Employers want to know what kind of people they employ, and often conduct background checks when hiring new employees or even during the course of employment. While the kind of background investigations conducted and the type of information sought vary greatly between employers, you can expect some kind background check for almost any job you apply for.
Types
There is no one single way an employer performs a background check, nor is there a specific kind of information all employers seek. These background checks can be as simple as an employer searching the Internet for your name or calling a personal reference. They can also be quite complicated, involving government investigators checking up on your personal history and asking you to allow the employer to look into your credit report. The type of investigation depends largely on the employer, the kind of position sought and the applicant.
Requirements
Some jobs, especially state and federal government jobs, require extensive and specific kinds of background investigation. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI conducts extensive background checks on any applicants for any federal government position where secret or top-secret security clearances are required. These include extensive investigations into a person's criminal history, education, employment, associations, marriages and divorces.
Restrictions
According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non-profit consumer information and advocacy organization, employers are restricted or limited in seeking specific kinds of information. Employers must get your permission before looking into your credit history. Some states have specific laws limiting employers from using arrest histories against you, unless the arrest resulted in a conviction or the case is pending.
Legality
Some kinds of background checks are legal in some situations but illegal in others. According to Business.gov, private employers are generally not allowed to use lie detector tests, also called polygraph tests, unless a specific exception applies. Employers that can use these test include armored car services, private security companies and employers that produce, distribute or dispense drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Warning
Some of your personal information is strictly protected by law, such as the information on your credit report. While you can grant an employer permission to look into such information, you should know what your legal rights are before committing to anything. Talk to a lawyer or legal aid organization about your rights in the workplace and what an employer is or isn't legally allowed to do, as these laws can change and differ between states and even employers.
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