Showing posts with label Resume Check. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resume Check. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Our Top Articles of 2022

Once again it is the time when we share our most popular articles from the past year! 

We love knowing which posts resonated with you, our readers, and which just didn’t catch on.

As in years past, our top blog posts centered around Your Job Search and the Employment Background Check, for both those looking for a job and those hiring!

Let’s get started…

Our first popular post centered on your resume and what information will help or hurt your job search.

The question is this…Will unpaid work experience cause a problem in the employer verification part of your background check?

"Unpaid, volunteer, or intern type positions are great additions to any resume ~ especially when they yielded skills or experience that can translate to your career! Including them will not cause any issues when it comes to the employment background check unless you try to pass them off as Paid Positions. That would send off a bright red flag! However, including them as unpaid references will help you as long as when contacted, they have something nice to say. That is why I recommend that you contact any reference long before you list them on your resume. Give them a “heads up” that they may be contacted and ask them if they are willing to give you a good reference. Even finding out in advance what information past employers will give to potential employers or screening companies is in your best interest. This way you will be prepared as to what an employment background check will find!”.

Instead of feeling angst when you apply for any job, your best bet is to be prepared. And it all starts with your resume!

Making sure your resume is completely truthful is the best start. The key is to make sure all your information is clear and accurate, and following these 6 tips will help!

  1. Make sure your resume is “clean”
  2. Make sure you never list a degree you haven’t earned
  3. Make sure all past employments are accurate
  4. Make sure you know what your past employers will say about you
  5. Make sure you can mitigate any employment “gaps”
  6. Make sure you have done a background check on yourself first

Check out more tips on how you can optimize your resume to help you get the job here!

Our next top article explored what past employers can really say about you during the background check.

Do you really know what a former employer will say about you?

"Employers can choose to reveal anything about you, your work performance, and even reason for leaving as long as it is the truth! However, that doesn’t mean that they will! 

Due to fear of litigation, many employers choose to only verify a former employee’s dates and title of employment. Some will also share whether that person is eligible for rehire. But what they will share is all dependent upon company policy and is not necessarily consistent company to company. 

However, a good background check professional will check and develop references to “fill in the gaps”. That means they will question not only the references listed by an applicant, but also ask those references for another source they could contact who has knowledge about the applicant’s work history and job performance. 

The best thing any job applicant can do is to know beforehand what a former employer will say about them and choose their references wisely. 

And both of these can be accomplished by doing a background check on themselves long before they ever apply for a job”.

So, what can you do to give yourself a heads up on what past employers will share?

Do a little research! Find out the laws in your state and locality governing employer background check guidelines, along with any state and locality where you may have worked!

But despite “best practices” and legal regulations, can you really be 100% sure that you know what a former employer will say about you? That is why your best course of action is to take the time to do a Background Check on yourself first!

Check out the entire article here to learn more about the steps you can take to not only know in advance what a former employer will reveal about you but to also choose the best references in the first place!

In “Can You Edit Your Background Check”, we delved into the question of whether there is any way to change what is found on your employment background check report.

Is it possible to “edit” or change your background check report?

“If you mean can you question or dispute any of the findings contained in a background check, then the answer is Yes. It doesn’t matter whether the investigating company is HireRight or another screening service, you have the right to dispute the findings contained in that check.

However, you cannot simply “edit” that report yourself. If you find that your background check report contains errors, you need to immediately inform the employer that the report has errors. In fact, it is your right to not only dispute the findings but have the chance prove the findings are false or provide information to mitigate them.

So, while you cannot simply “edit” a background check, you have every right to refute the findings and have the chance to prove they are in error”

Find out what you can do before you even apply for a job to make sure your background check will help you get hired, not hurt you by checking out the entire article!

Our next popular post centered on how your social media posts can impact your Job Search.

“Do you post on Social Media? Could what you post be considered “controversial”? Then you need to read this…

What you post online can effect you, your job, and even your family.

That is why you need to understand the potential ramifications of what you post online and learn what you can do to mitigate your exposure.

First you should recognize that nothing you share on Social Media is ever really private!

It is also important that you realize that what you post can impact your Job Search, future promotions, and even your educational goals.

Learn more about how your Social Media posts can impact your Job Search here!

