What Fails A Background Check For A Job

The thought of an employer sifting through your personal information can make anyone uncomfortable.

This makes background checks scary, especially if you don't know what to expect, or what your potential employer is looking for. It's important to empathise that each company has dissimilar standards and that failing a background check will not carry the same consequences everywhere. With that in mind, here are some reasons y'all might not have passed, and some ideas on how to move forward.

Why People Fail (and how to avoid it)

1. An undisclosed criminal background

Having convictions isn't necessarily a bargain breaker. Divulging them before a background check is conducted (and taking the time to explain them) will requite yous the best chance of passing.

A criminal groundwork cheque is one of the almost often used (and highly significant) checks an employer makes. You may neglect a criminal background cheque if:

You have an extensive criminal record,
Accept one or more felony convictions, or
Have committed crimes related to the position's responsibilities.

On the other manus, if you have been bedevilled of a misdemeanor or have other criminal convictions unrelated to the position, there'south a decent risk that you won't be penalized.

2. Inconsistencies on your resume

Companies frequently use background checks to verify:

Your degree,
Your past jobs and dates of employment, and
Any certificates, projects, or activities you listing on your resume.

If your resume does not properly reflect your employment history, educational background, skill gear up, or other information, y'all will near likely neglect a background check.

Lying about or embellishing your credentials is 1 of the top reasons a job application will be thrown out or a job offer will be rescinded.

Even if your resume is non as impressive equally you lot'd like, it'southward essential to include honest information about your history. Remember that omitting information tin can also count equally lying, and then be certain to include all significant positions in your background check, even if they were ultimately unsuccessful (or resulted in your termination).

three. Poor credithistory

Many employers in the U.s. don't run credit checks. If they practise, it'south often because you'll be working in a position that deals with large sums of money.

A low credit score, large amounts of debt, bankruptcy, or other significant financial hardships could raise red flags: if you're irresponsible with personal funds, they may not trust you with the company'due south.

For the most part, however, a hiring decision volition not be made based on your personal finances. If yous believe you lot are being unfairly targeted because of your fiscal past, read nigh your rights under the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee here.

iv. Poordriving history

Many employers also don't consider your driving record. Still, if your chore would involve operating a vehicle regularly, or if you would proceeds utilise of a company motorcar, your driving history will become relevant.

Modest offenses, like a couple of speeding or parking tickets, will likely non hurt your chances.
Major instances similar a DUI will raise a red flag for most employers. Again, it's best to be honest and upfront, and to fix an caption for whatsoever major offenses.

5. Drug testfailure

This i is pretty self explanatory. Many employers have strict policies against drug use, which are frequently outlined in your employment agreement. Even if certain drugs are legal in your state (like marijuana, for case), companies with national accounts may prohibit their use by employees.

Be enlightened of whether or not your potential employer requires a drug screening and act appropriately. Some prescribed medications can crusade imitation positives on drug tests, so you lot should too be prepared to present proof of your prescriptions.

6. Bad references or reviews

In many cases, companies will only verify your employment condition, dates, and office responsibilities. Due to legal reasons or company policy, further digging may not e'er exist possible. In some cases, however, employers will endeavour to go far touch with previous bosses or coworkers. They may examine factors like work ethic, attitude, personality, or other characteristics related to job performance and company culture. This will likely be a factor if you had a poor relationship with a previous dominate, or left a job on bad terms.

👉 If you're marked as unregretted attrition, read more near what you should be aware of.

7. Social media

The chances of your future employer examining your social media are high. Violent, discriminatory, explicit, illegal, or otherwise disturbing content will exist seen as a red flag and could very easily toll you a job. Practise reasonable caution when it comes to posting, sharing, and liking content. If yous believe you are being unfairly targeted due to your social media profile or activity, read more almost social media groundwork checks (and the rules that govern them) here.

Inaccurategroundwork checks happen besides!

Every one time in a while, a background check fails due to mistake on the side of the background cheque visitor. Sometimes, public records are inaccurate, or records from someone with the same proper noun were placed under yours. If yous believe this is the case, see options 3 and half-dozen beneath: ordering your own groundwork check or appealing the failure may exist your best courses of activeness.

Fixing A Failed Groundwork Bank check

1. Know and practise your rights

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Human activity (FCRA), y'all are entitled to know if you failed a background check, the bureau that ran the check, and how to contact them.
Y'all are also entitled to a re-create of the study and have the correct to dispute inaccurate findings. For a total breakdown of your rights under FCRA, refer to this link.

two. Understand company policy

When it comes to an initial background check, dissimilar companies examine different factors. It'due south alright to inquire about which aspects of your background they will explore before you even brainstorm the process. If y'all already failed a background check, it'southward important to empathise the potential consequences.

Some companies automatically disqualify you due to a failed background bank check, while others may not take adverse action until they permit you due time to explain the failure. Still others will consider it on a example by case basis. If your prospective employer does not disclose this information upfront, it never hurts to ask!

iii. Order your ownbackground check

If you pay to run i yourself, you'll be able to see exactly what potential employers are seeing. This tin assistance y'all avoid surprises and correct any mistakes you come across. For instance, if there are incorrect records attached to your name, you can contact the proper agencies and eliminate them.

4. Exist honest from the outset

If you lot disclose everything up front, your chances of passing a background check, or getting hired in spite of a failed one, are much higher. Employers are more likely to forgive by mistakes than nowadays lies. If you're a quack applicant, they presume yous'll be a dishonest employee, and your chances of getting the position will be slim to none. Plus, odds are that a background investigation will uncover annihilation you lot're trying to hide regardless, so being dishonest won't get y'all anywhere!

5. Ask for a risk to explain

If the employer has not already offered, enquire if information technology's possible for you to explicate any discrepancies. Some background checks may fail for minor reasons, similar small inconsistencies in your resume or an inability to contact a previous employer. Even if the reason is a fleck larger, it never hurts to argue your case.

six. Appeal thebackground check

If you believe that y'all failed a background check because the background check company had wrong data, yous tin attempt to entreatment it. This requires that you know what information was incorrect, where information technology came from, and documented proof that it was false. The best way to gather this information is by running a groundwork check on yourself to identify the false information and building your case accordingly. You volition probable be dealing with whatever agency was responsible for the inconsistency, non your potential employer. Although this is a tiring and ho-hum procedure, it'southward worth it if yous're in the right!

👉 Passed the background check and just received your offer? Congratulations! Beginning thinking nigh your bacon negotiation next.