Background Checks

Most large companies outsource background checks on potential employees. And sometimes the results are astounding. Did you ever get turned down for a job and ask for a copy of your background check? Sometimes the smallest errors can turn a 'you have the job' to 'we regret to inform you...' (alas, no job!)

I spoke to a job applicant a few days ago who had an unusual result to his background check. It seemed it had turned 'he' into a 'she' (or in this case, turned him into his wife.)

How did it happen? A simple error on the applicant's part. He used auto fill when he was filling out a job application at home. The problem? His wife had also been applying for jobs using the same computer and auto fill put her driver's license number into the application.

You would think if a company got back results where the applicants information had the same last name and same address they would presume this was an simple error. But they have so many applicants that the accuracy of your job application is your responsibility.

After he contacted the company's human resource department and the company who ran the background check to have it corrected, he eventually got the job. But only after a lot of angst. And in this economy who can take the chance on missing out on a job opportunity because they made a simple mistake?

So save yourself some anxiety and do everything you can to be sure your job application is filled in correctly. Double check any numbers, addresses, and verify your contacts. And please disable the auto fill option.