Jobs @ Career Consulting Limited
Return to career-consulting-limited.com
People |
|
|
 |
The Background on Background Checks
In one of my past lives I held a Top Secret clearance as a Civil Service employee working for the Air Force. So I am familiar with background checks. But many job seekers are not. Here's a little background on background checks... More companies are doing background checks on potential employees these days than ever before. Why? Here are justa few of the reasons: 1. Studies show that 30-40% of all job applicants put false information on their resumes or applications, and "exaggerate" their qualifications during interviews. Can you blame employers for wanting to verify claims made by desperate job seekers? 2. Lawsuits for "negligent hiring" are on the rise. If an employee's actions hurt someone, the employer may be liable. So when considering an applicant, it's in the company's best financial self-interest to find out if that person has done anything in the past which might indicate future problems. 3. Child abuse and abductions have resulted in new laws in almost every state that require criminal background checks for anyone who works with children. 4. The September 11th attacks have resulted in heightened security and identity-verification strategies by many employers. 5. In addition, many state and federal government jobs require a background check, and depending on the kind of job, may require an extensive investigation for a security clearance. So there are several reasons why employers perform background checks. Under federal law, the employer must obtain the applicant's written authorization before the background check is conducted. The types of background checks companies do usually depends on the job, but they typically include the following: Employment Verification Often a potential employer will contact an applicant's past employers. Many states have laws which prohibit employers from intentionally interfering with former employees' attempts to find jobs by giving out false or misleading references, but a former boss can say anything TRUTHFUL about your performance. However, most companies have a policy to only confirm dates of employment, final salary, and other limited information. Education Verification This is done to verify degrees and certifications listed on resumes or applications. Under federal law, specific records such as transcripts and discipline records are confidential and will not be released by schools without the authorization of the student. However, a school may release "directory information," which can include name, address, dates of attendance and degrees earned. Drug Screening Many large corporations have a policy to drug-screen all potential employees prior to starting. In this situation, the job offer is contingent on you successfully passing the drug screen. Credit Checks This type of check (sometimes called a "consumer report") is most often done by companies where employees have access to money, sensitive personal and financial information. Some employers also use your credit history to gauge your level of responsibility (they believe if you are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not be a reliable employee). In addition to your payment history, a credit report typically includes information about your former addresses and previous employers. Employers can use this as one way to verify the accuracy of information you provide on an application or resume. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy. Criminal and Motor Vehicle Records These types of background checks are not as common but some companies have a policy of checking criminal records. Although arrest information is a matter of public record, in most states employers cannot normally access the arrest record of a potential employee (there are some exceptions, such as for law enforcement positions). If the arrest resulted in a conviction, that information can be obtained. In general, civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest more than seven years old are not reported (the seven-year limit may not apply to criminal convictions, depending on your state). Companies check motor vehicle records when positions involve the operation of company vehicles and equipment. Some companies verify the accuracy of the information you provided on the employment application, including what you listed as your most recent salary. When you complete the application make sure all information is accurate. What Can You Do to Prepare? Take the following steps to reduce the chances that you and/or the potential employer will be "surprised" by information found during the background check: 1. Order a copy of your credit report. If there is something you do not recognize or that you disagree with, dispute the information with the creditor and/or credit bureau before you have to explain it to the interviewer. 2. Check court records. If you have an arrest record or have been involved in court cases, go to the county where this took place and inspect the files. Make sure the information is correct and up to date. 3. Check DMV records. Request a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, especially if you are applying for a job that involves driving. 4. Do your own background check. If you want to see what an employer's background check might uncover, hire a company that specializes in such reports to conduct one for you. That way, you can discover if the data bases ofinformation vendors contain inaccurate information. Consult the Yellow Pages under "Investigators," or use one of the many online search services to find a service. 5. Ask if your former employer has a policy about the release of personnel and/or employment information. Most companies limit the amount of information they disclose. Remember, potential employers can't conduct a background check without your written authorization. You can "just say no." Of course, doing that would give the impression that you have something to hide and almost certainly eliminate you from consideration. Just be honest about your background. Many employers will hire good candidates that fit their needs even if their backgrounds are less than perfect -- as long as they didn't lie about it. Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.
