What Exactly Is A Background Check?

A background check is a procedure used by agencies and organizations to verify information provided by individuals, such as educational background, work history, criminal history, and other personal details.

Employers frequently utilize background checks to ensure that potential workers are an excellent fit and haven’t engaged in behavior that could harm the firm. This practice verifies applicants’ identities and info by inspecting public records and other databases. It’s often the last step in recruitment, helping employers and agencies make the right hiring decision.

What Comprises A Background Check?

A background check normally consists of a scrutiny of an individual’s criminal past as well as a review of their job and educational histories. As previously stated, companies frequently use these checks to confirm details about potential employees.

The scope of the background check can vary depending on the purpose of the check and the type of information being requested. For instance, when interviewing candidates for jobs that entail driving corporate vehicles, employers look for and evaluate relevant information, such as driving histories.

However, there is no uniform background check procedure, and the process varies depending on the business or profession. Additional information that may be included in a background check is:

• Social Security Number Verification
• State, county, and city criminal histories
• Driving history
• Credit history
• Online platform profiles
• sex offender registry
• Terrorist watchlist
• Drug testing

What Is The Purpose Of Conducting Background Checks On Yourself?

A background check is a common procedure that organizations must perform during hiring. When applying for jobs, conducting this process on yourself gives you an advantage. Here’s a look:

Knowing your history

Knowing what details are included in your background check can provide peace of mind, allowing you to be more comfortable in your dealings with others. For example, you’ll be better prepared to respond and discuss any details about yourself during a job interview. If you are concerned that something may influence your employment eligibility, you can prepare an explanation to help the employer better comprehend the situation.

Verify the information on your CV.

Some of the details in your background report correspond to your resume, notably your work and education histories. Running a self-background check can help determine if this information is correct and help establish credibility. For instance, you may not be aware that the start date on your CV and the start date provided by your former employer differ unless you double-check this information.

Correct any errors.

When evaluating the information on your background report, you may discover inaccuracies. For instance, you might discover that your credit history information is wrong or that you share a name with a criminal. Depending on the nature of the inaccuracies, you can work with the appropriate organizations or agencies to remedy them. You can also notify the employer of any problems and the measures you’ve taken.

Prevent identity theft

Checking your background can help protect you from identity theft and other malicious activities. It can help you identify any potential issues and take steps to protect yourself before any damage is done.

How to Conduct a Background Check on Yourself

There are a few ways to run a criminal background check on yourself. It’s not hard at all; as long as you have the time and resources, you can do it. Here’s a look:

Begin with your social security info.

Organizations always demand a social security number to run background checks. This info enables them to verify your identity by generating the name linked to the number and any previously used legal names. You can also do this yourself by simply registering an account on the Social Security Administration’s site and checking if the administration’s information about you is correct.

Examine your criminal record.

When companies conduct background checks, they’ll see details about your criminal past, including past convictions, imprisonment history, parole history, probation history, unresolved criminal cases, and warrants. They may also include the history of arrests within the preceding seven years, regardless of whether they led to convictions. You can examine these details yourself by obtaining records from the relevant courts or prison offices. Depending on where you get the information, you may have to pay some fees.

Request your credit report.

An employer’s background check may include your credit history to determine your level of financial or other responsibilities. They’ll require your permission to obtain such reports, but they won’t be able to see any of your personal information, such as your credit score, marital status, or bank balances. However, they’ll see your loan details, outstanding balances, bankruptcies, types of accounts, and durations.

You can get more details yourself. Indeed, credit bureaus allow one free credit check per year. Verify the info and report any inaccuracies as soon as possible.

Examine your education and work background.

Employers often request details about your school and employment background. Education background information includes the schools you attended as well as the degrees you earned. On the other hand, work history comprises organization names and addresses, employment tenure, supervisor names and contacts, job titles, and so on. Of course, they will call the schools and organizations to confirm the information, so get in touch with institutions to ensure the details are correct.

Check your driving history.

Although not all organizations look at this data, your driving history may be part of your employment background check. Companies typically request this data when driving is required as part of the work.

Employers want to acquire safe, dependable, and responsible drivers. So, if you suspect your employer will check your driving record, contact the department of motor vehicles and double-check facts such as traffic infractions, convictions, penalties, accidents, and license status and classification.

Check your address history.

