Before starting your job search, it’s a proactive step to give yourself a background check ahead of any potential employer.
Find out if there are any potential problems you need to fix before an employer searches online for you. Look into your credit report, academic records, driving abstract, social networking sites, and even Google searches of your name. Determine if there are any significant gaps or areas of concern an employer might uncover when considering your application.
Google Yourself
Although not every employer will conduct a thorough background check on you, knowing your standing on certain websites is always a constructive idea. Regarding the internet, it’s a good idea to find out what information is available about you whether you are job searching or not.
Do a Google search on yourself, inputting your full name as it appears on your resume. Look for any results that appear and determine if you should be concerned about any of them. Similarly, ensure your social networking site profiles are locked only to reveal certain information to the public.
Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., allow you to keep certain private information protected.
This includes contact details, marital status, and any revealing personal information that could ruin an employer’s opinion of you.
Check Your Professional History
Next, double-check your professional history. Your resume will provide a potential employer with their first impression of yourself. Ensure all the information on it is accurate. Even if you make a small error or omission by mistake, an employer could think you have made more and discount your entire application.
All the particulars you include must be accurate and have all the necessary paperwork to back up your licenses and education. Call the schools you have attended to obtain official transcripts. Look at your certificates and diplomas to confirm the details on your resume are accurate. Having all this information within reach is productive if you must show it to an employer.
Follow Up With Your References
Lastly, ensure your references have all been contacted and verified. You can use their name and contact information as endorsements during your job search. Double-check their contact details and confirm you have permission.
If you work in specific industries, you may be required to undergo additional checks, such as credit and criminal record checks. If this is the case, investigate and try to fix any potential problems.
You don’t want to be offered your dream job and lose the opportunity because of a bad background check. Do your best to prevent this and fix anything ahead of time. This is essential to preparing yourself and ensuring no surprises for you or an employer.
What tips do you use to check your background before an employer can do so? Comment and share below!
If you need help and want to learn more, contact Candace!