When applying for a new job you may have had to first pass a criminal background check. These checks are essential in keeping a company safe from criminals. You may be wondering what exactly they are looking for and what is included in these background checks. The truth is every company is different and the type of search they perform will vary.

One of the first types of background checks is a state-wide criminal search. It is the most commonly used criminal background check in the US and is performed in every state except for Massachusetts and Delaware. This search based on the name submitted and is used to find any recorded criminal records from a specific state in the last seven years. The reports include information such as court records, felony convictions, misdemeanor and traffic offences. Companies use this search when they need insight on a possible employee’s legal character.

A county criminal search is another common background check that companies use. The county criminal search is the most accurate and up to date criminal record search available. This is a search of any felonies or misdemeanor records within the last seven years. It is performed directly in the county courthouse. The search is based on the name, date of birth and social security number submitted. It then uses a best two out of three match. A normal match is made using the name and date of birth.

The Social Security Number Verification is when employers match the employees name with their social security number before submitting a W-2 form. The check also searches the validity of the address and name on the file. This is important because unmatched records cost additional money and uncredited earnings for employees. Each social security check reports the employee’s name to the search as reported by the Social Security Administration and three credit bureaus.

If the job includes a driving position companies will often conduct a driving record check. These checks are performed nationwide. They include information such as accidents, traffic violations, and license status. Driving record checks are important to a company because an employee can bring insurance rates up and cost a company a lot of money.

A credit report or credit history is the record of an individuals past of borrowing and repaying. This includes information about bankruptcy and late payments. When searching the credit bureau matches the name and address on the applicant with information retained by the bureau.

Why do employers want to check your background? It could be for one of several reasons. If government security clearances are required for the job you are interviewing for, an employment background check may be required. The employer may want to make sure you are telling the truth. It's estimated that up to 40% of resumes can contain false or tweaked information, so, employers want to insure that what they are getting in an employee is what they were promised. The employer may perform a background check to find out whether actually graduated from the college you said you did or to confirm that you worked at your previous employer(s) during the time stated on your resume or your job application. http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/backgroundcheck/a/background.htm

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