Running a background check on yourself can be a helpful step when looking for a new job or planning a move. A common part of the hiring process for many roles, background screening may be required for certain industries, such as law enforcement, childcare, and financial services. Landlords also commonly use background checks to screen potential tenants.
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Benefits of running a self background check
Running a background check on yourself can give you a chance to preview what employers and landlords might see. This can help you:
- Anticipate questions or concerns and prepare to provide additional context around any information in the report. For example, you might be able to explain the circumstances about a record to put a potential employer or landlord at ease.
- Review the report for errors or inaccuracies, which can appear due to misreported information or being the victim of identity theft. This could allow you to dispute errors and have such information verified or corrected before a report is requested by a potential employer or landlord.
- Save time and money by getting a background check from a third party rather than trying to put all the pieces together yourself. While you can find much of the information on your own, submitting multiple requests for copies of public records and contacting government agencies can be labor intensive, and may cost more than working directly with a background check company, for example.
Even if you don’t think there’s anything to worry about, getting an employee background check on yourself and double-checking can put you at ease and help you avoid potential delays or denials.
What can a personal background check report show?
The results of a personal background check will depend on who is conducting the search, the screenings requested, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Checkr offers personal background checks that include the following searches:
- Social Security number (SSN) Trace which provides basic information on your Social Security number, including associated names and addresses. Background check companies may use this information as a pointer to conduct additional searches, such as a criminal background check in counties where you have address history.
- National criminal search which may report felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as infractions and violations, at the state and county level. State laws may dictate how far back your criminal history is reported, but generally records show the past seven years.
- Global watchlist search which searches multiple domestic and international government and regulatory databases for individuals who are prohibited from certain industries or included on "most wanted" criminal lists.
- Sex offender registry search which reviews registries from all 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories. The results may include include the offender’s date of registration and current status.
Background checks for employment are often more comprehensive and may include additional screenings, such as driving records, civil records, credit history, employment or education verification, and more. These searches are requested by employers, instead of individuals, and are often conducted for permissible purposes outlined in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Laws you should know
Local, state, and federal laws may impact how employers use background checks. For example, over 180 states, cities, and counties have Ban the Box laws that limit if and when employers may ask about or consider your criminal history.
The FCRA also requires employers to provide candidates with proper disclosure about their intent to conduct a background check and obtain your authorization prior to doing so.
Additionally, the FCRA provides candidates with certain rights, which are summarized in “A Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.” These include, for example, the right to know what’s in your file and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. If the results of the background check prompt an employer to consider not hiring you, they must notify you by sending a pre-adverse action notice.
In addition to employment background checks, the FCRA applies to other kinds of consumer reports such as your consumer credit report. Individuals can request a free copy of your consumer credit report once per year from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
How to get a background check on yourself
There are two ways to do so: You can get a background check on yourself by purchasing a background check from a third-party provider, like Checkr, or by requesting and compiling the information on your own. If you’re looking to preview a background check on yourself for employment purposes, look for third-party providers that typically run FCRA-compliant background checks for employers.
While the DIY option may sound appealing, it is often more time consuming and expensive than working with a background check company or CRA. While you can request a free copy of your credit report from a credit bureau, you’ll also need to search (and sometimes pay fees for) public records for a comprehensive background check that includes results, such as a criminal background check on yourself.
Checkr offers personal background checks which can be easily requested and viewed online. This background check on yourself includes an SSN trace, national criminal search, global watchlist search, and sex offender registry search.
Get a self background check with Checkr
Reviewing a copy of your personal background check can help you understand what a potential employer or landlord may see, while also giving you the opportunity to proactively correct errors and prepare to provide context, if necessary. Get a personal background check in three easy steps through our online platform.
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For employers, Checkr offers multiple screening options for comprehensive background checks that help you make more informed hiring decisions. Plus, our modern platform supports fair chance hiring practices to reduce human bias and ensure candidates have a voice in the hiring process. Get started today.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
About the author
As Content Marketing Manager at Checkr, Kate is passionate about developing resources that educate employers and job candidates about background checks, hiring insights, and the opportunity to build a better future through fair chance hiring.