Be Ready for Your Employment Screening When Applying for a Job
Employment Background Reports
When seeking a new job, it’s crucial to be informed about the potential for errors and the impactemployment screening reports can have on your job search. Background check companies can make mistakes and when they do, it may prevent you from getting your dream job. If you find inaccuracies in an employment screening report, you should contact us immediately to schedule your free case review.
Employment Screening Errors
Employment screening companies are under constant pressure to process a high volume of background checks quickly. The background reporting agencies reliance on technology and automated systems, while quick, can lead to inaccuracies on your report. Errors in criminal background checks, credit reports, and employment history are more common than you might think, often resulting in serious consequences for job candidates. Can you imagine getting turned down for a job because the employer said you were a convicted felon and you have never been convicted of a crime? Keep reading.
The Consequences of Screening Errors
Inaccurate employment reports can devastate job seekers. Misidentifications, misspellings, incomplete or outdated criminal history records can unjustly tarnish a candidate’s professional reputation. For example, a mistaken criminal record could wrongfully label someone as a felon, or an error in credit history might inaccurately portray a candidate as financially irresponsible. These mistakes lead to unjust job rejections, prolonged unemployment, loss of income and significant emotional stress.
Understanding Employment Screening Services
Employment screening companies perform background checks on potential employees for employers. The background checks verify a candidate’s criminal records, employment history, education qualifications, and sometimes credit history, driving records, and drug test results. The goal is to ensure the candidate’s honesty and assess any potential risks, helping employers maintain workplace and client safety and protect their reputations.
Common Errors in Background Screening Reports
1. **Incorrect Personal Information**: Minor errors in names, dates of birth, addresses, or Social Security numbers can lead to misidentifications.
2. **Inaccurate Employment History**: Mistakes in work history, such as omitted jobs or incorrect dates, can have severe consequences.
3. **Education Background Errors**: Inaccuracies in degrees and certifications can affect job prospects.
4. **Identity Theft**: Victims of identity theft may find errors in their reports that need correction.
5. **Criminal Record Errors**: Errors like falsely reported arrests or outdated convictions can be devastating.
6. **Inaccurate Financial Information**: Mistakes in credit reports, such as incorrect balances or misreported account statuses, can impact creditworthiness.
Legal Protections and Your FCRA Rights
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employment screening companies to have and follow reasonable procedures to assure the max possible accuracy of your background report. 15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b).
The FCRA also requires background reporting agencies to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of your dispute if it receives notice that the information it is reporting about you is inaccurate. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft or reporting errors, these companies must comply with the law when correcting your report.
Disputing inaccuracies can be time-consuming and challenging, with the burden of proof on the job applicant. In the fast-paced job market, this can mean missed employment opportunities. However, before an employer decides not to hire you based on a background check, they must provide a “pre-adverse action” notice detailing the information that influenced their decision.
Take Action – Dispute Employment Background Report Errors
If you need to dispute a background check, the screening company must provide you with a copy of the report. Most companies offer a free copy annually, allowing you to review and correct any errors before applying for jobs. This proactive approach can save time and prevent potential job losses.
Need Help? Contact Us for a Free Case Review
The Adkins Firm represents consumers with background report errors. We help our clients clear their good names and move forward with new job opportunities. If you encounter inaccuracies in your employment screening report, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of disputing errors and protecting your professional reputation.