What employment history can employers check?
Your previous employment is important when you are searching for a job. Hiring managers look for a lot of information on your resume or job application. They want to see if your previous jobs give you the experience they need and if you told the truth about when and where you worked. They also want to learn about your character and how hard you will work. Prepare for this by learning what potential employers can find out about your employment history and anything else in your life.
When hiring managers go to check your resume, they can call your past employers and find out your job title and description, dates they employed you, and in some states, how much you made. Most companies will verify the dates you worked and your job description, but not your conduct and the quality of your work. If they want to know about your work performance, they can try to contact other employees or managers who worked with you.
Depending on the job you are applying for, companies can conduct a more thorough background check. If you give them permission, they can search your credit report and criminal history. Both can influence whether you get the job. For example, if the job you are applying for involves handling money, both factors would be important. If you are applying for a job where you work around children, your criminal history would be very significant.
The best way to prevent your past from getting you the job is to be proactive. Verify your job history and dates of employment before you apply. Tell the truth on your resume or job application. If you have gaps in your work history be ready to explain what you were doing for that time. Have positive recommendations from former supervisors ready to counter questions about your prior job performance.
This preparation can make the difference between getting hired or not. Increase your chances of getting the job by educating yourself about what employers can find out about you and get ready before you walk into the interview.