, remember the organization is spending the money and resources necessary to check your background so the chances that they want to hire you are extremely high. The hard part is over so try not to freak out about this standard practice and be confident! After all, you can handle a little fact-checking.