Background Checks

The big controversy now in online dating is the background check dilemma. Many of the states are beginning to suggest legislation that would require online dating websites to perform background checks on its members or state if they do not.  This is creating quite a stir in the online dating world and with members both for and against the online date background checking rules.

The complete controversy began when the online dating scene was still fresh.  This happened with a website that signed an exclusive contract with the Internet’s largest background checking service so that members could be sure that they were not conversing with the criminals.  This at first may seem like a good idea since it will protect online daters from sharing personal information with people that have been known for sexual offenders or have committed fraud or other types of criminal acts. However this website than began pushing legislation that would require online dating websites to perform background checks.

This website has an exclusive contract and they would then force other websites to use more expensive background checking tools, and so the subscription fees would be more expensive. This would be controversial and also created a lot of free advertising for the initial background checking website.  To say the least, it was a way to rise above the competition. This however, did not come to light until many politicians had already jumped on with the background checking idea.

Checking a person’s background can be a good thing. It can prevent online scams from reoccurring and help people feel safe about using online dating websites. However it is also a type of invasion of privacy and many people will avoid online dating websites because they do not want a background check and people do change.

This is a situation that will be sure to be in the news for many years to come.  There are already a few states that passed a law that will require background checks.  Users and online dating websites do have mixed feeling about this and before you say your opinion you should be sure to understand both sides of the argument.  Making background checks mandatory could create a better online dating service for everyone.  However it could also mean that the free services would no longer be available and subscription services would be more expensive than they are now.  To learn more about the online dating website background checks that are out there in your state, you need to contact your local legislator’s office and ask about multiple questions. You should voice your opinion and you can create change.

Background Checks

Looking For a New Job? Are You Sure You Can Pass the Background Check?

People get turned down for jobs every day.  Some applicants don’t have the right experience and others don’t interview well.  But there’s another major reason that candidates don’t get job offers, one that hiring companies rarely share with applicants – they didn’t pass the background check.

Companies are taking a closer look at who they hire today.  From heightened security concerns to an increase in negligent hiring lawsuits, companies understand that bad hiring decisions can cause them big problems.

That’s why over 90% of employers now run background checks on potential hires.

During a background check, a hiring company takes a good look at your personal and professional history.  They verify your education and past employment, check to see if there is criminal activity in your past, and talk to your references. Some companies may even look at your driving record, credit history or previous drug testing results.

To run a thorough background check, a company needs some very specific information from you.  For example, they need contact information for your former employers and the names of your previous supervisors.

This type of detailed information is typically not found on a resume, even one that is professionally prepared. So companies have candidates fill out a job application that is specifically designed to get the information that’s required to run a complete background check.

How you fill out a company’s job application is directly tied to whether or not you get the job.  In fact, over 80% of companies say that discrepancies on a job application can take a candidate out of consideration.

When you fill out a job application, you want to make sure that your information is complete and easy to verify. However, there are lots of situations that can cause problems for an applicant. Here are a few:

What kind of contact information do you provide for a former employer that has gone out of business?

If you worked for a company through a temporary agency, who do you list as the employer?

If you were fired from your previous job, should you leave it off the application?

How you answer these and other questions can make the difference between a swift and successful background check and one that grinds to a halt because information can’t be verified.  Human resources will usually caution against hiring someone whose information is hard to read, has gaps or inconsistencies, or is lacking important details.

A successful job search requires a professional-looking resume, strong interviewing skills, and a can-do attitude.  These tools will get you in the door and help you make the final cut.

But if you don’t pass the background check, you won’t get the job.

Take the time to prepare the detailed information that will go on your job application.  It’s one of the best things you can do in your job search.




background check, pre-employment screening, job search, career, job application