Background checks are performed for a variety of reasons. They have become more common in the last few years, as employers want to know beforehand who they are letting into their companies.

Why Would You Ever Need One

Here are a few of the reasons you may be subjected to one.

Background checks are required by law for certain jobs, such as for those interested in working with the elderly or disabled.

Any job involving children also requires a background check. This is a response to a significant rise in child abuse and child abductions in the last ten years.

Negligence lawsuits are so common nowadays that companies want to make sure you’re not a liability. Have you ever hurt somebody because of your actions? Have you ever been involved in a civic lawsuit? Who was at fault?

Terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 have put many employers on the edge. Be sensitive to this but keep an eye out for anything that suggests a company may be using this as a way to hide racial discrimination.  

More and more job applicants are lying in their resumes. A recent survey estimates that up to 40% of all resumes include at least one false detail.

What Is Included in a Background Check?

A background check can be basic (confirmation of social security number or criminal records), or throughout (going as far as neighbor interviews).

Any of the following information can be part of a background check.

Driving Records

Credit and bankruptcy filling

Property ownership

Drug test records

Criminal and court records

Sex offender lists

Workers' compensation

State licensing records

Past employers and neighbor interviews

Character and personal references

What’s Confidential?

The following records require your permission before an employer can access them. Keep in mind, though, you may be asked to provide them.

Education records. Transcripts and discipline records are confidential. However, a school may release directory information to anyone. This includes your name, address, and degrees earned at their institution.

Military service records. Can only be released under special conditions and with your written permission. As with education records, however, some basic information is available by the asking, from your full name to the rank you held, the salary you were paid (if any), and your duty status.

Medical records. In many states, but not all, medical records are confidential. Very few circumstances guarantee an employer will ever have access to your medical history. One exception is if the company requires physical examinations from prospective employees, which will then give them implied access to the results.

Any information that could be used as base for discrimination (age, marital status, religion) is also confidential. Employers are not allowed to ask questions related to this in interviews.