WORK READINESS and

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND

CHECKS

WORK READINESS• Your Skills = Your

Value• Employer

Expectations• Top Soft Skills • Attitude Check

BACKGROUND CHECKS• Reasons• What’s Checked• Being Prepared• Correcting Data

Communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that

characterize relationships with

other people.

Complement hard skills (special

training), which are occupational requirements of a

job and many other activities.

Emotional expression that helps you adapt,

change, and thrive in your work and

personal relationships.

Yes personality - I can do that!

Take action to get the job done.

PROACTIVE ATTITUDE

#1 TOP SOFT SKILL = PROACTIVE ATTITUDE

PROBLEM SOLVER

#2 TOP SOFT SKILL = PROBLEM SOLVER

There is no “I” in “TEAM”.

Adapt to your role on the team and work responsibly with the company’s limits and conditions.

Be flexible with changes that the employer requires.

TEAMWORK

#3 TOP SOFT SKILL = TEAMWORK ABILITY

Online, on the phone, and on the page.

How employees communicate can improve or reduce a company’s image.

When talking face-to-face:Listen.Make eye contact.Speak clearly.

COMMUNICATION

#4 TOP SOFT SKILL = COMMUNICATION

FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE

#5 TOP SOFT SKILL = FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE

THE ABILITY TO TRUST SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY TESTED ON A PASS/FAIL BASIS. 

YOU CAN’T REALLY SORT OF TRUST SOMEONE.

YOU MAY BE SERIOUSLY UNDERMINING TRUST IF YOU APPEAR TO LACK SELF-CONTROL.

http://noahrickun.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/top-reasons-for-getting-fired1.jpg

THE HIRING PROCESS CAN BE COMPLEX WITH MANY STEPS INCLUDING A BACKGROUND

CHECK.

Fact: “When you sign that consent form, you open your past to a potential employer. The days when employers just verified resumes and education history are long gone. Your credit history, driving records, medical records, military records and court records are an open book.”

The ABC’s of Pre-employment Background ChecksAmy Crane, Bankrate.com

WHY DO EMPLOYERS CHECK YOUR BACKGROUND?

WELL, BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE MAKE IT DIFFICULT.

WHAT CAN MY FORMER EMPLOYER SAY?

“Indiana's Blacklisting Statute prohibits employers from blacklisting former employees;

in other words preventing former employees from gaining new employment by words or by action. Employers can reduce their risk of a blacklisting

claim by implementing a neutral reference policy, whereby a point person in the company gives

prospective employers only the former employee's position held and dates of

employment.” http://www.frostbrowntodd.com/resources-1412.html

What Information Employers Typically ShareMost employers are very cautious about sharing any information that might be harmful to a former worker for fear of attracting a lawsuit.  Many organizations will limit their staff to providing only dates of employment and job titles when inquiries are made about past employees. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/applicant-faqs/fl/can-an-employer-say-you-were-fired.htm

IF YOU ARE ASKED ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, STAY CALM. POLITELY SAY SOMETHING LIKE THIS,

“I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT _____ WILL NOT AFFECT MY ABILITY TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS JOB.”

FOR SOME POSITIONS, A SECURITY CLEARANCE CAN TAKE SOME TIME.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A BACKGROUND CHECK?If you are looking for a job, it is a good idea to spend some time preparing for a background check. The best strategy is to review reports on you for errors, omissions, and inaccuracies. You want to take steps to reduce the chances of your potential employer finding adverse information about you during the background check, especially if it is inaccurate. Conduct your own background check.Get a free credit report from the Big 3 credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each agency gives you 1 free report per year.

Obtain a free copy of your credit report https://www.annualcreditreport.comKnow your rights and get help fixing report data: http://www.privacyrights.org/

1. Google for your name and see what it reveals about your digital footprint.

2. Try to clean-up any “digital dirt” on you on social networks.  3. Review information about yourself from a perspective of a

potential employer.4. Make sure to read all consents (especially the fine print) carefully

before signing them. Ask questions if something is not clear.5. If you have an arrest record or have been involved in court

cases, make sure to check your court records.6. Check Motor Vehicle Records, especially if your job involves

driving.7. Ask to get a copy of your personnel file from your previous

employer.8. Tell your neighbors and associates that they may be contacted

for an investigative consumer report if you’re seeking a Top Secret Security Clearance.

9. Know your rights about what an employer can and cannot ask.10. Always ask for a copy of a background check report.

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECKLIST