Why do you want to run a check on yourself? Because that’s the most sensible thing to do ahead of an important job interview.Almost all employers who pay over $50,000 a year run background checks on their shortlisted candidates.
Things like memorizing key sections of your resume or practicing responses to tricky questions the interviewer may ask are secondary.
10 Reasons to Perform a Background Screening on Yourself
There are at least ten reasons why one must run a self-check online before they can even start looking for a job. Here are some of them.
1. To prepare your answers for tough job interview questions
The interviewer’s questions will be based on your background screening results, so it’s a good idea to get ready for this scenario.
A self-background check may reveal defaulted electricity bills, speed tickets, etc. So, you can prepare for sucker-punch questions like “Are you a responsible driver?” and “Do you think you can manage your personal finances?”.
2. A self-background screening is mandatory before applying for a mortgage loan
Taking out a mortgage loan is one of the most important steps you’ll take in your life. However, lenders usually charge a not-so-small fee to review your application.
And guess what? Just like employers, they run background checks on all applicants. A thorough online self-screening will reveal your current credit score.
So, you’ll be able to take steps to improve it or postpone your application until your chances of approval get better.
3. To correct false information about yourself
The third most important reason why you should run a background check on yourself is to find out if there are erroneous police records or court charges on your name.
You should promptly notify the corresponding courthouse or police department to remove or correct the records in question if you notice such information.
If you fail to act on time, a background check agency can collect the erroneous data and supply it to your potential employer.
Expunged and sealed records
If you’ve been convicted of a minor offense, you can request the conviction to be expunged from your criminal record or sealed.
So, a self-background screening will reveal if sealed or expunged convictions still appear under your name.
4. To find out how background checks work
While running a background screening on yourself, you’ll get a better grasp of the entire process. Namely, you’ll learn what information about you surfaces online and what is available upon a written request to the storing institution.
5. To brush up on your online image
If you google your name and address or name, job title, and company, you’ll see what information about you surfaces online.
You will thus be able to brush up and update your LinkedIn profile or adjust the privacy settings of your Facebook profile.
6. To get an edge over the other candidates
The job market has always been very competitive. By running a self-check online, you’ll get a competitive edge over all other candidates who haven’t done it.
Seeing the “been there, done that” expression on your face will make them start doubting their own abilities.
7. A self-background screening can become the turning point in one’s life
If you have a long record of minor offenses, and unenvious credit score, and a poor driving record that appears under your name in a standard background check, maybe it’s time you rethought your philosophy on life.
Petty crimes and bad driving habits may escalate into road rage that, in turn, may lead to second-degree murder or a crime of passion.
In that sense, a self-background check may be the handbrake you’ve needed to stop your life’s freefall.
8. Because you are a public figure
If you have plans to run for a public office or start a career in politics, running a preparatory background check on yourself is essential.
Once you come into the limelight, your rivals will dig every bit of discrediting information they can find about you. Therefore, you should try to find and patch up any weaknesses in your public image in advance.
9. You want to adopt a child
The decision to adopt a child is a test of every couple’s mutual trust and responsibility. The process is usually time-consuming and full of red tape, including thorough background screening of both partners.
If both partners act preemptively and run background checks on themselves, they can fix some “bad sectors” in the reports and improve their chances of a successful adoption.
10. You are looking to rent an apartment
Young people planning to fly away from the family nest should check what appears about them online before they start looking for a place to rent.
Landlords run background screenings on potential tenants, paying close attention to their credit scores, employment paths, and criminal records.
How often should I perform a background check on myself?
It’d be good to check what information would appear about you online every six months. Running regular background screenings on yourself will give you a feeling of control over what others can learn about you. Thus, you will be able to plan the crucial steps in your life better.
