There are several different types of background checks that can be performed.  You may simply want a copy of your criminal background for yourself and your own records, or you may be hiring a person and need a simple employment background check.  There are several reasons that background checks are required.

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Employment Background Checks

There are numerous reasons that an employer would want to check your background history.  One is that if government security clearances are required for the job you are seeking, an employment background check is required to ensure that you are a trustworthy individual.  It has been estimated that resumes may contain 40% of information that has been modified or altered in some way.  This is because most people want to show off their best assets and allow the not so good qualities to fall behind.  Because of this, employers need to ensure that they are getting the employee that they think they are getting.  Through an employment background check, they are able to determine if you really did graduate from college and that you really did work for your other employers at the times you have stated.

What’s Included in Background Checks?

In regards to an employment background check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act has standards that are set for these types of background checks.  Before the background check is performed, it is required that an employer notifies you in writing and then receives your written authorization.  This gives a person the opportunity to withdraw their application if there is something that they would rather not disclose to a potential employer on the background check.

At the very least, a background check will simply verify your social security number.  It may also include an analysis of your work history.  An extensive background check may be able to report people you know, a full credit report, driving records, criminal history and credit payment records.  The inquiries that the employer searches should be related to your job.

Laws vary from state to state regarding criminal history records.  Some states may allow arrests or convictions beyond a specific time period.  Others may not.  These types of records may be searched by employers or you may obtain one for yourself.  Organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brother and Big Sister organizations and similar organizations may also obtain background check information on individuals who will be responsible for interacting with children.

There is also information that an employer is not allowed to access.  Records from schools, medical records and Worker’s Compensation records cannot be accessed by employers.  They are able to access your driving records without your consent.

The military is able to disclose your name, rank, salary, assignments and awards without your consent.

Obtaining your own personal background check is the best way to ensure what information is on it and whether or not it is correct.  By requesting your own background check you can go to the organizations that are responsible for them and dispute the information that is incorrect.  The same is true for your credit report.  It is a good idea to do this on a regular basis to ensure that this sensitive information is correct.