Our final top article of the past year focused on Hiring in a Small Business and the importance of using employment background checks to protect you, your company, and your bottom line!

“It is not easy to find the right employee, especially for a Small Business!

Hiring someone with the right skills, experience, and “fit” is, of course, essential. They need to not only be able to do the job, but to do it well.

But finding that talented candidate is not enough. They also need to be a safe and reliable hire. One that will not jeopardize the safety of your company’s existing employees, your customers, or your assets. 

And the key to accomplishing this goal is by doing a sound Employment Background Check!

When you screen your potential new hires, you are not only making a cost-effective and sound business decision, you are protecting your business reputation. And here are 4 reasons why......

  1. Small Businesses have limited budget for hiring and training
  2. The more “intimate setting” of a Small Business requires safer hires
  3. Background Checks help Small Businesses avoid litigation
  4. Small Businesses rely heavily on their reputation

Discover more about how Employment Background checks will help your business hire safely and effectively and how to get the quality checks you need here!”

That rounds out our Top Blog Articles list for this year. We would like to take a moment and thank our readers. We appreciate you taking the time to check out what we have to say and welcome your comments and ideas. 

To that end, please share what topics you would like to see covered in this new year. Would would love to hear from you! And if you haven’t already, be sure to Follow our Blog so you don’t miss an article!


Authored by  


Have questions about Background Checks, Hiring, or your Job Search? Please check out Our Services and learn more About Us!

Find out what Our Happy Clients have to say too!


Sunday, September 25, 2022

What can You do if you get a "Negative" Reference?

Do You have any legal recourse if you get a “Negative” Reference during your Background Check? 

“If you are passed over for a job because of negative references even though there was no consent to speak with anyone and they won’t disclose who or what was said about you? Is there any legal recourse?”

This question was recently asked on a popular Q & A forum and we decided to weigh in…

“No “permission” is necessary for anyone doing an employment background check to speak with your past employers, especially since you have already signed a release permitting the search. Your best course of action when it comes to past employers and references is to be proactive and speak with each before you ever apply for a job. That means contacting each past employer to verify what they will disclose about you. You should also contact any references you list to let them know they may be contacted. Be sure to tell them what position(s) you are applying for and whether they are willing to act as a reference at all. Bottom line is this…be proactive and KNOW what your references and past employers will say about you long before you start your job search”.

You can see the original post and other answers here!

Waiting until after that negative reference is never the answer!

Despite having written about these subjects before, it bears repeating…when it comes time to apply for any job, it is vital that you choose your references wisely and know what your past employers will say about you first!

When it comes to your References, a little preparation goes a long way.

Do You know what Your References will say about You? 

“Don’t fall prey to one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make ~ listing your former employers, supervisors, or professors as references without asking them first!

This simple step can save you from the embarrassment of a less-than-stellar recommendation and give your references a most welcome heads up. In fact, this common courtesy can greatly increase your chances of getting the job. 

Your references will have had the opportunity to gather their thoughts beforehand and will not be caught off guard ~ giving you the best chance of your references working for you instead of against you.

When references are contacted unaware, they often stumble. Dates and titles elude them. Specific projects you may have worked on or tasks you lead are unmentioned. This can lead to an unimpressive reference report.

These 7 Tips will help you get the best References:

  1. Make a list ~ create a list of present and past employers, managers, supervisors, co-workers, and others that may be willing to serve as a reference. 
  2. Check it twice ~ take a hard look at this list and keep those that really know you and your work well.
  3. Spread the word ~ reach out to each of those who made your final list and see if they are willing to act as a reference. 
  4. Fill in the details ~ make sure everyone on your final list knows the job you are applying for and with what company. Also give them a quick rundown of the skills the company is looking for. 
  5. Do a double check ~ verify that you have up to date contact information for each of your references (phone, email, etc.) and the best time and way to reach them.
  6. Create your final reference list ~ this list should include all pertinent information for each reference (name, company and title, contact number, email). It is also important to give a short description of how you know them and the dates of that relationship.
  7. Don’t forget the “Thank You” ~ a thank you note to each of your references can go a long way, especially if you end up needing their help again in the future!

Learn more about how you can get your references to help you get the job in “Do You know what your References will say about You? Be Smart, Ask First”.

