Background checks are an essential part of applying for a job. Most prospective employers will run a detailed search into a potential employee's past to determine if he is an acceptable person for the job in question. Running a background check on yourself will make filling out applications much easier and will prepare you in advance for what an employer might dig up from your past.
Step 1
Determine what kind of background check you need for the position. Some jobs request just a cursory search into your past, while other agencies want to know about every single incident that you've ever been involved in. Call the potential employer and ask how much information is required to get the right type of check.
Step 2
Contact your local law enforcement agency to acquire a criminal history. You will be able to obtain a listing of any police contacts and citations you have had from the records section of the department. You will be required to fill out a form with your identification information and reason for wanting to check, as well as pay a small fee for the department's work. Make sure to allow a few days to get your check, as many departments have a waiting list for paperwork.
Step 3
Run a credit history to compile records of your financial background. A credit report will detail any loans you have, as well as any current or past due accounts. A number of employers are now reviewing credit histories to evaluate a person's future performance. Attach a copy of this to your application at the employer's request.
Step 4
Obtain a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles. A valid driver's license and a relatively clean driving record are a vital part of the hiring process for most positions, so knowing in advance what is on your record can reduce holdups in deciding on an employee.
Step 5
Check court records and obtain certified dispositions of any prior court cases you've been involved in. Most employers want to know what happened if you've been charged with any crimes, and a disposition is official court record of the proceedings. Contact the court in which the incident was handled to pick up a disposition.
Step 6
Run your name through an Internet search engine to see where your name pops up. If you notice it is associated with any questionable sites, contact the webmaster to find out how to remove your name from the page. If you belong to any social or dating sites, check over your public profile to avoid any embarrassing discoveries by potential employers.
Skill: Moderate
Tip: Be sure to check over your records carefully for any mistakes. It is not unheard of for a clerical error to mar an otherwise good background, so verify any suspect items before applying for employment.
Warning: Do not use any fraudulent information to conduct your search. Be honest as to the reason for your request to help expedite your request and avoid any future legal issues.
Keyword: employment history run background check
