Starting a career is exciting but also involves a lot of preparation and paperwork. One step many job applicants need to remember about is the employment background check. However, a Society of Human Resource Management research has shown that 92 percent of organizations conduct at least one background check on job candidates.
Most employers use background checks to ensure that the person they are hiring is trustworthy and all the information on your resume and application is accurate. So, how can you pass an employment background check? Here are some steps to ensure your records stay clean and you can get through the process with flying colors.
Review Your Credit Report
A potential employer may review your credit report to evaluate your financial responsibility. And while it’s not the only factor taken into consideration, there could be a few issues like missed payments or delinquencies that could reflect poorly on you.
To make sure everything looks good, start by checking your credit report and seeing if there are any errors or discrepancies. If you find any, contact the credit bureau immediately and dispute the errors. Doing this in advance will ensure you have enough time to remove any mistakes from your report.
Not only should you review your credit report to make sure it’s accurate, but you must also try to pay off any debts or negotiate with creditors to lower the balances. A healthy credit score is essential for passing a background check and securing the job of your dreams.
Check Your Criminal Record
Employers will also check your criminal record before making a hiring decision, so it’s essential to make sure your report is accurate.
Start by getting a copy of your criminal record to see if there are any issues or errors that could cause problems during the screening process. If there are any discrepancies, do your best to get them corrected before the background check.
Of course, a criminal record doesn’t always mean the end of your job prospects, as many employers are willing to give people with a criminal background a chance if they show signs of rehabilitation. Be sure to explain any criminal history on your application and be open and honest about it during the interview process. This way, you can show the employer that you’ve taken steps to repair any mistakes and are actively trying to turn your life around.
Driving Records
With the majority of jobs requiring you to drive, employers will also want to know about your driving record. Make sure that all of your driver’s license information is up-to-date and that you haven’t committed any serious traffic violations.
If there are any issues with your record, such as points or possible suspensions, it will help to settle these before applying. Today, several states offer programs to help drivers get their records expunged, so take advantage of these if you can. One great way to do so is to attend a driver’s improvement course. This course can help you re-learn the rules of the road, get your record cleared, and increase your chances of passing a background check.
However, you can still make the same mistakes and attend a course every time you make an error. Such a strategy will not work, and it’s best to always practice safe driving habits. Doing so will also help you save money on your auto insurance.
Volunteer Work
If you are an active volunteer, please note this on your application and include the organization’s information. Employers will want to see that you are actively engaged in your community and willing to help.
Not only will volunteer work look good on your background check, but it can also give you a valuable opportunity to network with people in your field and gain some meaningful experiences. Employers will always value someone with a solid commitment to volunteering and community service, and highlighting this on your application, can give you a significant boost. As a result, you will have a better chance of getting a positive employment background check.
Social Media Presence
With over 4.7 billion active social media users worldwide, employers will often review your accounts to get an idea of who you are and what kind of person they might be hiring. Make sure to clean up your accounts and remove any posts that could be perceived as inappropriate or unprofessional.
It’s also a good idea to make your accounts private and limit who can view the content you post. Employers will also be looking for signs of potential issues, such as evidence of drug or alcohol use, so make sure you don’t post anything related to these topics.
By reviewing your accounts and cleaning them up, you can help ensure a positive outcome on your background check. Doing so will also show employers that you are aware of your post’s potential consequences and that you take the process seriously.
The above are just a few tips to help you pass an employment background check. Remember, being as honest and open as possible throughout the process is important. By taking the necessary steps, you can ensure a successful background check and have a better chance of landing that job.