Tips to Help You get the most out of your References and Employment Verifications!

Knowing in advance exactly what information past employers will reveal during a background check is also key. 

Not only does it give you a heads up, it also allows you time to prepare any mitigating information you can give to your potential employer.

It is just as important to be proactive when it comes to your past employers!

Do you really know what a former employer will say about you?

“Employers can choose to reveal anything about you, your work performance, and even reason for leaving as long as it is the truth! However, that doesn’t mean that they will! 

Due to fear of litigation, many employers choose to only verify a former employee’s dates and title of employment. Some will also share whether that person is eligible for rehire. 

But what they will share is all dependent upon company policy and is not necessarily consistent company to company.

The best thing any job applicant can do is to know beforehand what a former employer will say about them long before they ever apply for a job”.

Check out the steps you need to take to prepare yourself for the employment verification check check here!

The bottom line is this ~ when it comes to your job search and the inevitable employment background check ~ it is always best to be prepared.

Knowing in advance exactly what your references and past employers will reveal goes a long way toward relieving the angst of what your prospective new employer will find. It will also help you land the job ~ and that is your ultimate goal!


Authored by 


Need help preparing for your employment background check? Contact API Today. We will answer your questions and help you make sure your reference and resume is “background check ready”!

Learn more About Us and Our Services too!

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Errors in Your Background Check Report? Find out What You need to do Now!

Background Check Errors can hurt your Job Search!
Imagine this: You've made it to the end of an extensive interviewing process with your dream company. You’ve been given an offer of employment conditional on the successful completion of your background check.

There is only one problem…you have been notified that your background check did not come back clean and the company is rescinding their offer. The worst part? What they found in your background check is not true! Now what do you do?


Unfortunately, background check errors do happen! 

Job seekers can find themselves confronted with misinformation found in their background checks. They are then forced to prove not only that the findings wrong, but also to keep these errors from popping up again. This can be stressful and hard to do.

If you are looking for a job, or even being offered a promotion, it is best that you learn how to tackle this potential issue head on.


Discover How You can Fix Errors in Your Background Check! “Tweet This”

If your new employer finds what you know to be errors during your background check, the best course of action is to take charge! 

Immediately inform the employer that you dispute these findings. Then be ready to do what you can to prove the results wrong ~ and following these tips is a great place to start! They will help you fix misinformation that may be found in your background check and help prevent it from happening again.

Fixing Errors
If there are errors listed in your background check, don’t give up. It is not too late the fix them. In fact, it is your right to be given the chance!

The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) requires employers to follow a specific process when they are confronted with information that might negatively impact their hiring decision. 

Before making a final decision, Employers must:
  • Notify you, in writing, that negative information was found during your background check.
  • Provide you with a copy of the background check report, including contact information for the company that provided the report.
  • Provide you with a copy of “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act”.
  • Allow you a minimum of 5 business days to provide proof that the information found is in error or mitigate the findings with additional information.
Find out more about your rights when it comes to employment background checks here!

This entire process will undoubtedly cause a delay in the hiring process.

So, instead of being faced with the task of proving the negative information found in your employment background check is wrong, it is better to be prepared and…..


Be Proactive instead of Reactive!
The best way is to Do a Background Check on Yourself before you ever even apply for a job!

Hiring delays are never in your or an employer’s best interest. The wait keeps you both in limbo. You are stalled in your job search and the employer is unable to hire for the position they need. 

Taking the time before you apply to make sure that any information “out there” about you is factual simply makes sense for you both!

It will prevent you from being unduly surprised and allow the employer to more quickly get the information they need to make an informed hiring decision. 

By pre-doing a background check on yourself, you will be able to see exactly what an employment background check will uncover and give you the opportunity to double check the results and see if they are accurate.

Learn more about the benefits of doing a background check on yourself here!

A good background check company can help you with this!
Professional screening companies are familiar with what information employers check, the best sources to use to gather this information, and can help you determine the best way to prove the negative information wrong.


Do you have questions about doing a background check on yourself? Contact Us for help!
Once you get the results of your own report, or are confronted with a negative report from an employer, there are definitive steps you should take to correct any errors.

