To be honest, nothing can make you “fail” a background check. It’s more a question of not fulfilling a company’s recruitment standards. We explain background check findings that commonly hurt people’s chances of being hired and give some tips for success based on information from our interactions with screening service CheckPeople.
Violations Relevant to the Job
You will probably be rejected if you have a reportable conviction of a crime relevant to the job you’re applying for. You can’t really blame the employer because they’re obliged to put safety first. What they are also obliged to do is give you a chance to explain the circumstances.
High Security Clearance is Needed
If the position you want mandates high security clearance, you’re not likely to get the job with a record. The applicant will probably drop out of the race even before getting to the clearance phase. Failing the check is highly likely if you’ve committed a serious crime, even if it’s just one and it was a very long time ago. Serious crimes include sexual offenses, embezzlement, tax evasion, drug and alcohol-related crimes, and some cybercrimes. The full list is available on the State Department website.
Bad Credit
If you want a job in finance, you’re not likely to get it with devastating credit. Credit that’s not optimal, but not devastating either might not be held against you. A lot of job candidates have less than perfect credit for various reasons. You might have gone through a divorce, taken out a loan with unfavorable conditions out of urgent need or lack of experience, or had an illness that incurred excessive and unmanageable health expenses. Like always, honesty is the best policy if you have bad credit. Employers can only see your rating, not your entire history, so if you’re able to explain and defend yourself convincingly, your efforts will be appreciated.
Untruthful Information About Experience or Qualifications
Some candidates exaggerate or lie in their applications. It’s one thing to enter an approximate employment or graduation date and quite another to claim to hold a certificate or credentials you never had. Inconsistent information about qualifications not only looks bad but can also lead an employer to accuse you of fraud.
Dishonorable Discharge from the Military
If the employer finds out you were discharged dishonorably, the decision to disqualify you is entirely up to him. Don’t forget that the background check report won’t necessarily include all the details surrounding the event. If the employer believes the discharge tarnishes your record, his view will obviously have a negative impact on your prospects, but failing the check altogether is something quite different.
How to Avoid “Failure”
Unless the position comes with huge financial or personal responsibility, a spotless record will not be mandatory. Discuss any issues on yours with your potential employer. Provide as many details as possible, of course, ones in your favor. Be clear and open-minded. This will make them see that you are honest and can be trusted.
In order to come to the interview prepared, you could do a check on yourself in advance. Getting a professional screening done would be even better, but if you can’t, start with a simple google search of your full name, email, address, and phone number. Be prepared for a drug test. Check public records and sanitize your social media presence. Social media information can’t formally be used against your candidacy, but you don’t want to make a bad impression.
Never Lose Hope
You might get rejected if you have a criminal record, but it’s not decisive to your prospects. Employers take a lot of things into account when making a final hiring decision. Losing hope is probably the worst thing you can do as you prepare for an interview, especially if it’s for a job you really want.
