Background Checks – A Detailed Guide
By
Kathryn Whittaker
Most
people think that to run a background check you should turn to a
private investigation bureau or a security company. In fact, background
checks are easy to do yourself, with a little time and effort.
Background checks are widely used in business, human relations,
media, education and even for screening day care workers. In many
companies, background checks along with psychological tests and
screenings have become integral part of hiring a person for higher
level positions. You may choose to run a free background check when
hiring a live-in caregiver or a nanny.
In many areas of employment, companies choose to run a background
check to protect them from potential legal action. Background checks
have become more common also after the tragic 9/11 events. For example,
no one would wish to unknowingly hire a sales manager who had been
found guilty of larceny in another country.
For many headhunters and employers, background checks can be as
simple as getting a credit report or more complex checks such as
in-depth verification of applicant’s educational background and working
credentials. An in-depth background check could even include an
investigation by a special agent of addresses where a person lived for
the past few years, interviews with family, neighbors, and even
ex-spouses.
More often, a background check includes checking recommendations
and validating employment history; some positions require an
examination of civil or criminal records, an authentication of various
professional certifications, and sometimes an inspection of a credit
history which is essential for positions related to finance or valuable
commodities.
When a hiring company notifies you that a background check is to be
performed, it does not mean that an employer has negative feelings
about you. In most cases, a hiring manager may even not notify that
they require the background check. However, in many cases employers are
required to get your permission to access certain types of information.
Most HR professionals already know that all information required
for a free background check is public and easily accessible. Sometimes,
however, employers would have to pay a fee to access more specific
information or hire third-party organizations to do their checks for
them. To make sure you have nothing to fear, order a copy of your own
credit report, a driving record, and, if you have a court history,
legal records.
Generally, free background checks have limited if no access to
bankruptcy information that is more than 10 years old or to other civil
issues after seven years. The sort of information collected by free
background checks can also vary; depending on whom performs the checks.
In most cases, unless you are particularly curious, you don’t have
to perform a background check on yourself. However, you may wish to run
a free background check on yourself just to make sure no errors have
been made or recorded incorrectly. Now you too have the ability, thanks
to the Internet to do a free background check on yourself if you really
want to. You can make sure that your records are absolutely clean for
that extra peace of mind, that may help you get that precious contract
or a job of your dreams.
About the author:
Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Background Checks please visit http://www.freebackgroundchecksguide.info/and for additional articles on Background Checks http://www.freebackgroundchecksguide.info/backgroundchecksarticles/
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