First, be sure to check the entire report thoroughly. Pay special attention to:
  • Misspellings of your name
  • Missing or incorrect date of birth
  • Missing or incorrect Social Security number
  • Incorrect past addresses
  • Criminal charges attributed to you in error
If you find any discrepancies, then you need to take steps to fix them.


To help fight these errors, you need to have proof.

Start with documentation that lists your legal name, including full middle name and any suffixes (Jr., Sr., etc.). Include any past names you may have had such as maiden name and past married names. Have your official social security card and valid driver’s license on hand to help provide correct legal name, current address, and date of birth. Also be ready with a list of all past addresses and your dates of residence at each.

If your background check shows incorrect arrests or convictions, and they can’t be disproven with the valid identifying information you provided, then you should contact the court where the case originated. Ask for a copy of the report and find out what steps you need to take to dispute that these cases belong to you.

Background check errors can also occur when verifying education or past employments. These are some of the easiest errors to fix or to avoid entirely!

If you are confronted with this type of error, contact the education institution or employer where it occurred. Find out why the information you supplied on your resume differs from what is in their records. If they are in error, make your case. However, if you have made the mistake, correct it on your resume going forward.

With these type of errors, your best defense is really a good offense. Instead of finding out after the fact that there are inaccuracies either in your resume or in the information being provided by your university or past employer, make your resume Background Check Ready” before you apply!

Check that all the dates, titles, and degrees or professional licenses you list in your resume are accurate and current. Provide the name and location of each institution to make verifying the information easy.

Do the same for your employments. List the name and location of the company and working contact information including phone and email for your past supervisor or the company’s Human Resources department. Include your dates of employment, last title earned, and reason for leaving.

Be honest. Don’t elevate your role or responsibilities. If there are gaps in your history, don’t try to cover them by fudging the facts. Instead, be ready to explain why you have a gap and what you did during that time to stay current in your field. 

Learn more about how and why you should get your resume “Background Check Ready” here!

Once you have all the proof you need to challenge the errors in your background check, provide them to your potential employer.
While the final decision whether to hire you is still theirs, you have done your part to fix or dispute their original negative findings and give yourself the best chance at landing the job.
Good luck!

Authored by      

Contact Us Today! We can help you get ready for your Job Search.


We also invite you to find out more About Us and our Background Check and Job Search services!

Sunday, June 17, 2018

What Information Does an Employer Really Need to Do a Background Check?


There are many mysteries and misinformation surrounding employment background checks.

It seems that no matter how many articles or news stories are written about them, background checks still make a large number of people unsure and uneasy. 

And that definitely includes both Job Applicants and Employers!

When it comes time for the Employment Background Check, applicants, and even employers, are often nervous. Both have questions about the process and wonder whether the information found will have an impact on the hiring decision.

3 Questions Applicants and Employers have about Background Checks:


Why are Employment Background Checks Necessary? 
As an employer, “it is important that you hire carefully, not in haste. Not all business owners recognize the importance of screening their employees from the start. Many believe it is not necessary. Or that it is too time consuming and expensive.

They also might not understand the consequences of making a bad hire.

When you hire, you need to remember that who you hire is a reflection of your business. They are often the first “face” of your company that your clients and customers see.

Your clients often deal with your employees on a much more intimate basis than they do with you.  

That is why making a hiring mistake can actually harm your carefully cultivated brand. It can even put your small business, your other employees, and your clients in jeopardy”.

And that is only the beginning. Find out more about why employment background checks are crucial to your business in “If You are not Doing Background Checks on Your New Hires, You are Making the Biggest Mistake Your Small Business can Make!”. 

What Guidelines need to be followed when doing Employment Background Checks?
Employers are subject to many regulations and guidelines when it comes to hiring ~ and that is especially true when it comes to the background check.  

The must recognize that Job Applicants have rights concerning when a background check can be done, the release forms that can be used to authorize the check, and rights concerning the information found during the check.

Not following these laws and guidelines can put a company in hot water. 
That is why integrating them into their hiring policies is so important. 

Learn more about the best procedure when it comes to the background check and an applicant’s rights here!

What Information are Background Checks really Looking For?
Anyone in the market for a new job (whether that be with a new company or for a promotion within) will most likely be subject to a Background Check.

And despite employment screening being a common practice, many are still confused about what a company is really searching for and why”, excerpt from “Employment Background Checks ~ What Companies are Really Looking For!”.

