As the world becomes increasingly competitive, more and more employers are requesting background checks to ensure their new employee’s past is good standing. A background check is a way of verifying someone’s history – such as credit score, criminal record and previous employment – as well as validating information provided on the job application.

However, background checks aren’t reserved solely for potential employers. With the right process in place, you can get a copy of your own. In this article, we take a closer look at how you can get a copy of your background check.

Know Your Rights

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), job seekers are required to give consent to run background checks. This means that employers must have your permission before conducting a check. You also have rights with regards to the information contained within your background check.

By law, you have the right to access the information a background check company has on you. The FCRA stipulates that every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every twelve months from each of the three reporting agencies. The three credit reporting agencies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

In addition to this, you have a right to know when an employer will be obtaining a background check, the purpose of the check, and what information will be looked for.

Talk to a Background Check Company

Many background check companies allow you to see what information they hold on your record. To request a copy of your personal information held, you will need to contact the background check company directly.

You will likely be required to provide some identifying information, such as your full name, date of birth, and social security number. Some companies require you to provide additional documentation, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or similar documentation to verify your identity.

Once your identity is confirmed, the company will provide you with a copy of the information they have on file. It may take a few days to receive, and some fees may also apply.

Check Your Credit Report

Credit reports are a staple part of many background checks, and they are also accessible to you. Even if you haven't ordered a background check, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your credit report.

You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. It's important to review your credit report on a regular basis, as it can contain errors or discrepancies that can affect your credit score.

Review Your Criminal Record

To obtain a copy of your criminal record, you can either visit your local police department or write to the FBI. The process of obtaining a criminal record varies depending on the state in which you live.

You will generally need to provide some identifying information, such as your full name, date of birth, and social security number. Once your identity has been verified, you will receive a copy of your criminal record.

You can also access your state criminal record by contacting the Department of Justice or Attorney General's office in your state.

Final Thoughts

Accessing your own background check can be an important part of ensuring that the information that employers see is accurate. While obtaining a background check is a fairly straightforward process, different types of information may require different methods to obtain it.

By keeping an eye on your credit report and regularly checking your criminal record, you can stay informed of your standing and feel confident in your background check. Always remember to verify the accuracy of the information provided and report any errors or discrepancies that you find.

Have you ever wondered what’s on your background check? Whether you’re applying for a new job, renting an apartment, or just curious about what information others can see about you, getting a copy of your own background check can be a helpful process. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of background checks, how to request one, and what to do if you find inaccurate information.

### What is a background check?

A background check is a process that looks into a person's criminal, financial, and personal history. The purpose of a background check is to verify someone's identity and ensure they have a clean record before hiring them for a job, lending them money, or renting them a property. The information collected in a background check can include criminal records, employment history, credit score, and even social media activity.

### What are the types of background checks?

There are several types of background checks, and each one serves a different purpose. Some of the most common types of background checks include:

- Criminal background check: This type of check looks into a person's criminal history, including any arrests, convictions, or warrants.
- Employment background check: This type of check is typically done by an employer to verify a person's employment history, educational background, and criminal record.
- Credit check: This type of check is done by lenders to evaluate a person's creditworthiness.
- Tenant background check: This type of check is done by landlords to evaluate a tenant's rental history, creditworthiness, and criminal record.
- Social media check: This type of check looks into a person's social media activity to evaluate their behavior and character.

### How can you get a copy of your own background check?

If you want to see what's on your background check, you have a few different options. Here are some of the most common ways to get a copy of your own background check:

**Option 1: Request a background check from a screening company**

Many screening companies offer background checks for individuals. These companies typically charge a fee and require you to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, and social security number. Once you provide this information and pay the fee, the company will generate a report that you can review.

Some popular background check companies that offer individual reports include:

- GoodHire
- Instant Checkmate
- Intelius
- BeenVerified

When using a screening company, it's important to do your research to ensure you're working with a reputable provider.

**Option 2: Request a background check from a government agency**

If you're looking for a government background check, you can reach out to the relevant agency for assistance. For example, if you're looking for your criminal record, you can reach out to your state's department of justice or state police department. Similarly, if you're looking for your credit report, you can request a free report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

**Option 3: Request a background check from your employer**

If you've recently applied for a job, your potential employer might have already conducted a background check on you. You can ask your employer for a copy of the report they received to see what information was collected. It's important to note that some employers might not be willing to share this information with you, or might only provide a summary of the report rather than a full copy.

### What should you do if you find inaccurate information?

If you get a copy of your background check and notice that some of the information is incorrect, it's important to take action. Inaccurate information can affect your chances of getting a job, renting an apartment, or securing a loan.

Here are some steps you can take if you find inaccurate information on your background check:

1. Contact the screening company or agency that provided the report: If you notice inaccuracies on your background check, you can contact the company or agency that provided the report and request that they correct the information.

2. File a dispute: If the screening company or agency is unresponsive or unwilling to correct the information, you can file a dispute with the relevant credit reporting agency. This process typically involves submitting a formal dispute form and providing evidence to support your claim.

3. Hire an attorney: If the inaccurate information is causing you significant harm or is preventing you from getting a job, you might want to consider hiring an attorney to help you resolve the issue.

### Conclusion

Getting a copy of your own background check can be a helpful way to understand what information others can see about you. Whether you're applying for a job, renting an apartment, or just curious about your own history, there are several ways to get a copy of your background check. By understanding the different types of background checks and what to do if you find inaccurate information, you can take control of your personal data and protect your reputation.