Access Profiles, Inc.

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. 

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!

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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!

 Is your current employer contacted during a background check?

Job applicants have often asked us this question. They are worried that their current employer will find out they are looking for a new job and their job will be in jeopardy.

That is why when asked to weigh in on a question covering this very topic on Quora, we wanted to set the record straight.

Does the agency conducting background checking contact your current or previous boss (employer)?

Here is our answer: "Contacting previous employers is a vital part of the majority of employment background checks. That is why you should expect that any new potential employer will at least contact anyone you worked for in the last 7 to 10 years. So be prepared. However, when it comes to contacting a current employer, things are different. Instead of just proceeding, it is common for the hiring company to ask for permission to contact your current employer first. This protects you in case you do not get the job or you decide to reject a job offer".

You can find more answers to this question here!

There is no doubt that job applicants have a valid concern when it comes to their current employer finding out they are looking elsewhere. 

The chance that their current job may be put in jeopardy, without another offer and acceptance in hand, is bound to cause angst. That is why it is so important to know the facts first.

Many background checks involve checking an applicant’s employment history.

And the best thing anyone applying for a job can do is to be prepared ~ and that means creating an honest and accurate resume and knowing before you even apply what previous employers will say about you!

“What information past employers may say can sometimes be a wild card, and no one wants any unwelcome surprises when they are applying for a job. That is why knowing in advance is your best bet.

It is important to contact any company where you have worked for at least the past 7 to 10 years to verify what they will release to anyone doing a background check. Is it limited to job titles and dates of employment? Will they verify reason for leaving or comment on work performance?

Learning this information will give you that chance to make any corrections needed on your resume before a background check discovers the discrepancies. Find out more about why and how to do a background check on yourself in “Why, When, and How You should Run a Background Check on Yourself!”.

Being forewarned about what your past employers will say about you will give you peace of mind to go after that new job or promotion. And all it takes is a little work on your part first!

Learn more about what you need to know concerning employment background checks here!

It is important that everything you list be entirely truthful. No matter what the temptation to “embellish” or alter the information to somehow make yourself look better, don’t do it! Your lies will be discovered and you will not only lose the job your reputation can suffer.

“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", excerpt from “Employers Share ~ Lie on your Resume and You Lose!”.

Instead, you need to make sure your resume is “background check ready” before you even apply. That means you need to:

• make sure your resume is “clean” 
• never list a degree you didn’t earn 
• make sure all past employment are accurate
• know what your past employers will say about you
• be ready to mitigate any employment gaps, negative reviews, or inaccuracies

Learn more about how to get your resume “background check ready” here!

It is also wise that if you have left a company on bad terms or you have gaps in your employment that you are proactive and honest. Explain the situation clearly and succinctly, highlighting anything you have learned from the experience and what you have done to move forward. The key is to not have a “wait and see” attitude but to take charge and be prepared.

Employers have no interest in jeopardizing the current employment of any job applicant. They understand that until you are offered and formally accept a new position, your current job is important to you.

“Spilling the beans” to your current boss about your job search is just not on their agenda.

Instead, these companies will act responsibly. In doing a background check, their ultimate goal is make sure any potential employee is honest and has the qualifications to do the job ~ and contacting your current employer is simply not necessary to achieve this goal. Do you have more questions about Employment Background Checks? Contact Us Today. We can Help!

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Learn more About Us and our Background Investigation and Job Search services.

"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!".




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!



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.



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!




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”!






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Checking Past Employments on Your New Hires Makes Sense!

As a Small Business owner, you already recognize the value of screening your new hires. You understand that knowledge is power and hiring with your eyes wide open makes sense. 


There is valuable information that can be discovered when you take the time to verify employments. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume that there is very little beyond dates and title of employment to find.



Many are under the assumption that companies are prohibited by law from verifying anything beyond the very basic information on their past employees. This is not true.

As long as they are not fabricating anything, they are free to share both positive and negative comments about their past employees’ job performance.

However, companies are prohibited from outright lying ~ and doing so can put them on the wrong end of a defamation lawsuit. 

Because of this, employers are understandably cautious. And many times you will encounter employers who cite “company policy” as a a reason to release only the bare minimum.



For example, it is possible to uncover that your applicant was terminated instead of having resigned. Or that your their job performance was not up to par.

It all comes down to what questions you ask and how you ask them!


What You Need to Do ~ Ask the Right People the Right Questions!

If you want to get the information you really need from an Employment verification, you first need to go to the best sources.  
And that is not the Human Resources Department.

Instead, work hard to contact your applicant’s direct supervisor or manager. Speaking with someone who worked closely with your applicant is key.  They will have the real information you need to make a good assessment of your possible new hire.

Once you reach the right person, then it is time to ask the right questions.

The Employment Questions You Need to Ask!

Dates and Title of Employment ~ Start off easy with verifying your applicant’s dates and title of employment. You may even want to contact HR first just to get this basic out of the way.  

Reason for Leaving ~ Finding the true circumstances under which your applicant left their previous position is valuable. Were they fired for cause? Did they leave under good terms? Discovering the true reason your applicant left makes sense.
  
This is not always a negative. Many times a previous supervisor will be happy to share that your applicant left to better themselves. This is the kind of thing you want to hear!  

Eligible for Rehire ~ “Are they eligible for Rehire?” is my favorite of all the employment questions I ask! Many times I have gotten an answer to this question even when company policy dictates they only supply dates and title of employment!

And their answer can say a lot!  

If there is no negative reason why your applicant left, your source will usually answer with something like “Yes, we would love to have them back” or “Our policy is to not rehire when someone leaves us, but I wish we could”.

However, if there is cause why your applicant is no longer working there, most times the answer to this question is a curt sounding “No”!

Performance ~ Asking a question such as “What are their Strengths and Weaknesses”? can yield some valuable information to your hiring decision. If possible, follow up with a request for any specific examples they are willing to share.

Their former supervisor’s insights can help you determine whether these qualities could make a good fit in your small business.


Reliability / Attendance ~ Knowing whether your applicant can be counted on is key. Asking “Did they show up on time when scheduled?” or “Would You Consider them Reliable?” makes sense.  

Would You Recommend this Applicant for a Job? ~ Committing or, in some cases not committing, to a recommendation is a big deal. When your source is willing to go on record either way, then that should say a lot to you about whether this is the hire for you.

Services Designed to Help You Hire Safely

The benefits are twofold. First, a good background check company will take the time necessary to contact the best sources. Second, they will also be practiced in How to Ask the Right Questions to obtain the quality information you need.

And, after all, Hiring Safely and Effectively should be your ultimate goal!

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