Background checks have become an almost universal tool used to find information and details about a person. Just about anyone can use these checks, and they can turn up a lot of things you might not expect. Whether you’re job hunting, thinking about a career change, or simply want to find out more about background checks, this guide is for you. We’ve collated everything that a background check can find and laid it all out for you to see, the results may surprise you.
Sites such as Checkpeople.com offer ways to search for and find details on people. Because of this, it’s important to be mindful of what information about you is available online. Read through this guide and check for yourself to discover what to be aware of. Find out what potential employers and other people might know about you.
What Kind of Information Shows up on a Background Check?
A lot of background checks in the past used to rely purely on criminal background checks. These days, modern background checks cover a lot of different areas. These areas can include:
Employment History –
Your employment history, including how long you worked at your previous jobs, and your job title. Even your salary can show up during a background check. Potential employers can look up your job history to determine whether you’re a good fit for the job and discover what jobs you’ve held in the past. They can also use this information to cross-reference your CV and determine whether you’ve been truthful on your job application. This check is also used to find more details about your references and will paint a clearer picture of your work history to the person checking. You’ll also have to give consent before a potential employer can run a background check on you.
Criminal Record –
Depending on which state you live in, the amount of criminal history which shows up on a background check can vary. Some states will include arrest records and dropped charges while others have rules against these showing up. Generally, any crimes you have been convicted of, provided they haven’t been expunged, will always be visible. Traffic violations such as speeding tickets normally won’t appear. However, driving offenses that are felonies or misdemeanors will. These can include reckless driving or driving under the influence. How far back the check goes will depend on your state. Generally, criminal background checks will go back for seven years.
Credit History –
Your credit history can reveal lots of information about you that you might not be aware of. This can include your current and previous addresses, social security number, and your general finances. A credit check will reveal any credit cards, mortgages, and loans that you’ve used. It will also show up defaulted loans, late payments, and repossessions if they’ve occurred. Not all states will allow employers to look up your credit history, but it’s allowed if they have good reason to do so. For example, if you’re applying for a high up position in the financial services industry, having a good credit history is important.
Civil History –
While a criminal background check can show your criminal record, a civil history check looks specifically for civic issues. This will show instances that involve civil lawsuits or other court cases. Generally, there are two different types of civil history checks, county and federal. The check will uncover any details about each case, and a potential employer can use it to determine if you’re going to be a good fit for the job.
Education History –
Most jobs require some level of education, and depending on the role, this could have a high level of importance. For example, any doctor must complete years of medical school before they can practice medicine. An education history check will show up all of the information about your education. This includes where you studied, what you studied, and the grades you received.
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