Background Checks and Your Privacy

February 20, 2009

Wow. I didn’t realize just how much information was in the public domain for employers to scrutinize. A post over at EmploymentMetrix.com lists what is and isn’t accessible in a background check. Amazingly, there is some information that is freely available to employers without your consent. I was most surprised that your driving records are available without your permission. This seems like an invasion of personal privacy to me.

What is most concerning is not what is available, but how it may be used against you. I don’t have a problem with issues of public safety (criminal background checks for people who want to become police officers) or issues surrounding legitimate job requirements (being licensed to drive certain types of vehicles). However, if an employer has access to personal information as a way to get around “illegal” questions (pertaining to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc), then it could potentially be the basis for bias against you. To me, that is a scary thought.

So how do you combat the use of this information against you? The easiest way is to ensure that you know every bit of information that is available about you before you apply to jobs. Check out all of the sources from this list. Once you have the full picture, you will have a better idea of how to tackle any “problem spots”. You can’t fix before you know.

I suspect that with the evolution of technology (I have already spent time writing about maintaining your public image), these concerns are only going to grow. It’s a very worrying thought.

It’s probably best that you see the list for yourself. Click here to check it out.

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