MORE RESOURCES: Work At Chess.com Chess.com Report: community college students need more career guidance Inside Higher Ed Careers - Human Resources Kennesaw State University Will Artificial Intelligence Steal My Job? | On Careers | U.S. News U.S News & World Report Money Jobs and Training at FDA FDA.gov Careers Boys & Girls Clubs of America Careers at TWU | The Office of Human Resources | TWU Texas Woman's University Workers eager to fill 3,000 Las Vegas jobs to build Brightline Fox 5 Las Vegas Careers Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Careers Micron Careers at FEMA FEMA Find a Job Samaritan Health Services Tesla mass layoffs impact Bay Area, with over 2,750 jobs lost San Francisco Chronicle Careers | Job Opportunities | MaineHealth MaineHealth Careers at Bucknell Bucknell University Curry College launches job guarantee program Inside Higher Ed Career Paths FEMA Job Search Results - Careers at UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group My career race is in the home stretch, here's what I know Financial Times Industry sells workers on ag jobs The Western Producer Employment USC Upstate Veterans and transitioning military | VA Careers VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs Green careers report: Understanding green jobs and their increasing demand The Economic Times Data indicates a strong job market but some employment seekers — even those with a Ph.D. — say they struggle Yahoo Finance Careers Smith College Grécourt Gate What Researchers Discovered When They Sent 80000 Fake Résumés to U.S. Jobs The New York Times Careers at NATO NATO HQ Apply for a Job The City of Vancouver, WA The Best Jobs in America in 2024 | Careers | U.S. News U.S News & World Report Money Despite lagging performance, California expected to avoid recession Los Angeles Times Join our team FHI 360 Careers at NADA | NADA NADA Blog Chesapeake Public Schools Employment Opportunities Chesapeake Public Schools Careers at USI University of Southern Indiana Careers Medline Newsroom Work for Us (U.S National Park Service Careers The Ocean Cleanup Careers at Air Liquide Air Liquide Careers | US Forest Service USDA Forest Service Careers in mental health services : Career Outlook: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Lawsuit claims Sheetz denied employment to class of job applicants because of their race WPXI Pittsburgh Careers Technip Energies Early careers UBS AI Will Transform the Global Economy. Let's Make Sure It Benefits Humanity. International Monetary Fund Careers CPKC Work Here UnitedHealth Group CoinGecko Careers: Careers at CoinGecko CoinGecko Careers with Impact IFC Press Releases Early Careers | Mondelēz International, Inc. Mondelez International It's Time to Rethink Traditional Career Trajectories HBR.org Daily Which US workers are exposed to AI in their jobs? Pew Research Center What We Offer UnitedHealth Group Best job site of 2024 TechRadar Education and Development WellSpan Health Career Symposium National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences The Challenges of Retiring from a High-Powered Job HBR.org Daily Opinion | The A.I. Economy Will Make Jobs More Human The New York Times In-Demand Jobs for Seniors | Retirement | U.S. News U.S News & World Report Money Explore and find your profession TotalEnergies.com John Lewis publishes job interview questions to aid preparation Personnel Today 40 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling (They Really Exist!) Expert Vagabond Find a Role Bain & Company Careers at UNHCR UNHCR Jobs Energy.gov Upgraded National Career Service portal to give job market a fillip Business Standard Employment Opportunities City of Windsor Careers City of Somerville Careers | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website City of Norfolk (.gov) Jobs at Parks Canada Canada.ca Employment Opportunities Unity Health Toronto Careers & Employment Pinellas County |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