Most employers want to know an applicant’s past employment, education, and skills to determine if they have what it takes to do the job. They will also want to know whether the applicant has a past criminal record that could jeopardize the safety of the company’s customers, employees, or assets.  

What may be surprising to know is that by the time a company is ready to do the background check, they are really looking for verification that they have made the right decision in wanting to hire this applicant! 


And while, I have frequently covered these questions and other topics concerning employment background checks, this question, that was recently posted by an employer on Quora, got me thinking~


“What information do I need to know about the applicant to run a background check?”.

This opened my eyes to a dilemma that this employer, and probably others, have when it comes to background checks ~ understanding exactly what information is needed from the applicant in order to do a good background check.

Here is the answer I posted on Quora:
In order to run a good background check, it is best to know as much identifying information as possible about your subject. At the very minimum, you need to know the subject’s full name, any previous names used, date of birth, social security number, and where they live. Ideally, you should also have them supply the following: any place they have lived and/or worked for the past 7 to 10 years and their driver’s license number and the state of issue. If you plan on verifying education, they should also list the name, location, and contact information for the highest diploma or degree obtained. If you will be verifying past employment and/or references, then you will want them to provide the name of the company or reference, their phone number and a working email address, and their dates and title of employment. 

While this may seem like an excessive amount of information, requesting it from your applicant serves two purposes. First, it speeds up the entire process because it eliminates the time it would take to try and research this information yourself. And second, it is a great way to get a feel for the honesty and thoroughness of your candidate. Providing accurate information is a great first step in determining how honest they really are!”.

Check out the full post including my and others’ answers here and
discover more tips on what you should provide and expect from your background check company in “You want a Background Check, Now What? What Your Provider Needs to Know”.


But in the end, how much of this information you really need comes down to this ~
 the type of job you are filling and the scope of your desired background check!



The Scope of Your Employment Background Check Depends on the Job!

The Information You need to Do a Good Employment Background Check depends on the Job!
“Tweet This”
 

It is wise, and cost effective, to fit the Background Check to your open position. This means covering only what is necessary in your screening process. 

Here is what you need to consider:

Level of Position ~ It makes sense to elevate your screening as the position advances. While entry level positions may only require criminal checks, you may add education, references, and more as determined to be wise for higher company jobs.

Access to Company Assets ~ Does the position require handling money or product? If so, criminal and civil record checks would be a must ~ looking for a crime like theft would be of interest.

Access to Sensitive Customer and/or Company Data ~ Making sure your applicant has never been convicted of a crime related to mis-using company data is key. 

Contact with Clients, Customers, and Employees ~ Will they be the “face” of your company? Actually go into client’s homes or  businesses?  Work closely with other employees? Knowing whether your applicant has a history of physical or emotional violence and abuse is necessary to a safe hire.

Find out more in "One Size Does not Fit All ~ Why You Need to Fit the Background Check to the Job"!


Knowing in advance exactly what information you need from your applicant to do the employment background check makes sense and is good business. It will help expedite the entire process, which is good for you and your applicant, and give you the information you need to make a quality hire.


The result will be that both you and your applicant will be moving forward in the hiring process with your eyes wide open. And this is makes the most sense of all!

Authored by  



Ready to Hire or have questions about Employment Background Checks? Contact Us! We can Help!

Sunday, January 28, 2018

How can You Tell if your Applicant is Honest?


How can you check the integrity and honesty of your job candidate?
This question was posed recently on a popular Q&A site and the goal makes sense. Knowing whether your applicant is honest can go a long way towards helping you make a successful hiring decision.

But how can that goal be accomplished and is it possible to do it during the interview? 
Here is our answer to that question:
"Do a Background Check! While it is important to first wait until a conditional offer of employment has been made, the employment background check is the perfect cross-reference between what a candidate told you during the interview and stated on their resume and the truth. Honest candidates will be as exact as possible in their dates and title of employment, their degree and certifications, and any other information they list. You can also check with past supervisors concerning any job duties or projects mentioned by your candidate. Verifying this information can go a long way towards checking on the integrity and honesty of anyone who applies for employment with your company!".

You can check out more answers to this question here!

As often comes with hindsight, after posting we realize that our answer to that question should have included so much more!

