Why Do Employers Check Your Background?

It could be for one of several reasons. If government security clearances are required for the job you are interviewing for, an employment background check may be required. The employer may want to make sure you are telling the truth. It's estimated that up to 40% of resumes can contain false or tweaked information, so, employers want to insure that what they are getting in an employee is what they were promised. The employer may perform a background check to find out whether actually graduated from the college you said you did or to confirm that you worked at your previous employer(s) during the time stated on your resume or your job application.

Here is a detailed list of the most commonly checked items, which might include:

1) Verification of schooling credentials.

2) Verification of prior employment history, longevity, salary, and job performance to the most recent prior jobs.

3) Interviewing prior associates with the following - business, professional and personal references and verification of letters of recommendation.

4) Check for any drug screening test results and occasionally, past physical exams past and verification of skills and check past performance issues at previous employers.

5) An Internet search, on the candidate name, especially at Google.com to confirm an individual claims about their past jobs, performance, accolades.

6) Perform a criminal background check; especially for accounting and finance professionals, credit checks.

7) Driving Records, Vehicle Registration, Credit Records, Criminal Records, Social Security Number, Education Records, Court records, Workers’ Compensation, Bankruptcy, Character References, Neighbor Interviews, Medical Records, Property Ownership, Military Records, State Licensing Records, Drug Test Records, Past Employers, Personal References, Incarceration Records, Sex Offender Registries.

Background checking is usually conducted by Human Resources (HR) at most corporations, but one can also perform a background check via the Internet on Anyone for online dating, nanny employment, neighbors, business associates, home contractors, etc.