Employers frequently check candidates’ addresses to authenticate their identification, driving record, and criminal history. Therefore, you should double-check the address information included in your tax records, credit reports, and public databases. Some websites may also generate this information by simply using your name as the search term. But keep in mind that the information may not be up-to-date.

Examine your online presence.

Employers today may also look at applicants’ visible social media presence. They want to guarantee that their staff presents a pleasant and professional image of themselves on the internet. So check the info on your social media accounts. Ensure there’s no mention of unlawful acts, bullying, violence, harassment, or inflammatory statements. These guidelines apply to both written and graphic information.

Make use of a screening service.

You can hire a professional firm to conduct a background check on you instead of doing it yourself. To ensure the information is useful, try to discover employers’ services. Agencies that simply provide consumer services might not have access to the same resources and records that employer-serving agencies use. You can tell which agencies employers use by checking if they adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Of course, screening agencies offer various packages, so examine them and choose the one that delivers the information you desire while remaining within your budget. When employing background check services, you must supply personal information to help them with their search.

This often includes:

• Legal name
• social security number
• Current address
• Education History
• Work history

Use law enforcement agencies.

In most cases, running a criminal background check on yourself requires a fee and can be done through various state and local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and private background check companies. In the United States, the most comprehensive criminal background check is conducted by the FBI. It requires a fingerprint submission and a fee. Depending on the state, local law enforcement may be able to provide

criminal background information, including arrest records and convictions.

Here’s a look at how to get a background check from the police:

To obtain a police background check, you must submit an application to your local police station. Include your full name, birth date, address, and any personal information. The law enforcement department will analyze your form and contact you if further information is required or if the background check is approved.

Use a private investigator.

Using a private investigator to conduct a background check on yourself is possible. It is one of the most efficient options if you don’t have the time to do the search yourself or simply don’t know where to begin. A private investigator typically charges by the hour and will take their time to look into the different facets of your life, ensuring you get the information you need.

Additionally, most private investigators have access to all the same information that law enforcement agencies and online background screening services have. Indeed, most of them are former law enforcement officials, so they know what information to look for and where to find it. Additionally, if there are errors in your background report, they can provide their expertise to help rectify them.

How To Get A Background Check On Yourself For Employment

When you apply for a job, you give businesses permission to conduct a background check. Once they have completed this process, consider requesting the results from the organization or screening service to examine and understand the report. However, if you want to do a background investigation on yourself, you can do it successfully by following the methods outlined above.

Can I Do A Level 2 Background Check On Myself?

No, you cannot do a level 2 background check on yourself. A level 2 background check requires fingerprints and is typically conducted by law enforcement, government agencies, and employers. However, you can do this by hiring a reputable background check company that specializes in providing background checks. Some companies even offer online services that allow you to apply for a background check online and receive the results within a few days.

How To Get A Federal Background Check On Yourself

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the best place to receive a federal background screening on yourself. But you’ll have to submit a form along with some kind of identification, like a passport or driver’s license. Of course, you’ll have to pay a fee. The FBI will supply you with a detailed account of your criminal history if you’ve ever been arrested or sentenced for a crime. Any state and federal convictions, as well as other criminal records, will be included in this report.

What To Look For In A Personal Background Check

As already mentioned, a criminal record comprises information on various facets of a person’s life to help agencies determine who they are dealing with. These include

• Criminal history: This is the most essential part of any personal background check. Be sure to look for any arrests, convictions, or pending cases.
• Education: This includes the institutions you attended, the duration, and the qualifications awarded. Check that the information is correct.
• Employment history: this includes the names of former employers, supervisors, duration, job title, etc. Again, verify that the information is accurate.
• Credit history: Look for any outstanding debts or bankruptcies.
• References: People to verify character and work ethic
• Social media: The image you present online
• Public records: civil or criminal public records

Wrap-Up

There are several reasons to run self-background checks. Employers usually conduct them as part of the hiring process. Some landlords, too, may conduct background checks on potential tenants to assess their creditworthiness and ensure they have no history of evictions or other issues. Further, some professions like finance, healthcare, and law enforcement require background checks as part of the licensing process. But above all, running a background check on yourself can give you peace of mind by ensuring that your personal information is accurate and that there are no negative records associated with your name.

Conducting a self-background check can be challenging, especially if you have no clue where to begin. We are here to help. Our investigators are former FBI, IRS, DEA, and Secret Service agents and employ various methods and expertise to dig out information and get you the details you need. Call 1-800-577-1080 or fill out our online form, and we’ll be happy to help.