What if you are turned down for a job because the information found on a background check didn't match up to what was on the job application? How do you make sure they do match up?
According to Ask Ed, you should first know that different businesses have different practices. There will be a more in-depth look at who you are if you're applying for a job as a police officer or a teacher.
But for most of us, the bar is a little lower but it's still an issue you need to know about. According to the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, this is the type of information that can be part of a background check:
1. Credit Report 2. Criminal Background Check 3. Social Media Check Up
Let's start with the credit report. These days a potential employer might want to see that. But Ask Ed says, they have to ask your permission first. You can say no, but know that you might not get the job.
If you are applying for the type of job that requires a criminal background check, Ask Ed suggests paying to get one first. If you had a crazy youth, see what's on there. Also, make sure you ask the potential employer for a copy of the background check he gets.
Next, do a little house cleaning and tidy up those social network accounts. Get rid of crazy pictures, even if they're just for fun. Something that was posted when you were 21 might be out of place with an adult job you're looking for years later.
John Sours, from the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, says the key is being prepared.
"Be prepared to explain gray areas or discrepancies, because they can be there was well. No public record, just like any private record, is going to be perfect," said Sours.
You should know that for certain jobs a potential employer may talk to your neighbors or friends, and even past employers.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-05-15 10:39:34 GMT
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:04 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:04:58 GMT
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
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Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
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