What's the Difference Between Verification and a Background Check

What’s the Difference Between Verification and a Background Check?

There are two ways that employers check to see if those they’re looking to hire have any past criminal convictions. They do so through background checks. Verification services, on the other hand, are used to ensure the identity and information of an individual are legitimate.

Background Checks

A background check is when an employer or seller compiles information about an individual’s criminal records, financial records, and commercial records. Usually they are used for employment or the purchasing of a weapon, filing taxes, buying a car, etc. Employers use sites such as JDP.com for a quick screening. But don’t worry, employers must ask for permission before running a background check on an individual when thinking of hiring them, as required by a long list of both national and state laws.

These screenings can show nearly everything; education, credit history, motor and license checks, criminal history, and so on. For the most part, employers only ask for a background check when an individual is seeking a job that requires higher security or a position of trust.

Verification Services

More commonly known as identity verification, these services are provided to authenticate the identity of physical documents, such as driver’s licenses or passports, as well as online documents like credit history, Social Security Numbers, or even W I-9 forms (Employment Eligibility Verification).

Not only are verification services used when an individual is seeking employment, but they’re also used for certain purchases. For example, an authentic ID must be presented to store clerks when purchasing tobacco, alcohol, and even lottery tickets. The most common form of an identification service are scanners at gas stations and liquor stores that are used to make sure that an ID is real. Almost never are Identity Verification Services used to check whether a person has committed a crime or has gone bankrupt.

Wiping the Slate Clean

Now that the differences in background checks and verification services have been established, there’s still the question of how to prevent criminal records from appearing on a background check (remember, IVS don’t show criminal records). Unless you have had your criminal conviction expunged and sealed, there’s almost nothing you can do to prevent a future employer from seeing your conviction.

Conclusion

Simply put, a background check is used to learn a person’s past while IVS are used to confirm a person’s identity.


TURNING NO INTO YES PART 3

 

TURNING NO INTO YES

 

PART 3: AFTER THE INTERVIEW

 

Many people are under the misconception that once they have walked out of an interview the only thing left to do is sit back and wait for notification of the start date. They are wrong. How you follow up afterward can tell an employer a lot about the type of employee you would be and at this point, it is too late in the game to give them any reason to say no. So, unless during the interview you were offered a job on the spot, there’s still work to do.

 

The Review

 

Right after the interview, one of the best things you can do is to take a moment and review how well you think everything went.  Ask yourself the following questions and take note of your answers:

 

·        What went right during the interview? Do you believe you effectively presented your qualifications and skills?

 

·        What went wrong during the interview? Were there any awkward silences? Were there any questions you were unable to answer?

 

·        What questions were you asked? Were there any you were unprepared for? Are there any you wished you had answered differently?

 

·        Do you like the company? Is the work, pay, and schedule a good fit for your life?

 

Taking the time to answer these questions serves several purposes. First, knowing what went right, what went wrong, and what questions you were asked are all good notes to have for any future interviews. You can make sure you don’t repeat past mistakes and be prepared for future questions you may not have thought of otherwise. Second, taking a moment to really think about how you feel about the company could help you decide if you should accept when/if an offer is made. The hours they offer may not be a good fit for your household or the pay may not have been what you need. Consider these things before you say yes.

 

The Thank You Note

 

Thank you notes are often forgotten or deemed unnecessary. While not sending a thank you note won’t necessarily keep you from getting the position, it can set you apart from the other candidates. If you do decide to send one, and I strongly suggest you do, here are few tips to keep in mind:
·        A thank you email should be sent out within 24 hours of the interview. You can also follow up the email with a handwritten letter 2-3 days after the interview.

 

·        If you met with more than one person you should send each one a separate letter and don’t copy and paste. It is very likely that they will compare the two letters.

 

·        Use the thank you letter to address any questions you were unable to answer or forgot to ask.

 

·        Recap your strengths and reiterate your interest in the job.

 

·        As with your resume, please check, double check, and then triple check for any grammatical errors.

 

The Follow-Up

 

Before you walked out of the office you should have obtained the information needed regarding the follow up procedure.  You should know when to follow up, how to follow up, and to whom you need to follow up with.  Keep in mind that it is extremely important that you follow all directions. If you are told to follow up in a week, do not call the next day. If you are told to follow up by email, do not call. Continue to show them that you can follow simple instructions. Another point to remember is to do what you say. If you told them you would be providing further information (such as references) the next day, make sure that they receive them THE NEXT DAY.

 

Don’t forget to consider what resources you may already have at the company. Maybe you have a friend in human resources or management that could give the interviewer a good recommendation.  

 

Don’t Stop Looking

 

Do not stop looking. The job may be offered to someone else or there may be a better job out there for you. Until you accept a position, continue filling out applications, keep going on interviews, and don’t stop sending out your resume. That way, if you do not get the job you haven’t fallen behind on the hunt.

 

If you do find out that you did not get the position,  REMAIN PROFESSIONAL. Do not risk burning your bridges by being rude or unprofessional. There may be another job opening down the line that they may consider you for or the candidate that was chosen may not work out. If it’s a company you really have a desire to work for, check in every few months to see if any positions have become available.

 

Looking for work can be stressful. Even more so when you have made mistakes in the past that employers can hold against you. Being prepared every step of the way throughout your search is a great way to stand out and get their attention. We at Nolef Turns Inc., hope that you were able to find some helpful tips to help you get your yes.
 

 


Copyright © 2017 Nolef Turns, Inc. All rights reserved.

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