Does an adverse background check automatically disqualify me for a job?

Polished resume. Professional attire. And clean background check?

In the checklist of job-seeking necessities, how important is a clean background check? In a word: vital. With unemployment rates historically low and the job market getting more competitive, background checks matter more than ever.

While information included will vary, the background check stands as a high-ranking fixture in the career world. Do its results always determine career placement? No. But here’s how they do matter.

For certain jobs, an adverse background check is a deal breaker. Even though screening can vary between industries and job descriptions, for some jobs, a less than clean background check means no career. One prime example: law enforcement. If felony convictions, drug use, or domestic violence issues—just to name a few— show up on a background check, this represents a hurdle too big for any law enforcement agency.

But criminal offenses don’t rule out every career. Many employers are willing to overlook misdemeanor offenses and older criminal convictions. More violent crimes, sex offenses, and embezzling? That could be a tougher sell.

Of course, background checks can return inaccurate information. That’s why it’s important for companies to follow the law and give candidates notice and time to correct any incorrect information.

A good background check helps job seekers stay competitive. Even for job seekers with a clean criminal history, it’s still possible to miss an opportunity because of an adverse background check. That’s because screening usually includes other elements like contact with previous employers and verification of other information on the resume.

As polished as the resume looks, if it includes inaccurate information, employers aren’t going to be impressed. Previous employers don’t always offer feedback, but their negative reviews can also be a screening hurdle. In some situations, positive reviews from former employers and being honest on a resume can turn into a big competitive advantage.

It all boils down to this: background checks do matter—for both job seekers and employers. Getting a good, professional background check isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of having the right partner. Call us today.

At ClearStar, we are committed to your success. An important part of your employment screening program involves compliance with various laws and regulations, which is why we are providing information regarding screening requirements in certain countries, region, etc. While we are happy to provide you with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable laws and to understand how such information pertains to your employment screening program. The foregoing information is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. ClearStar is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice and this communication does not form an attorney client relationship. The foregoing information is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of a lawyer knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. ClearStar makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information contained in this publication. Legislative, regulatory and case law developments regularly impact on general research and this area is evolving rapidly. ClearStar expressly disclaim any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of the information provided herein.