What Information Shows Up On A Background Check?

Background checks are becoming an increasingly common step in employment, housing and other applications. Because of this growing trend, everyone should familiarize themselves with the information that is complied in these reports and what you can do to fix inaccuracies or clean up some of your mistakes when possible.

So what exactly shows up on a background check? There are roughly twenty different types of information included in a background report, with some background checks being more comprehensive than others. A lot of the information is fairly basic, such as education history, driving records and even your vehicle registration. Some of the more comprehensive reports may also include detailed information about prior employment as well as interviews with neighbors and former or current co-workers.

Both misdemeanors and felonies are also fair game for inclusion in a background report and can be very damaging to an applicant.  Additionally, when it comes to criminal charges, many applications do not even need to run a full-scale background check to find this potentially incriminating information. The question “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” or something to that effect pops up on initial applications all the time and can limit you as an applicant before ever getting a real chance to show your candidacy.

In Florida, an employer has to prove that there is some relevance to the job an individual is applying for and their criminal conviction (or charge) in order to deny the individual the job. This safeguard is, of course, a beneficial protection for those of you with less-than-perfect records but can nevertheless pose obvious problems.

Here’s some helpful advice to everyone reading this blog post: before you have to submit to a background check, get one of your own to go over. Many individuals have found major inaccuracies (i.e. a false felony conviction) that have caused personal and professional issues they had no idea about. If there are inaccuracies, work with the appropriate agencies to correct the information. Have the information in your background check reflect your actual background! For those of you dealing with criminal charges and other blemishes on your background report, finding out what exactly is on there and how it reads is a powerful first step. It gives you a chance to prepare answers to questions surrounding your history and place your past in the best light for future employers.

Whether you agree with the process or not, knowing the potential for this request should inspire many of you to check your report before an employer does and work to clean up your report when possible. Protect your rights. If you have charges in your record, you should get in touch with an attorney to see if there is any possibility for cleaning up your record. Putting your best foot forward may start with cleaning up what people can learn about your past. Get in touch with the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel P.A. for a free consultation today!