What is a Background Check?

AA background check or background investigation is the process of looking up and compiling criminal records, commercial records and financial records (in certain instances such as employment screening) of an individual. Individuals and institutions choose to conduct background checks for aa whole host of reasons.  They are often requested by employers on job candidates, especially on candidates seeking a position that requires high security or a position of trust, such as in a school, hospital, financial institution, airport, and government. These checks are traditionally administered by a government agency for a nominal fee, but can also be administered by private companies. 

A background check is meant to provide aa picture of an individual's character based on past actions and records. It reveals information about an individual's professional, financial, criminal, and public history. A background check includes everything from speeding tickets to time spent in jail, bankruptcy to employment history, workers compensation claims, or employer sanctions.

When you apply for a job, there is a good chance that your prospective employer will perform a background check in order to look into your professional and criminal record. If you had seven different jobs within the last tax year, your employer may wonder if you are a good candidate who will stick with the job. Furthermore, a background check will reveal your criminal record. Many employers are wary of hiring individuals with any kind of a criminal record. Job applications have a section to discuss your criminal record. It is important to be honest here as your employer will likely find out about your record anyway. When applying for a job that will allow you to work with children or elderly people, a background check is necessary to prove that you have never committed a crime against a minor or any abuse to the elderly.

Some landlords also use background checks before allowing individuals to rent apartments and houses. Individual people may also do background check on others for personal reasons.