How to Pass a
Background Check

Honesty is the Best Policy

During the job interview, a frank explanation of any past problems will give you the chance to clarify your side of the story and get any potential issues out on the table. Most employers have a "No Tolerance" policy about false claims on a resume or job application. This policy applies whether the falsehood is found before or after the applicant is hired. Few jobs and employers require an absolutely clean record to be hired. Most employers can and do consider how long ago a problem occurred and whether the problem has any bearing on the position being considered.

Do not lie. Don't rationalize that "Everyone is doing it" or "I deserve it." Not true. Everyone does not do it and actually finishing a degree or filling a specific job position is more than learning, skills, or related experience (no matter how similar it may seem). If you feel that you "deserve it," explain your reasoning in your cover letter and interview. After all, the employer is really looking for the best candidate and most will consider equivalent experience. If you lie, sooner or later, it will cost you your job and your reputation.

Check Your Records:
Do Your Own Self-Background Check

Records are collected, stored, and retrieved by people. People can and do make mistakes. It is not uncommon for errors to appear in your records. Check your records to make sure they are accurate. Some vendors offer Self Background Checks as a service, but you can easily do this on your own.

Get a copy of your Credit Report and make sure it is accurate. (See, Credit Bureau Contact Information.)
If you believe that a criminal record has been expunged, if you have had a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, or if you suspect a criminal record may be incorrect in your case, check directly with the court clerk to make sure the records are correct. (Do a web search for the court contact information.)
Get a copy of your MVR (driving record) from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and verify the report's accuracy. (Do a web search for the DMV contact information.)
When you leave an employer, find out if you are eligible for rehire. If you are not sure about a prior employer, call and ask.
Double check your employment history. Don't lie! If you are not sure about a specific fact, let the prospective employer know you are providing an estimate. The Social Security Administration has several reports that may help you reconstruct your own Work History. See Applicant Background Check Resources: Social Security Work History and Earnings History Reports.
Contact post high school educational institutions and verify their records. (Do a web search for contact information.)

Check Your References

Before you use individuals as references, contact them and let them know you are planning to use them as references. Find out what they will say about you. If they are expecting a call they will usually be quicker to respond and more open in their comments. If they are going to give you a bad reference, it is better to find out ahead of time.

Check Your Web Footprints

Look at what you have said and what others have said about you on the web. Do a search of your name (in quotes) and reread your old blog entries and other social media contributions. View your findings from the point of view of a hiring company.

If You Are Turned Down Because of a Background Check

If you are being turned down for a job because of your background check, the employer is required by law to give you a copy of the background check report. Check the report and make sure it is accurate. If you find information in the background check report that is incorrect, you should promptly inform the employer.

Return to Background Check FAQ.

How to Pass a Background Check