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Background Blitz (Part 2)
Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.
Background checks are now more intensive than ever, and you’d be wise to prepare for them as best you can.
Start by getting a copy of your credit report. If you feel that some or all of the information is incorrect, dispute it with the creditor. Check your motor vehicle record by requesting a copy of it from your state department of motor vehicles. Ask your previous employers for copies of your personnel files. Make sure you know what your references are going to say about you.
Go over your resume carefully and make sure all the information is accurate and truthful. If you lie and get away with it, there is a good chance it will come back to haunt you. Ask yourself if it’s worth it.
Know your rights. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must notify you in writing and get your written authorization before running a credit check. If the employer is just conducting inquiries, it should also ask for your consent. This gives you the option of withdrawing your application if there is information you feel will work against you.
If an employer decides not to hire you because of this report, it must give you a “pre-adverse action disclosure,” which includes a copy of the report and a copy of your rights. It must also provide the name and address of the consumer reporting agency so you can dispute the report if you want to.
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Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail. - Jack Handey |