Verifying an applicant’s honesty solely during the interview is unrealistic.

While it is certainly possible to gauge things like eye contact, consistency, and general demeanor, relying on the interview to determine your applicant’s honesty simply doesn’t make sense.

Want to “Check” if Your Applicant is Honest? Do a Background Check! “Tweet This”


That is where the employment background check comes in!
Employers want honest employees. They want to hire people they can trust, who will act with integrity, and who are true to their word.

And if an applicant is willing to lie on their resume or during the interview, it certainly doesn’t bode well for how they will conduct themselves when they are hired!

Lying on your resume is seen as a mark against your honesty. Employers want to hire someone they can trust. If their first impression of you is one of deception, then your chances of getting hired are slim.

In fact, according to the Careerbuilder survey, 51% of employers would automatically reject a candidate that lied”.

Simply put, “Employers don’t hire liars. By the time a background check is ordered, they have already invested time and money in advertising their open position, wading through resumes received, and interviewing any promising candidates.

Finding out that you (the candidate) lied at this point in the hiring process is maddening.  And despite the aggravation, most are willing to start over before hiring someone they can’t trust”.
excerpts from “Employers Share ~ Lie on Your Resume and You Lose!”. 

When applicants lie on their resume or application, there are very real consequences for the employer in the form of time and money!

It is estimated that resume fraud costs employers approximately $600 Billion annually”! Yes that is $600 BILLION!  

This figure covers the increased time needed to screen resumes…..40% of HR professionals say that because of the prevalence of lies, they are now spending more time than ever to verify applicant’s claims.

There is also the high cost associated with hiring, training, and replacing employees that are later found out to lack the skills or education necessary to do the job.

It is estimated that this can cost more than that employee’s yearly salary. And this can hit small businesses especially hard. Many struggle to cover the time and money wasted.

In addition to the money spent on screening, fabricated resumes can also present very real and serious legal issues to employers. If your company hires someone who is not fit for the job, whether that is because they are unqualified or unsafe, it opens you up to negligent hiring lawsuits.

It becomes even more serious if someone is harmed due to that hire - whether that is another employee or a customer".

Find out more about the problems businesses face when their hires lie in “The High Cost of Resume Lies”!

There is no doubt that hiring an honest employee is a goal for any company. And if there existed a crystal ball, magic potion, or some invention to ensure that, everything would be wonderful.
But since that won’t happen any time soon, using a good background check to hire is the next best thing! Employment screening is the best tool available to verify that your applicant is telling the truth from the beginning….something that can not be determined through the interview alone!

Authored by   

Hiring? Contact Us Today to find out how our Background Investigation services can Help You!

Discover more About Us and our Business Mentoring and Security Consulting services too!

Monday, October 3, 2016

Background Checks ~ Job Seekers' Top 5 FAQ


Nothing gives job seekers pause more than the 
employment background check. 
And no wonder! Looking for a job is a nerve wracking and anxious time ~ and the thought of an employer scrutinizing you and your past just adds to the stress.

Even if you have nothing to hide, you can feel anxiety about the whole background check process.

You might spend time wondering “What is an employer looking for?” and “What will they discover?”. 

You are not alone!
Many job seekers have the same questions when it comes to employment screening.    

By focusing on 5 of those most frequently asked, we hope to provide the answers you need and help alleviate some of the stress that can drive you crazy while you search for your dream job.

Feeling Job Search Stress? Your Background Check FAQ Answered!  “Tweet This”

Created by Kimberly Kline, API

Job Seekers’ Top 5 Background Check Questions
  • How far back do employment background checks go?
It is standard for most employers to go back 7 - 10 years when it comes to background checks. This time frame is recommended by FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Administration) and EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) guidelines. Compliant employers and background check companies will follow this time frame.  

This can vary depending on the industry. Some companies, by law, are required to search for your entire past criminal and work history. Examples of this are jobs in finance, working with children, the elderly, or disabled, and in the transportation industry.

While these guidelines do dictate how far back to go in searching for your criminal offenses, there are none when it comes to past employments, education, etc. An employer is free to go back as far as they deem necessary. 
  • What Shows Up on a Background Check?
This depends upon the scope of the background check requested. Many times the extent of the screening depends upon the position being filled. For example, an entry level job usually requires a more basic background check than one for a management or supervisory position.

