Introduction
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, employers are turning to extensive background checks to ensure they are making informed hiring decisions. These checks may include criminal history, employment history, education verification, and even a social media scan. While these checks are intended to protect the employer, it can also be a threat to an individual's privacy. With that said, what can you do to protect your privacy when having a background check conducted?
Why do employers conduct background checks?
Employers conduct background checks to make informed hiring decisions and reduce liability. These checks provide information such as criminal history, education verification, employment history, and credit scores that can help an employer determine if a candidate is trustworthy and qualified. Background checks also ensure that the candidates are who they say they are, and they have not fabricated their resumes. Employers also use background checks to minimize the chances of lawsuits and claims of negligent hiring.
How to protect your privacy during a background check?
Understand the Laws
The first step to protect your privacy during a background check is to understand the laws that regulate how background checks should be conducted. In the United States, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how employers conduct background checks. FCRA requires employers to get written consent from the candidate before conducting a background check. Employers are also required to notify candidates if they intend to use the information in the report to make an adverse decision. In addition, FCRA requires employers to provide a copy of the report to a candidate if they request it.
Transparency
Be honest and transparent about your history and background. Applicants may be tempted to hide past criminal records or previous employment to increase their chances of being hired. However, not disclosing such information can be more damaging than revealing it. It creates an impression of dishonesty or lack of transparency, which can damage your chances of being hired.
Use a Professional Background Check Company
Using a professional background check company increases the integrity and legitimacy of the check. It is advisable to use third-party or professional background check companies as they are more likely to follow the law and have security protocols in place to protect the information they obtain. Some background check companies use the latest encryption and security measures to protect their clients' identifying information.
Limit the Information You Share
Employers may ask for additional information that is outside the scope of what is necessary for the job. You can limit the information you share by not providing more information than is required. For instance, your social security number is required for tax purposes but not for a criminal record search. Ensure that you ask for clarification when any irrelevant information is requested and never volunteer more information than necessary.
Consider Privacy Settings on Social Media
Social media is an excellent tool that can help you connect with potential employers and aid in your job search. However, it is essential to understand that employers may use social media to search for information about you beyond your resume. It is advisable to review your privacy settings and ensure that any information you share is appropriate for public viewing. Consider changing privacy settings to private or friends only to limit the audience that can view your posts. Review your posts for any content that may reflect negatively on you and remove or modify them accordingly.
Conclusion
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process, but they can also infringe on your privacy. Understanding the laws and regulations that govern background checks is crucial in protecting your privacy. Honesty and transparency, using professional background check companies, limiting the information you share, and taking care of your social media profiles can also help protect your privacy. Finally, it is essential to know that the information collected during the background check is for the employer's use only and should be treated with utmost confidentiality and security.
