Just about every single job that you apply for requires some type of background check. Even if a company just wants to verify your identity or contact references, that’s a background check, and knowing what else may show up is helpful. While the information that shows up on a background check may vary, the good news is that you can prepare for most of them before you apply, and that all starts with having an understanding of what a background check is and the information that appears on them.
The good news is that we have your back. If you’re curious about what comes up in a background check, stick around, because this guide will answer all of your questions.
What Comes Up in a Background Check
Background checks are comprehensive, so you’ll find that a lot of information is available. Essentially, if it’s a public record, there’s a good chance that it can be found during a background check. Learn more about information that may show up below.
Identity Verification
First and foremost, background checks will verify your identity. This usually involves checking your information against the Social Security database via Social Security Number (SSN) verification.
Identity verification may also reveal websites you can be found on, social media accounts you may have, and much more. In fact, vital records and some additional information can also be found.
Criminal Court Records
Most background checks also reveal any criminal records someone may have. Ultimately, there are levels to this, but most background checks will reveal the following information about someone’s criminal history:
- Police reports
- Some warrants
- Jail sentences
- Mugshots
- Convictions
- Sex offender status
Depending on the extent of someone’s criminal record, some or all of this information may be available.
Credit History
Depending on the role you’re applying for, or even if you’re applying for a line of credit or a mortgage, a background check may reveal your credit history. This is more common for roles that involve working as a fiduciary or entering a position of trust. Typically, credit history includes your credit score, history of bankruptcy, and other credit information.
It’s important to note that due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit information that can show up on a background check is limited.
Driving Records
Last but not least, driving records may also come up during a background check. Like credit history, this isn’t the case for every check, but any job that involves driving will incorporate driving records.
When it comes to driving records, infractions will be looked at, like speeding tickets, but also details about licenses that you have.
How to Prepare for What Comes Up in a Background Check
Knowing what comes up in a background check is only the first part of the preparation process. Sure, knowing what will show up is helpful, but so is knowing how to see what’s currently showing up in your public records. Whether you want to see if there are any websites that have information about you, scan social media accounts, or check to see if that criminal record was expunged, knowing how to do so before you apply can help you get a job.
While it may sound like a huge undertaking to find all of this information, it doesn’t have to be. All you need to do in order to figure out what will show up on a background check is run one on yourself before you apply. Seems simple, right?
Thankfully, it doesn’t just seem simple: it is simple. With Information.com’s background check search tool, you can enter your information, run a search, and view all available public records associated with you. A good rule of thumb is that if it shows up on Information.com, it will show up during a background check.
Our Final Thoughts About What Comes Up in a Background Check
What comes up on a background check can be the difference between getting your dream job and having to fill out more applications. The good news is that you can figure out what comes up during these checks to prepare for them.
Then, you can utilize an online background check tool, like Information.com, to see exactly what will show up on your background check. This gives you the opportunity to fix any problems or be honest about what may show up.
