Background Check Myths
I have been reading and answering questions on forums for quite
some time and I guess I didn’t even realize how little people actually knew about background checks. I have been in the business for quite some time so it seems second nature to me. Below are some of the myths that I will try and dispel and I look forward to any questions you may have
1) When I am being employed will they run my record through the FBI?
This answer can be complicated but for the most part the answer is NO. It really all depends on the type of business you will be getting into. For instance, if you are going to be a bank teller you may have to go through a more stringent check than you would if you were going to work at a lumber yard. NCIC (or FBI) checks are usually reserved for positions that have some sort of federal mandate associated with them, including but not limited to working in a nursing facility, a child care center or working with other people’s money. Most companies will run a felony and misdemeanor search in the area where you live or have lived. These are usually conducted through the local court systems and are not connected to the FBI’s NCIC system.
2) I got in trouble in school for pulling little Susie’s pigtails. Will that go on my permanent record?
The whole “permanent record” thing is sort of a myth. Although most schools keep track of disciplinary action taken against students, no one will really check those records as far as a background check is concerned. Granted, if you are trying to get into a prestigious college and you have a record of being suspended every other week that may not look good. But, as far as getting a job is concerned, most employers want to know if you graduated. If you attended college they may want to know your grade point average as well.
3) I’ve heard that previous employers can only release certain information about you when dealing with background checks.
Nope, previous employers may say anything they wish as long as it is true. If I call one of your previous employers and ask what kind of employee you were and they tell me you were always late and disliked by most of the staff that is up to them. Many employers only choose to release dates of employment, position and salary level for the sake of liability though.
4) I can’t get a job because I stole an apple from the farmers market when I was 10.
Tsk tsk. How dare you steal apples from poor farmer brown! Although theft is serious and I believe you should have had your sticky little fingers chopped off, I wouldn’t worry too much about it hurting your employment prospects. Although the line between juvenile and adult crimes are being blurred in today’s society chances are if you committed a crime and went to either juvenile or family court the record will not show up on a criminal record check.
5) I committed a crime when I was over 18. It was years ago and I have since been an exemplary citizen. A company will never hire me because of this stupid incident.
This is just not the case for many companies. Yes, I know there are some companies out there that do not hire anyone with a criminal record but they are the minority. I have spoken with many people in HR and even hiring managers for government agencies. For the most part if you are honest about your mistakes and provide an explanation they will be more that happy to consider you.
