The background check process can be a complicated one, especially if you’re applying for an advanced position that requires a high level of trust. For this reason, it helps to understand what shows up on a background check. If you don’t, you can end up gambling on your career or lose your shot at climbing the corporate ladder.
The good news? This guide has you covered. Read on to learn more about what shows up on a background check. We also cover how to prepare for your next background check without spending a fortune.
What Shows Up on a Background Check
A lot of information shows up on a background check. However, the information that shows up varies based on the type of background check. For example, a background check at a bank may look closely at financial records, whereas a background check for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may focus more on driving records.
As you can see, it’s more complicated than a simple list of details. We’ll take you through common information that shows up on a background check below.
Identity Verification
The first component of most background checks is identity verification. Basically, employers will run your information through state and federal databases to verify your education, employment history, and details relating to your Social Security Number (SSN). This helps companies learn more about who you are and ensure that you are who you claim to be.
Many employers will also look for your information on websites and social media platforms. Therefore, it helps to make those accounts private or keep them family-friendly depending on the position.
Criminal Records
Criminal records are another key proponent of most background checks. Sure, some small businesses may not check criminal records, but most corporations and government jobs will access this information. The goal is to determine if you have any red flags that prevent you from being hired.
For example, schools usually won’t hire people who have a history of sex crimes. Violent felonies may also prevent you from obtaining employment from the government or businesses that require a high level of trust.
Credit History
Depending on the job, your credit history may show up during a background check. If you apply for a job at a bank, insurance company, or other roles where you act as a fiduciary, there’s a good chance that the company will check your credit. This also applies to jobs where public safety is involved, like police and security work.
Not only do companies check your credit, but they may also check other records associated with your credit profile. This may include bankruptcies, defaults, and other financial records.
Driving Records
If you plan on applying for a job that requires you to drive people around or operate heavy machinery, there’s a good chance that your driving records will be pulled. What’s available depends on the state, but most organizations can see if you have a history of speeding, drunk driving, or reckless driving.
Depending on how long ago these crimes occurred, you may not pass a background check if these infractions appear on your record.
How to Prepare for What Shows Up on a Background Check
The only way to prepare for what shows up on a background check is to leverage a public records search tool. Essentially, you need to view the records that an employer may find before they do. This gives you a chance to clean up any clerical errors. It also helps you to be transparent prior to the background check.
In order to prepare for a background check, we recommend using UnMask’s people search. This tool allows you to enter your first and last name and location to view all available public records associated with you. This can help you monitor your credit history, driving record, identity, and criminal records. Plus, all the information is available in one place, and the tool covers state and federal records.
Our Final Thoughts on What Shows Up on a Background Check
So, what shows up on a background check? Ultimately, employers do their best to learn more about the identity, credit profile, criminal history, and driving records of applicants. However, the type of information that’s available varies based on the organization.
For this reason, we always recommend asking about the types of records that a background check will source and familiarizing yourself with your public records.