College Labor is Available in Ohio Ohio has always been big on education and that means a bright, energetic and reliable workforce for expanding businesses. A business which wants to expand its number of outlets should be looking strongly at the Ohio market place as there are many very strong and economically viable areas to do business. Managing The Boss Is Essential To Career Success Your boss is the gatekeeper of your career. Unless you are able to manage a positive relationship with him at each step in your career you will fall short of your potential. Petite Modeling: is There a Career for You? PEtite modeling is a tough industry to break into. Especially since most modeling agencies won't represent models unless they're 5 feet and 9 inches tall or taller. 7 Steps to Effective Communication The success of any business or organization depends largely on how effectively the members communicate. The ability to speak well is a minimum requirement of some businesses when hiring. Should You Lie On Your Resume? Warning: Lying on your resume could cost you your job and your freedom.Picture this. Surviving The Technical Interview Ah, the technical interview. Nothing like it. Success at Work : People Skills : Networking Getting along with your co-workers is critical to yourhappiness and success at work. You may find yourselfspending more time with your co-workers than with yourspouse and family. Free Resume Examples: Untold Wealth In 10 Minutes! Doesn't every job search start with Google?Way back in another lifetime, I was looking for a job after one of my startups failed. Conveniently, everything went to pot in early 2000. Top 10 Resume Writing Tips to Get You the Interview There are many reasons why you could be in the marketfor a new job right now. Perhaps. Simple Tips to Move Forward on the Job, Part II After establishing a trusting relationship with the safety officer, it would be helpful to document what was talked about with the safety officer. What kinds of information was shared? Was that person helpful? Was another meeting or on-going meetings scheduled? Did the frequent meetings taper off so that there was still communication, but on an informal basis?Did the soon to be job-changer find other community resources about the profession of a safety officer? Did he/she find out about local, state and federal safety, plant issues and how to find information quickly? Did she/he subscribe to newsletters, journals, and organizations? The job-changer needs to be an informed individual in order to enter the new world of a business, safety officer and to be able to digest the new information, easily. Seven Deadly Types of Job Recruiters Collect them all!Over the course of six months in my pursuit of a new job, I have talked to recruiters on a daily basis. I have communicated with or have been contacted by at least 100 recruiters. Workplace Violence - 8 Tips For Spotting Early Warning Signs One of the greatest threats facing both employees and the companies they work for, is workplace violence. It has become the leading cause of death for women and the second leading for men, following closely behind motor vehicle accidents. How to Conquer Job Hunting Apathy Jack, downsized from his last job, was frozen in a place called Apathy. Had been for months now. Virtual Heroes: The Growth of the Virtual Assistant Building and expanding a business is a difficult task, when the management of the business in its existing form takes up much of the time. The administrative, office-based and creative tasks behind running a business, although time-consuming and often repetitive, are vital to the continued operations of the business. Career Discovery - Pinpoint Your Ideal Career Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment withyour values, passions, and talents--and discover the workyou were born to doCareer discovery is the process by which a person identifiestheir ideal career path, thus saving themselves a lot oftime (and money) by not pursuing career choices that theywill ultimately find unfulfilling. To find your truecalling, you need to dig around and find the things that areimportant to you--now, and in the future. Are Your References Ready? One of the most common forms of background check performed by companies hiring new employees is the reference check. They typically request that candidates provide them with three names of previous bosses. Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all over lately. Just a few days ago a friend asked me how he could do it without starting completely over. Are You In A Groove Or A Rut? Ruts: the routines in our work and lives that have become uninteresting and bothersome.Everyone has a favorite rut or two. Students Discover Your Niche By Using Career Assessment In our ever changing world where job competition is rampant it can be difficult to understand one's strengths and what one wants to do in life.If you feel uncertain about your career path you're not alone. Seeking Knowledge Will Give You Power What are you interested in? We all have a passion for something. So, what is your passion?Are you actively seeking information about your passion? Knowledge, providing it is correct knowledge, will increase your power.
|
|
|
| © Career Consulting Limited.com 2011
|