When most people think of the common background check, they think of criminal history checks. However, there are a variety of different types of background checks that can be run on individuals. This post will discuss the various types of background checks and how they can affect your life. There will also be tips on how to pass a background check successfully.
What is Background Check?
A background check is a process of reviewing an individual’s history. They can be used for a variety of reasons, such as employment, housing, or firearm purchases. Background checks can include criminal history, credit history, driving records, and education verification.
What types of Background Checks Are There?
Criminal History Checks
The most conventional type of background check is a criminal history check. This check will look at an individual’s criminal record, including any arrests and convictions. Criminal history checks are used for employment, housing, and firearm purchases.
Credit History Checks
Credit history checks are used to verify an individual’s credit score and history. This information can be used to determine an individual’s eligibility for employment, housing, or loans. A low credit score can also affect an individual’s ability to obtain insurance policies.
Driving Record Checks
Driver’s license records are typically checked as part of a background check for employment or housing purposes. Driving record checks can show traffic violations, suspensions, and accidents.
Education Verification
Education verification checks can be used to verify an individual’s degree or course of study. This information can be used for employment or housing purposes.
How Can a Background Check Affect My Life?
Employment Background Checks
An employer may run a background check on an applicant before extending them an offer of employment. The purpose of the check is to determine if the applicant has any criminal history that may disqualify them from the position. If you have a record, it is important to disclose this information to your potential employer. They will likely conduct their own background check, and having a criminal record could prevent you from getting the job.
Housing Background Checks
Landlords often run background, credit, and other checks on potential tenants prior to renting out property. A background check can reveal an individual’s credit score, criminal history, and rental history. If you have a low credit score or a criminal record, it is important to be upfront with potential landlords. They may still rent to you, but your options will likely be limited.
Firearm Background Checks
In order to purchase a firearm in the United States, an individual must go through a background check. This check will determine if the person has any criminal history or mental health issues that would disqualify them from owning a firearm. If you have a criminal record or mental health issue, it is important to disclose this information to the firearms dealer.
Tips for Passing Background Checks
Run Background Checks on Yourself
The best way to ensure that you pass a background check is to run one on yourself. This will give you an idea of what information the potential employer or landlord will see. It is also a good idea to grab your own credit report and review it for errors.
Disclose All Information
If you have any type of negative history, it is important to disclose this information up front. Trying to hide this information could result in further scrutiny and may even prevent you from getting the job, renting the property, or purchasing the firearm.
Be Prepared for Questions
If you are asked for fingerprints as part of a background check, be prepared for questions about your criminal history. The examiner may ask you about your criminal record, and it is important to be honest. Lying about your criminal history could result in prosecution.
Background checks are an important part of many aspects of our lives. They can affect everything from getting a job to renting an apartment. It is vital to be aware of what background checks are and how they can impact your life. With a little groundwork, you can ensure that you pass any background check with flying colors.