Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a reference:

Pick someone who can advocate for you.  The person you pick should be well-spoken; the type of person that won’t panic when asked a hard question and someone who can speak clearly and with authority.

Pick someone who is on your side.  The person you pick should have your best interests at heart and want you to succeed.  They should be honest, but know and celebrate your strengths.  This person may not always be your direct superior, but in fact may be a coworker, client, or mentor.  You are free to pick any one with whom you’ve worked closely.  Make your choice count.

Contact your reference before including them on your application.  Because you gave your reference the heads up, they won’t be caught off guard.  They will give you a polished reference rather than stammer through unprepared.  This also gives you a chance to make sure all your contact information is up to date and accurate.  Not only is contacting your reference beforehand a professional and courteous practice, it may be a great opportunity to discuss with your reference how best to represent you!

Many people are honored to be asked to be a reference and want to do a good job.  You can discuss with this person exactly what strengths you want to present so you can tailor the recommendation for that position.  You may also find out some strengths you didn’t even know you had!

On no account should you make up a reference.  When a reputable employment screening company verifies your employment, they will also verify employment of your reference to make sure that person did indeed work with you.  If you forge a reference by making up a reference, providing the name of a person who did not actually work with you, or misrepresent their position, you will be sending a red flag to your potential employer that you are not to be trusted.  A false reference may be worse than no reference at all!

Do you have a question about background screenings or the hiring process?  Contact us!

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What information can my employer find when they order a background check?

A background check is not meant to be an invasive investigation into your private life. For employers, it is a tool that allows them to make sure you are who you say you are and to prevent any work related issues that might arise in the future.  For job seekers, it is a way to demonstrate that you earned all of your credentials and that you are likely to be an upstanding employee. A background screening during the hiring process will also make sure that other people competing for your job are doing so on an even playing field. You can be sure that no one is getting an unfair edge because of falsified credentials.

All background checks by law must be done with your knowledge and consent, so don’t worry about anyone diving into your records without permission.  Employment screenings usually involve …

1. Calling your references to discover a little bit more about how you behave on the job.
2. Verifying your past employment to make sure your credentials are real.
3. Checking your criminal history to see if there are any red flags that might be reflected in your job performance.
4. Civil suits and judgments in the past 7 years
5. A possible credit check including bankruptcies in the past 10 years
6. News reports and other public information
7. A possible drug screening

Background checks are limited by laws that vary from state to state and by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  A reputable employment screening company will be able to navigate these laws without infringing on your rights, but it is always a good idea to know your rights and be informed about the process.  Most employers will allow you to verbally address any concerns that may have arisen as a result of your background check.  You are also allowed to ask for a copy of the report to ensure that all the information collected is correct.

If you have any questions, please contact us!

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How can I be sure that a background check is accurate?

For the employer, the best way to ensure a background check is accurate is to hire a reputable screening service.  An employment screening service will be sure to take the time and focus needed to double check the products of a thorough background screening.  A background screening service will ask for multiple identifiers including names (legal names as well as aliases and maiden names), previous addresses, date of birth and social security information.  A reputable screening company will be skeptical of any information where these identifiers do not match.   This way your service can quickly point out what pieces of information are trustworthy and what needs to be viewed with a more discerning eye.

For the job seeker, you can help out the screening process by double checking that all information on your resume and application forms is accurate and consistent.  An employer must also get your written consent before running a background check so you will be aware that your record is being looked into.  After your background check you will be allowed by law to review the results to discover or correct any discrepancies or misinformation that might have been uncovered.  This is also your opportunity to explain and add context to any accurate red flags that might be attached to your portfolio.  Don’t worry!  Most employers are willing to hear you out, especially if other aspects of your resume recommend you highly.

If you are worried about what might be in your background check, you too can approach a screening service to run a proactive background or credit check on yourself.  This way you can know what they know as well as review and troubleshoot the results before it ever reaches and employer’s eyes!

Do you have any questions you would like to ask us about background checks or the employment screening process? Contact us!

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Could my credit history show up on a background check?

The answer is: yes, it could.

A credit check, however, is different from a standard background check.  Though credit checks are becoming a more standard part of the hiring process, many employers opt not to run a credit check at all. For most employers, verifying a clean criminal history and a positive work reputation is enough.  If an employer decides to run a separate credit check, it is likely because the job you are applying for requires a special level of trust.

Certain professions such as banking and finance may be interested to learn your own credit history.  This is because these professions work closely with the handling of money.  The potential, temptation, and opportunity for theft is high.  Therefore employers in these industries might be more prone to hiring a candidate whose own financial status is stable in order to deter theft and provide a greater sense of security to their clients.

Tenants can also expect a credit check.  Landlords will likely ask you permission to look into your credit history so that they can establish a relationship of trust from the outset.  Persons with reasonable credit histories are more likely to pay their rent on time and not default on a lease.  Landlords are looking for tenants that they can trust with their property for the long term.

But don’t worry: if your employer or landlord run a credit check, it should not come as a surprise.  You will likely be asked for your permission and some preliminary information during the screening process.  If an employer or landlord looks into your credit history, you will be informed and made aware of the result so that you can correct any misinformation.

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