Contents
Introduction
Section 1: Background Checks 101
Why Companies Run Background Checks
Everyone is taking a closer look at who they hire. You’ll learn the seven main reasons why companies want to run a background check on you.
What Types of Information Companies Check
Background checks can be simple or complex. In this Chapter, you’ll see what types of information a hiring company might choose to verify during a background check.
Section 2: Inside a Background Check
How Employment Records Get Verified
You'll learn who hiring companies call to verify your past employment and discover why your records may not be where they're supposed to be.
How Education Records Get Verified
Many applicants lie about their education. In this Chapter, you'll learn how companies can quickly and easily find out the truth.
When References Get Called
One bad reference can cost you the job. You'll learn why companies check references and what questions they ask.
Checking Your Criminal History
The vast majority of hiring companies will check to see if you have a criminal background. In this Chapter, you'll learn what type of information is available to verifiers.
Miscellaneous Verifications
Companies can verify a wide variety of information. This Chapter will cover some specialized verifications that they may choose to do.
Section 3: Filling Out the Application
The Four Golden Rules
Providing the right kinds of information on your job application is the key to a successful background check. In this Chapter, you'll learn the four rules that successful applicants follow.
Providing Your Personal Information
You want your background report to come back with your information and not someone else's. This Chapter takes you step-by-step through the personal information you need to provide to get the right outcome.
Providing Your Education Information
Listing your educational background is much more than jotting down the name of a school and the date you graduated. This Chapter will spell out what specific pieces of information you need to provide.
Providing Your Employment Information
Providing accurate employment information can be tricky. Companies can close, get acquired, or change names. Contract and temporary employment records may not be where you expect them to be. This Chapter will show you how to insure that all of your employment is verifiable.
Choosing Great References
This Chapter will show you how to pick outstanding references and prepare them to be called. It will also explain what can happen when a hiring company calls a reference that was not on your list.
Section 4: Preparing for a Background Check
When you decided to look for a job, you probably updated your resume, bought a new suit and boned up on interviewing skills. It's also a good idea to prepare for a background check. In this section, you'll learn how to do that.
Your Secret Weapon