Nailing a job is not always about making it right during job interviews or putting your best foot forward. What happens before and after every interview is just as important. Of course, when preparing for a job application, one has to draft his or her important tool, the resume. You then pick the outfit that will go along perfectly with the position you are looking for. But, have you ever thought of making it right with the background investigation?
When the employer asks your permission for conducting background check on all the information you have provided them with, you have to take it seriously. This may just be the “make or break” point of snatching that dream job. Also, it could be that your past is the only way that stands between you and your bright future. Who knows? But, can you really prepare for this just like researching and rehearsing for job interviews? To ensure that you do not fail this process after getting through all the grueling exams and interviews, here are some background investigation facets.
1. Complete information in your resume.
You know that your resume is a mirror of what you have done for the last 10-20 years of your life: from education, to hobbies, certifications to previous employment. To make sure that everything is set for background checks, complete your CV with all the necessary information. Make a list of the schools you have attended, seminars, employers, certifications, trainings and character references.
2. Counter check information with certificates and other documents.
After coming up with a list of what to put in your CV, verify important information from certificates and pertinent documents. Counter check for the following as these are crucial: covered dates of education, courses, exact dates of employment, resignation/termination and personal information. Have your social security papers, high school or college diploma, certificate of employment, bank statements and clearances from past employers ready. If discrepancies arise during the background investigation, you will have pieces of evidence to show.
3. Do well in school and at every job you take.
Perhaps, the best thing to do is to not screw up in school or at any work you take. Maintain good grades and good morale while inside the academic institution. Defy any temptations that will dilute your integrity or performance. For all you know, your past boss who had been a slave driver can be the person who will help you get a better job just by saying good things about you during the reference check.
4. Be brutally honest.
If you have done something in the past that you think will greatly affect your application, try to be 100% honest. Holding skeletons in your closet would not be a great thing especially when you are gunning for your dream job. If you think this can affect your application, tell everything. They may not understand what happened, but your truthfulness will certainly be appreciated and might be grounds for reconsideration.
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