Sunday, February 18, 2018

Will a Background Check find every Job I ever had ~ even if I don’t list them on my resume?


"Can the average employer reveal work history that I don’t provide through a background check?".


I was recently asked to weigh in on this question, and here is my answer


"A good background check will uncover your entire work history ~ even jobs you didn’t include in your resume or application. The typical time span covered by most employment background checks is 7 - 10 years, so any positions you held during that time are likely to be found. Not including every job you ever had may not necessarily be held against you. Many applicants are now tailoring their resumes to highlight those jobs that relate to the position to which they are applying. This helps showcase your relevant skills. 

However, if you are eliminating jobs because you fear that what will be found could keep you from getting hired, then that is another story. Best practice is to highlight the jobs that are relevant to the position first, then make a bullet type list of any others. Then, during the interview, be forthcoming about any issues at these past employments that may put you in a bad light. Being proactive and upfront in this situation will help your potential new employers see you in a good light. 

That is why I recommend that before you ever even apply for a job, you find out exactly what former employers will reveal about you first! A good background check company can help you. This way you will be completely prepared long before you are put on the spot by something found during your background check! Good luck!".



The above question is not uncommon. 

Job seekers often wonder what an employment background check will find. And while it certainly depends on the scope of the check requested, it is always best for anyone applying for a job to expect it will find it all!


When it comes specifically to work history, a good background check will find your previous employments whether you list it on your resume or not!

So, instead of thinking, or even hoping, that a prior job won’t be found, it is best to expect it will be. That is why being truthful on your resume or application is your best strategy!

Start by creating an honest list of your past jobs at least for the past 10 years, or longer if relevant. Contact each of these former employers and verify what information they will release to prospective employers asking for verifications. Is it limited to job title and dates of employment? Will they verify your reason for leaving or comment on work performance?

Take careful note of their answers. Then, based on that information, make any necessary corrections to your resume.

Keep in mind that when it comes to employment verifications, most potential employers are looking for ~ the types of jobs you have held, how long you were in a position, whether you progressed within the company, and your reason for leaving. In addition, they are interested in any projects you worked on or spear-headed while there.


The goal here is to know what employment information will be released about you and make sure your resume is completely in line with that.

I have seen applicants rejected simply because the job title listed on their resume did not match that supplied by the past employer.  Don’t let this happen to you!

Discover more tips “to Help You Get Your Resume Background Check Ready” here!



Before you apply for any job, I also recommend you get a background check on yourself! Knowing in advance what a potential employer will find is invaluable. 

In addition to your employment history, best practice is to check for the following:

Criminal Records
Check in any place you have lived and/or worked in at least the last 7 to 10 years. While you should certainly know whether you have a criminal history, there is the possibility one may be found. You may have a forgotten charge or you may even have a criminal case erroneously linked to you.

Education
Verify the diploma, degree, or certificate you claim with your high school, college, university, etc.. Make sure they the information they release matches what you claim. Order official transcripts if necessary. The key here is to discover what they will give to any potential employer. And take note, if you have any outstanding school fees, pay them now. Many institutions will not release graduation information if they are unpaid!

Driving History
This is especially important if the job for which you are applying requires driving as part of the job description or you may be entitled to a company car.

Social Media Search
Find out what is “out there” before a potential employer does. Look at your social profiles on sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media sites you may use. See what they will see. Does it project the image you want? Make any changes necessary to make them show you in a good light.

Discover more tips to help in “Why You Should Run a Background Check on Yourself”!

When it comes to the employment background check, the more honest and detailed your resume, the less likely there will be any “red flags” that could keep you from getting the job.


That is why taking these steps before you try and land your dream job makes sense. They will give you the information you need to build a resume that will work for you, not against you!


And after all, isn’t that your ultimate goal?

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