What Is a Pre-Employment Background Check?

by Jenny Scott

Overview

When an employer is deciding who he wants to hire, a background check is one of the first things he will consider when narrowing down the list of prospective employees. There are limitations on what areas of your background an employer can look into; for most areas, he will need your consent to retrieve information.
Criminal Records

Any criminal activity in which you have engaged in the past--from a speeding ticket to a felony conviction--is considered public information. But every state is different in what it will allow a background check to report.

Credit Reports

You have to give an employer written consent for her to access your credit report. This will report any credit activity you currently have, or have had in the past, both positive and negative.
Employment History

With your permission, an employer is able to contact any of your previous employers to obtain your dates of employment, title and salary information. He can also ask what your performance was like and inquire into your general attitude at work.
Worker's Compensation

If you have ever been hurt on the job, you most likely filed a worker's compensation claim. Most states keep records of this information and can give that claim information to any employer who requests it.
Education

After you give her written consent, an employer will be able to call any school you say you attended or graduated from, to verify that information with them. A school will be able to give the dates of your attendance and any degrees you received.