How Do I Prepare For A Background Check?
1. Gather The Information You'll Need
You'll complete the background check process quicker if you have the correct information on hand. Review this list to make sure you have everything you need:
- [ ] Your legal name
- [ ] Current and Past Addresses
- [ ] Birthdate
- [ ] Social Security number
- [ ] Recent Past Employers:
- Company Name, Business Address, Contact Number, Start and End Dates
- You will also want to contact the listed references to let them know you will be adding them as a reference. Additionally, you should confirm the best form of contact for us to reach out to them by (email, phone number, cell number etc.)
- [ ] Education history (institution name, phone number, begin/end dates)
- [ ] Professional license numbers
- [ ] Drivers license number
That's really all that is needed for a background check to be run. You can consider a few other things, especially if you're concerned that the background check will show something that could be a red flag for employers.
2. Consider Running a Personal Background Check
When you run your own background check, you have a chance to see what an employer will see. A personal background check will tell you if:
- Your Social Security number can be verified.
- Criminal records appear on your background check.
- Your education and employment can be verified.
- There is any inaccurate information in government or law enforcement files related to you.
You can run a personal background check anytime.
3. If You Have A Criminal History, Be Ready To Explain It
If you have a criminal record that you are aware of and will show up on your background check, you should prepare for a conversation with your potential employer.