What Does a Background Screening Actually Entail?
When you are interviewing for an intriguing technology position, expect the company to completely vet its top candidates—of course, checking their references matters, especially when trying to make a decision between two equally-qualified professionals. Additionally, a thorough background screening is critical, ensuring there are no skeletons in the closet of their new employee.
Let’s take a closer look at all the steps involved with a background check, including a few common misconceptions. In the end, it’s an absolute must to ensure the company makes the right hire. They don’t want a mistaken choice to force them into restarting a costly staffing process.
Background Checks Go Beyond Criminal History
While background screenings do include researching a candidate’s potential criminal history, this isn’t the only area they cover. Expect a deep dive into your educational history, financial background, and even your credit reports. In fact, getting a job at most financial companies or credit bureaus requires a candidate to boast a sterling credit rating.
If You Lie on Your Résumé, Expect it to be Discovered
The thoroughness of a background check makes it essential not to exaggerate or lie on your résumé. In short, don’t state you have a Masters in Computer Science when you only earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Verifying employment information is another goal of any background screening. Thus, being honest about job titles, salary information, and more is critical.
Ensure Your Social Media Accounts Stay Professional
Of course, it’s a common practice for job searchers to make sure no professionally embarrassing content exists on their social media accounts. In fact, this is something you need to handle before you get to the background check stage. HR personnel typically peruse a candidate’s social media history as an initial step before they decide on their list of interviewees.
Consider Conducting Your Own Background Screening
Before beginning your IT job search, considering running your own background check, this approach provides you a way to find out if any mistaken information is out there. For example, identify theft might have made a mess of your credit history.
Since no background checks are the same, you also get the information you need to potentially challenge another report. This becomes helpful if you are disqualified for a position due to a mistaken item found during the company’s screening.
If you need help searching for your next IT job, speak with the team at Digital Prospectors. As one of the top technical staffing agencies in New England, we know the companies looking for talented professionals like you. Connect with us soon!