When applying for a job, you may be required to submit to a criminal background check, this is standard procedure, but many people do not realize why they are being subjected to this check. Asking yourself why this is the case will help you better prepare if you will be required to undergo such a check. Here are some of the reasons that your employer may need to do a background check:
When applying for jobs, it is good to make sure and read over all forms and make sure there are no questions about previous or current criminal history. No matter how great of an employee someone may be, they still have the potential for making mistakes we all do – so having a record means nothing.
Employers should not base their decision solely on whether or not somebody has committed a crime but rather what kind of character they portray throughout their work life and everyday interactions with others.
Also, remember that a background check is often done to be sure the employee is who they say they are. This may include confirming their address and social security number.
Employers have several reasons that they may choose to conduct a background check on an applicant:
1) An arrest, conviction, or drug test failure can often form the basis for denying employment. Therefore, if you have any of these things in your past, you must tell your prospective employer before discovering their investigation. If you don’t, you will most likely not get the job and could even face prosecution later if the employer chooses to press charges or file a complaint with authorities.
2) A significant reason for conducting background checks is to protect yourself from a lawsuit if you have a history of irresponsible behavior. This can also include suing prior employers yourself or violence in your personal life.
3) Employers want to ensure that the people they hire are honest and responsible. They may get the impression that you are untrustworthy due to your background.
4) Your prospective employer does not expect you to be perfect, but they look for maturity signs in their applicants. Suppose it looks like you have had several brushes with the law. In that case, this could lead them to believe that you are immature and irresponsible even though most teenage arrests never repeat offenders, and most small-time drug dealers grow out of their dealing habits as they mature into adults.
5) Even with all these precautions, an employer can be held liable if they hire someone with a background of irresponsible behavior and something goes wrong on the job. They may have to pay large sums to defend themselves against your legal action.
From their point of view, this is simply part of doing business. It can help them save time by eliminating potentially unsuitable applicants from consideration, saving everybody some trouble and money. It is also a way for the company to protect itself from risk.
Do not allow your past mistakes or bad luck to affect your job search! Instead, be proactive and find out what’s behind that request for a background check so you can make sure it doesn’t disqualify you unnecessarily.
