It’s always good to review your rights when it comes to background checks. Oftentimes, it can be a complicated process, but it never hurts to know the steps involved. Applying for a job? When employers run a background check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives a candidate rights. Employers must get written permission before running a check with a background reporting company. Candidates always have the right to say no, but please note if they do, employers may assume they have something to hide and they will likely not get the job.
What will employers ask about a candidate’s past?
It’s usually uniform, no matter the job. Employers can check a candidate’s background for:
- Employment history;
- Education history;
- Criminal history;
- Financial or credit history;
- Social media activities.
There are laws in certain cities and states that could impact if or when employers ask about criminal or credit history.
Background reporting companies like GroupOne
If employers use a background reporting company such as GroupOne Background Screening to obtain a candidate’s past history, they have to follow these rules:
- Employers must state they could use the information to make decisions about hiring. They must provide this information in writing in a standalone document. They must also get written permission from the candidate before asking the company to run a background check.
- An employer must take certain steps before they decide not to hire because of a report. They must provide a copy of the report and a “Summary of Rights” that tells a candidate their right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Before a candidate applies
- Check credit report. This allows a candidate the opportunity to dispute any mistakes before an employer sees them. To obtain a free credit report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Check local laws. Cities and states have a variety of different requirements covering what employers can ask about credit history and criminal records, specifically when they can ask such questions during the hiring process.
Turned down for a job
If a candidate does not get a job because of information in the background report, employers must provide the following information:
- Name, address and phone number of the background screening company;
- Explain the background screening company did not make the decision about hiring the candidate, not cand they cannot give the reasons for it;
- Explain to the candidate they have the right to dispute to the background screening company any information in the report, and they can contact the company;
- Explain to the candidate they have the right to obtain an additional free report from the background screening company within 60 days of the employer’s decision.
When receiving the background report, candidates should review it carefully. If mistakes are discovered, they should contact the background screening company to explain the mistakes and request they be fixed. They should include supporting documentation. The revised report should be reviewed, with an updated copy sent to the employer notifying them of the mistake.