You aced the job interview and are confident an offer letter is coming. However, the hiring process isn’t quite over. The employer will likely run a background check, and what it reveals may derail your hopes. For example, application inconsistencies and resume discrepancies — even for something as minor as employment dates — are red flags that can disqualify you from job candidacy. Even more significant issues, such as an arrest record you forgot about, a criminal conviction you chose to ignore, or false court records about you online, could impact your desirability as a candidate. Running a background check on yourself may be a way to regain control and better understand how employers will perceive you. We’ll explain more about DIY background checks and how they can help you better prepare for job candidacy.
Verify Your Social Security Number
When you run a self-background check, begin with the most vital piece of information that anchors your identity: your Social Security number (SSN). This number confirms who you say you are. While you might not be able to perform a professional SSN trace on yourself, you can create an account with the Social Security Administration to verify that your name and SSN are correctly tied to your identity. Ensuring this information is correct is crucial as employers rely on your SSN for various identification and verification purposes.
If deeper SSN tracing is desired, such as discovering additional names and addresses associated with your SSN, you’ll need to use paid services typically designed for background screening purposes. Ensuring the accuracy of your SSN and personal details helps avoid confusion or red flags during the hiring process. It’s essential for maintaining a clean and accurate record, thereby improving your chances of moving forward with an employer.
Investigate Court Documents for Any Criminal Background
A significant component of background checks involves criminal history. Employers regularly search federal and county court records to uncover details on felony and misdemeanor charges, convictions, and imprisonment history. This information is usually stored for seven to ten years and can significantly affect your job candidacy. Knowing your criminal history enables you to address potential issues proactively.
You can search court websites or physically visit courthouses to access these records. In some cases, fees may apply, but it’s worth the investment to have accurate knowledge of your criminal history. Keeping abreast with this information can help you prepare for any questions that may arise during the hiring process. By being aware of your criminal history, you can take steps to provide context or explanations if necessary, showing potential employers that you’re transparent and responsible.
Confirm Your Work and Academic Background
Employers often conduct employment verification and educational history checks to reduce the risk of making a bad hire. Errors in your professional and educational records can be misconstrued as dishonesty, potentially costing you a job opportunity. To avoid this, take the time to verify your employment history, including accurate job titles and employment dates, through services such as the Equifax Work Number.
Similarly, verify your educational background by requesting official transcripts from the colleges you attended. Ensuring the accuracy of professional licenses and certifications also bolsters your application’s credibility. Keep a record of all pertinent details regarding your work and academic history to present a precise and honest resume. This proactive approach reassures employers of your reliability and integrity, enhancing your overall candidacy.
Reach Out to Your Referrals
Gathering credible job references is more critical than many job seekers realize. Potential employers often contact listed references to gauge your skills, work ethic, and character. Listing fake, outdated, or unprepared references can be detrimental. Ensure you have current and accurate contact information for each reference and confirm they are willing to speak positively on your behalf.
Reach out to your referrals well in advance to align their availability and willingness. This foresight ensures they are prepared to give a professional recommendation if contacted by a potential employer. Building a robust reference list demonstrates your professionalism and thoroughness, making you a more appealing candidate.
Obtain a Complimentary Credit Report
Depending on the industry, some employers might run a credit check as part of their background screening process. A credit report offers a comprehensive view of your financial history, including open and closed accounts, payment records, and any accounts in collections. Understanding your credit report allows you to address potential financial red flags before they become problematic during the hiring process.
You are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Reviewing these reports lets you correct any inaccuracies or settle outstanding issues, thus presenting a clean financial profile to potential employers. A robust credit history can be particularly crucial for positions involving financial responsibilities and thus significantly supports your job candidacy.
Review and Sanitize Your Social Networking Accounts
In today’s digital age, employers are increasingly conducting social media screenings. Your social media profiles can reveal a lot about your character, interests, and lifestyle, all of which can influence a hiring decision. Therefore, reviewing and sanitizing your social networking accounts is essential to ensure they project a professional image.
Delete or hide any compromising, inappropriate, or offensive content that may hurt your job prospects. Set your profiles to private if necessary to protect your personal information and maintain your privacy. A clean and presentable social media presence not only enhances your chances of securing a job but also strengthens your personal brand and professional image.
Perform a Private Web Search on Your Name
Performing an incognito internet search on your name offers insights into what potential employers might find if they look you up online. Use various search engines and explore different categories such as All, Images, Videos, and News to gather a broad range of information connected to your name. Including additional identifying details can help filter the search results more accurately.
Understanding your online presence enables you to manage and adjust your digital footprint proactively. Address any inaccurate or misleading information and work towards building a favorable online personal brand. Each of these steps ensures you present the best version of yourself to potential employers, enhancing your job preparedness.
Resources to Conduct a Personal Background Check
Running a personal background check can be simplified with various resources. Free and paid services alike offer a detailed view of your background, helping you identify and mitigate any potential red flags. Some notable resources include the Social Security Administration for verifying your name and SSN, and the Equifax Work Number for employment verification. Sites like FamilyTreeNow.com and PeopleFinders provide broad overviews of personal information, while specialized services such as GoodHire and Instant Checkmate can conduct more extensive public records searches.
Credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion provide free annual credit reports, and state and local court websites offer access to court records for criminal history checks. Leveraging these resources ensures a thorough self-background check, allowing you to present your best self to future employers.
Benefits of Running a Background Check on Yourself
Running a personal background check helps identify and resolve potential red flags, ensuring you present a clean and honest profile to employers. By detecting and correcting errors or inaccuracies, you can prevent misunderstandings that might jeopardize your job candidacy. Verifying your employment and educational history, cleaning up your social media profiles, and organizing credible references all contribute to a stronger application.
Furthermore, personal background checks can help detect and rectify identity theft, a prevalent issue that could impact your job prospects without your knowledge. Taking proactive measures to secure your digital footprint and personal information not only reassures employers of your reliability but also strengthens your overall job readiness.
Personal Background Checks and Your Job Search
Securing credible job references is more important than many job seekers might think. Employers often contact the references you provide to assess your abilities, work habits, and personal character. Providing fake, outdated, or ill-prepared references can harm your job prospects significantly. Make sure you have up-to-date and correct contact information for each reference and confirm they are willing to speak favorably about you.
You should contact your references well before you start job hunting to ensure that they are available and willing to vouch for you. This preparation allows them to be ready to provide a strong, professional recommendation when approached by a potential employer. Having a solid list of references reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which can make you a more attractive candidate.
Additionally, maintain a good relationship with your references by keeping them informed about your career progress and expressing your gratitude for their support. This ongoing communication not only keeps your references up-to-date but also reinforces their goodwill towards you. When references are well-prepared and positively inclined, they can significantly enhance your job application, providing valuable endorsements that can set you apart from other candidates. Therefore, taking the time to manage your references effectively is a crucial step in the job search process.