You applied to the job of your dreams and got offered a few interview rounds. After nailing the interviews, the hiring manager shows great interest in your skills and abilities and informs you that they want you to be a part of the team. Then, the terrifying words “we'll need to conduct a background check before continuing the onboarding process” are mustered and all of your excitement turns into confusion and worry. If you have found yourself in this situation, you aren't alone.
It's not uncommon for an employer to conduct a comprehensive background check before offering someone employment. But what is a comprehensive background check? In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about employee background checks to help give you more peace of mind.
Background Checks Aren’t As Scary as They Seem
You've probably seen background checks in the movies or heard a story of a friend who lost an amazing opportunity because the company they applied with found a few red flags in their personal history. However, background checks aren't that scary once you understand how they work.
While a potential employer can find a lot of your personal information in a background check, they aren't typically looking for everything you've ever done wrong in your life. If you cheated on a spelling test in middle school, they aren't going to find out about that and deny you a job. We'll get more into detail about the information companies are looking for below, but they're generally searching for criminal records, educational background, and employment history.
As long as you didn't drastically overstretch your accomplishments on your resume and lie through your teeth in the interviews, you'll be okay.
What Information Do Companies Look for in a Background Check?
Above, we mention that the main bits of information companies are looking for are criminal records, employment background, and education. Some positions may require more details though. For example, a company may look at your personal financial history if you're applying to be a financial advisor.
Here's a breakdown of the main points:
Criminal Record
Companies need to look for criminal records of candidates to protect the integrity of their business and the safety of their employees. If a company hires the wrong person and someone gets hurt, they could be liable and find themselves in a lawsuit.
Most companies will ask that the candidate is honest and upfront about any criminal charges on the job application. If you have ever had any issues with the law in the past, it's best to be forthcoming.
Education
Since education plays a big role in whether a candidate is competent to fill the role, it's natural for employers to check up on your educational background. Companies may look for transcripts, diplomas, and student records to ensure a candidate is right for the role.
Employment History
Many people put references on their resumes for potential employers to reach out to for more information on their experience. Companies don't need your consent to contact your references unless they are using a third-party background checking company. Make sure you're putting sound references that know a lot about your skills and personal characteristics to improve your chances of getting hired.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, background checks can be intimidating even if you have nothing to hide. However, try not to panic when a company conducts a background screening before offering you a position. If you've made it that far through the hiring process, the chances of you getting offered employment are quite high.
