Background Checks for Personal and Professional Relationships: When and How to Investigate

Love it or hate it, the time we live in often pushes us to get a background check. Be it for professional reasons or personal curiosity; a personal info check can reveal much. It’s interesting. Such a process unveils layers of someone’s past. And, well, nowadays, knowing more holds great value.

In this article, we’ll see the most common motives for background checks and see how to do a background check on yourselves and your peers. Stay tuned to learn more!

Why Would Someone Run A Background Check?

Тhe concept of privacy has evolved, and so has our access to information. Running a background check might seem intrusive to some, but there are plenty of motives behind this action. With the internet offering various tools on how to get a background check, it’s becoming a common practice. But why would someone feel the need to dig deeper into another person’s history?

Trust Issues

Trust forms the foundation of any relationship, be it personal or professional. When trust issues arise, it’s natural for individuals to seek reassurance. In personal relationships, past experiences with deceit or betrayal might propel someone to verify a partner’s background. Has the person ever been involved in criminal activities? Are they telling the truth about their past relationships? Knowing how to do a background check on someone might be the key.

Еmployers often run checks to ensure they’re hiring trustworthy individuals. Before bringing someone on board, they want to confirm that potential employees have been honest about their qualifications, experience, and any past infractions.

Delivery of Roles & Responsibilities

Certain jobs and responsibilities demand thorough checks. Think of positions that involve handling sensitive information, dealing with vulnerable populations, or having access to financial data. For such roles, employers can’t simply rely on face value.

For example, a financial institution wouldn’t want someone with a history of fraud handling clients’ investments. Similarly, schools would be wary of hiring someone without vetting their background when children’s safety is at stake.

Curiosity and General Knowledge

Many things in our world spark curiosity. Sometimes, it’s not about trust or delivery of responsibilities but mere inquisitiveness.

A new neighbor moves in, and you’re curious about their roots. You reconnect with an old friend and wonder what they’ve been up to in the years of separation. While it’s essential to respect privacy, some feel the urge to scratch that itch of curiosity, leading them to run casual checks.

How to Run A Background Check?

Many people ask,’ How to run a background check on myself?’ but it’s not just yourselves you need to look at. Let’s see a quick, helpful mini-guide.

Search Engines

Start with a basic Google search of the person’s name. You might be surprised at the amount of information available, from social media profiles to news articles.

Public Records

Most court records are public, allowing you to check for any criminal history. Websites like Radaris and Instant Checkmate can offer insights. Ensure you comply with the FCRA if using this for employment decisions.

Professional Online Services

There are several online platforms, like BeenVerified or Spokeo, dedicated to providing comprehensive background information. They often collate data from various sources, giving a detailed overview.

Contact Previous Employers

For employment purposes, reaching out to past employers can give insights into the individual’s professional history, work ethic, and character. Remember to obtain consent if required.

Social Media

Websites like Meta, LinkedIn, and Twitter can provide a glimpse into the person’s personal life, interests, and professional network. However, tread carefully and avoid making judgments based solely on social media activity.

Legal Considerations

When you try to get a background check, it’s crucial to stay compliant with laws and regulations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how employers use background checks for employment decisions in the U.S. Before obtaining a report from a consumer reporting agency, employers must get written consent.

Moreover, if you decide against hiring or renting based on the information, you must provide the applicant with a copy of the report and a chance to challenge it. Invasion of privacy or making decisions based on protected classes can lead to lawsuits. Always ensure you’re informed about local and national laws before initiating a background check.