Background checks are much more than criminal or credit card history check.

Employers undergo background checks to ascertain the best candidate for the job. This way, they'd make an informed decision in the selection of the best candidate based on the employment history, education, and criminal records.

If you're an active job seeker, the kind of background check you undergo would be dependent on the position you're applying for. Accounting/financial positions would require a background to show your credit reports.

Here's the thing, no employer would want to hire an unknown individual in the company -- background checks are the safest way to know a potential employee before they're hired. And it helps to secure the company, the clients, and the employees.

Preparing for a background check is one of the ways of landing your dream jobs.

In our world today, before most employers make a hiring decision, they undergo a thorough background check on the potential employee. Knowing what the employer would find in advance is a pro tip to help you to stay ahead every step of the way.

If you truly want to scale through the interview process, you should identify the red flags on your record, and devise effective means of handling them.

Before we delve into ways of passing a background check, there are a couple of things you should know.

First off, employers use a variety of tools to run background checks on potential employees. One of such tool (which is arguably the most popular tool) is the peoplelooker.

Peoplelooker is an all-in-one tool that helps you search for relevant information about a person. By merely inputting the person's first name, last name, and location, you'd be able to find all there is to know about anyone in any part of the world.

Thousands of employers and private investigators use this simple tool to search through your information even before you appear at the interview panel.

How to Prepare for a Background Check

Let's say you're job hunting, and you've been invited for an interview, there are some crucial things you'd need to consider before facing the interview panel.

Some employers would likely ask about your driving record, employment record, credit record, and other things like social media personal assessment that may be considered relevant.

Yes, most of the questions may not be related to the job opening, but it's essential you prepare for these questions if you want to make it into the company.

Here are a couple of elements of a background check.

Criminal Records

Conviction and arrest records usually show up in a background check. Sometimes it may seem unfair to have employers dig up criminal records from the past. But to get a fair chance, you've got to do something about it.

Typically, criminal history stays in public records until you do something about it.

For instance, if you've got a record in Washington -- even if you were dismissed during the trial/investigative process, your arrest records will still be available to the public.

However, if you want to expunge it, you should take legal actions.

Here's the good news -- most states are designed with a legal process to help you get those criminal records off the public records. In such situations, your files will not show up during a background check.

What's more, criminal records are done for certain positions. Typically, individuals applying for a financial position would undergo criminal record checks. And if nothing tangible is done about it, it'd hinder your chances of landing the job.



Drug Testing

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, about 90% of employers perform drug screening before hiring a potential employee.

Yes, marijuana has been decriminalized in several states in the United States, but it's still illegal under federal law.

Therefore, if you've got a history of substance abuse, you should seek help from a counselor or a substance abuse agency. Also, knowing the time frame for the detection of various substances during a drug test would come in handy.

Credit Report

This is quite easy. All you've got to do is to get a copy of your credit report from a major credit bureau. If the information in the report is inconsistent or you notice any errors, you should dispute it and possibly get your name cleared.

Furthermore, you should know the laws governing credit checks in your states so you can prepare yourself ahead of the process.

Driving Record

If your license is required during the interview process, then you should check your driving records for cases of traffic violation and other driving inconsistencies.

You can get your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can also access your online driving records at the DMV website.



References


Your previous employer can disclose any information on your reference. Therefore, if you want to make much progress, you should request a copy of your file.

What's more, you can also inquire what information your reference would disclose about you.

To be on a safe side, you should identify the things a previous employer can legally disclose about you in a reference.

One more thing...

If a potential employer uses a third-party to conduct a background check, then it would be considered as a consumer report. And such a background check is generally covered in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

In such situations, the employer has to send a written notification to you, and also get consent from you.

It's pretty simple, but you've got to know your rights and act on it.

Other Things to Consider

If there are unclear issues you need to resolve with the employer, it's better to do it before the background check.

For instance, in a situation where there's massive credit card spending by your ex-spouse, you should adequately explain the issue with your employer before a background check. And it's ideal to do that after you've put up an incredible performance during the interview.

Thorough explanation of such things would help shape how the interviewer would perceive the information.

Conclusion

Passing a background check is quite easy. But you've got to know what's required of you every step of the way.

First off, you should rectify your criminal records (if you have any), credit report, and driving history.

Also, make sure that unclear information is addressed before the background check.In what ways are you preparing for your background check?