However, when most job seekers ask this question, they are really thinking about the criminal check.  The 7 -10 year rule applies here too (with the exception of the regulated industries). This means that criminal offenses beyond that parameter are not supposed to be considered ~ whether they “show up” or not.

If the background check is done internally, HR should follow this guideline. If it is outsourced to a reputable screening company, then only those offenses that fall within the time parameters should be reported.  

Court records are most often checked at the county and state level. Federal court records may also be requested.  

During a criminal check, cases will be found that resulted in both findings of not guilty and those where you were convicted. Even cases that were dismissed or are currently active (with no disposition) are uncovered. Traffic cases are rarely considered (unless a company car or driving is part of the job description).

Beyond the criminal check, the following information will be discovered if requested by the employer:

Education ~ dates of graduation and degree earned are most common.  Class rank or GPA (QPA) are not usually requested.

Employments ~ dates (start to end) and title of your most recent position are checked. Your reason for leaving is also commonly asked.

When it comes to wondering what will “show up” during the background check, there are steps you can take to help alleviate your concerns.

Making sure your resume is “background check ready” is a great way to start. Verifying that all the information listed is true and accurate is key.  
Discover tips on how to get your resume background check proof here!

Getting a background check on yourself before you even apply for a job is also a smart move. Knowing in advance that nothing will be uncovered that could keep you from getting the job simply makes sense.

  • What kind of Criminal Record will keep me from getting the job?
No matter what kind of criminal history information may be uncovered during the background check, EEOC guidelines require most employers to only consider convictions when making their employment decision.

For many employers, felony convictions are automatic red flags. Also of concern is any past criminal activity that may jeopardize the safety of their customers, employees, and their assets.

Convictions for violent offenses are especially problematic. But, depending on the job, guilty verdicts for crimes like embezzlement, drug trafficking, or theft may also effect whether you get the job. 

Even if a record is found, you have rights.There are definitive steps that an employer must take if they are considering not hiring you because of your criminal history.  These include notifying you (in writing) if adverse information was found in your background check and giving you the chance to deny or mitigate those findings.

Learn more about your rights here!

It is important to note that not all employers will automatically eliminate you from consideration if you have a criminal record. EEOC guidelines actually recommend that employers only take into account offenses that directly pertain to the job.

But if you do have a criminal past, your best defense is to be ready to plead your case. Own your criminal past, share any circumstances that lead to your conviction, and show what you have done since then to turn your life around.
  • Will an employer find out I lied about…..
Whether you have lied about your education, past employments, or anything else listed on your resume, the answer is YES!!!!

More and more employers are doing employment background checks. And be assured, these screeners know what they are doing. Your lies will be found out. When that happens, you lose. According to employers, resume lies can actually cost you the job! 
 
The most common resume lies:
  • Skills & Responsibilities
  • Degree / Diploma
  • Dates of Employment
  • Job Title
  • Past Employers
Even if the employer initially decides to hire you anyway, there will always be the lingering question about your honesty. This can effect future promotions or raises.

Read more about what happens when your resume lies are discovered in “Employers Share ~ Lie on Your Resume and You Lose!”.

  • How long is Marijuana detectable with a drug test?
With an increasing number of states legalizing the use of medical marijuana, and some extending that to recreational use, job seekers are justifiably interested in how that will translate to drug tests and employment.

It is important to know that employers still have the right to require a “drug free” workplace. This includes using drug tests to deny employment or fire anyone that is impaired.

To that end, many employers require pre-employment drug tests. And many others also practice random drug tests of current employees.

The length of time that marijuana will stay in your system can vary. It depends on the kind of test used, how long since you last used, how often you use, and your own body.

Marijuana use becomes slightly more problematic when approved for medical use. Employers cannot discriminate against employees who test positive for marijuana when it is prescribed by a physician. However, employers in many states are still allowed to reprimand employees who are impaired on the job, even if it is due to medically prescribed marijuana.

It is also important to remember that marijuana use is still illegal under federal law. Any employer that receives federal funding, or is subject to federal regulations, is required to consider marijuana a prohibited substance.

Find out more about Marijuana and the Workplace in “Marijuana, Employers, and Drug Testing ~ What You Need to Know”.

