In today’s society, it is more important than ever to have a clean background check. With so many background checks for everything from jobs to apartment rentals, it’s crucial to know how to pass your background check.
There are many methods for clearing your name, but not all of them are created equal. This article will explore the most effective ways to improve your chances of passing any background check.
We’ll also discuss some of the common myths about background checks that can lead to disaster. So whether you’re just starting out on your job search or you’ve been convicted of a crime and need to take action immediately.
The Best Advice On How to Pass Your Background Check
Order a Copy of Your Criminal Record
The first step to take is to order a copy of your criminal record if you have one. This will show you what potential employers or landlords will see when they run a background check on you. If there are any inaccuracies, it’s important to correct them as soon as possible.
You can also try to clear your criminal record by getting a pardon or having your record expunged. The process for this varies from state to state, so it’s important to do your research and talk to an attorney if you’re serious about taking this route.
If you don’t have a criminal record, that’s great! But there are still other things that can show up on a background check. Employers and landlords often look for things like eviction history, credit score, and employment history.
If in doubt, run a background check on yourself. That way, you’ll know exactly what potential employers or landlords will see.
Get Your Eviction History in Order
If you’ve ever been evicted from an apartment or home, that will definitely show up on a background check. Landlords are especially interested in this information, as it gives them an idea of your rental history.
There are a few ways to handle this situation. First, you can try to get the eviction removed from your record. This is sometimes possible if the eviction was overturned in court or if it was more than seven years ago.
Another option is to simply explain the situation to your potential employer or landlord. Let them know what happened and why it won’t happen again. This is often enough to convince them to give you a chance.
What to Do If You Have Bad Credit
A bad credit score can be a major obstacle to passing a background check. If you have bad credit, it’s important to take steps to improve your score before you apply for a job or an apartment.
There are a few things you can do to improve your credit score. First, make sure all of your bills are paid on time. This includes rent, utilities, credit cards, and any other debts you may have.
Second, try to reduce your overall debt load. This means paying down your credit cards and other debts as much as possible. While it won’t fix things right away, it can at least start to improve your credit score over time.
Third, you can try to get a copy of your credit report and dispute any errors that you find. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it if it means getting your credit score back on track.
Keep in mind that it can take months or even years to improve your credit score. So if you’re applying for a job or an apartment that requires a background check, it’s important to start working on your credit score as soon as possible.
Check Your Employment History
Employers will often run a background check to verify your employment history. This is especially common for positions that require a high level of trust, such as financial jobs.
If you’ve ever been fired from a job, that will definitely show up on your employment history. In some cases, you can explain the situation to your potential employer and convince them to give you a chance.
It’s also important to make sure that your employment history is accurate. If there are any errors, such as incorrect dates or job titles, it’s important to get them corrected. You can do this by contacting your previous employers and asking them to update their records.
The Bottom Line
Passing a background check can be essential for getting a job or an apartment. But it’s not always easy, especially if you have a criminal record or bad credit.
By taking the steps above, you can improve your chances of passing a background check and getting the job or apartment that you want.