Knowing what questions job seekers have about background checks is valuable for employers too.  
It gives them the opportunity to put their applicants at ease and make the hiring process much less stressful. It also allows an employer to establish an open and honest channel of communication with their potential new hires from the start.

Learn more in “Ready to Hire?  What Your Applicant Needs to Know”!

Knowing the answers to these top 5 FAQ 
employment background check questions will help you start your job search with your eyes wide open. But, most importantly, by following these tips, you will be fully prepared to sail smoothly through the entire process. 

Do You have a question about Hiring or Background Checks that was not covered? Or do you need more information? Contact Us Now! API can help!

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Sunday, April 24, 2016

Employers Share ~ Lie on Your Resume and You Lose!

58% of Employers have Uncovered a Lie on a Resume*. 
Does this number surprise you?
And this percentage only reflects the lies that have been discovered. It says nothing about the ones that have gone unnoticed.

As landing a job becomes more and more competitive, some job seekers might believe that lying on their resume is worth the risk.
This is a big mistake! And employers agree!

Resume Lies Will Keep You From Getting Hired!  “Tweet This”

Be assured, employers are checking. Verifying the information on your resume is common practice and part of most company’s hiring processes. Investigating your education, past employments, and skills top the list. 

It is time to take note ~

When your resume lies are uncovered during the hiring process, you lose.  
And, if discovered later, you could face not only the embarrassment of getting fired, but also the possibility of public humiliation.

It has happened before. There have been cases where a resume lie resulted in more than just being fired. It also drew unwanted and, most certainly, negative publicity.  

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our series on what happened when these 8 “Famous” people lied on their Resumes!

While it is unlikely that this level of media attention would happen to you, lying on your resume is never a smart move.
Employers are understandably wary. Making a new hire, or promoting an existing hire, is a big deal. It costs money and time. And every employee is a reflection back on the company’s image and brand. No company wants the employer/employee relationship to begin with a lie. 

Resume Lies that will likely Keep You from Getting Hired:

Lying about your degree or skills tops the list. 
Employers fear hiring someone who is unable or unsafe to do the job. That is why it is important that at least the basic skills and training you list are truthful.

Lying about where you worked and what title you held is also trouble
Verifying past employments, and the dates and title of those employments, is one of the easiest parts of a background check. 

There are also other types of lies that raise a red flag for employers. Listing incorrect dates to cover an employment gap. Omitting a job completely because you were only there for a short time or left under unfavorable circumstances. Even beefing up your job title to make it sound more important.  

You may think these are simply “little embellishments” or “close to the truth”, but no matter how you look at them, they are still lies.  And employers take notice!

Lying on your resume is seen as a mark against your honesty. 
Employers want to hire someone they can trust. If their first impression of you is one of deception, then your chances of getting hired are slim. In fact, according to a Careerbuilder survey, 51% of employers would automatically reject a candidate that lied.

That is why raising any red flags by lying on your resume makes no sense. So What Should You Do?

The Number One Rule ~ Don’t Lie!
Being as accurate as possible from the beginning is your best protection. Make sure any degree or certifications you list include exact dates earned and institution attended. All past and present employments should have accurate start and end dates and job titles for any position held.

Just as important are truthful depictions of your accomplishments and skills. Use strong action words to describe any projects or teams you worked on. Be sure to list any lessons learned and the results of your actions.

The smartest move you can make is to get your resume “background check ready” before you even apply.  
This means being meticulous about what you list and pre-verifying yourself what any past employers or universities will share about you. 

Learn more about what you need should do in “Tips to Help You Get Your Resume ‘Background Check Ready’!”.

Employers don’t hire liars.  
By the time a background check is ordered, they have already invested time and money in advertising their open position, wading through resumes received, and interviewing any promising candidates.

Finding out that you lied at this point in the hiring process is maddening. And despite the aggravation, most are willing to start over before hiring someone they can’t trust.

Don’t let this happen to you!
Remember, your resume is a reflection of you ~ and often your first introduction to your potential new employer. Make sure that picture is a positive one!


Need help getting Your Resume Background Check Ready? Contact Us!  

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*Source1:  Liar, Liar You Won’t Get Hired, Career Builder Survey
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/liar-liar-you-wont-get-hired