The Difference Between A Background Check & A Reference Check

The Difference Between A Background Check & A Reference Check

by Magneto

When you apply for a position with a new employer, its likely you’ll be asked to provide references. This means the employer may want to contact some of your previous bosses, co-workers, people you’ve managed (if you’re interviewing for a management role), or personal references. You can prepare the people you ask to serve as a reference in advance.

The employer may also want to conduct a background check. Their primary goal is to confirm details about you and your past that you’ve provided to them. Basic information such as your education, employment history and even your identity fall into this category.

An employer might additionally want find out if there are any skeletons in your closet. Mostly they would search for negatives that could affect your job performance. In this personal information category are details of your credit and financial status, driving abstract, criminal record and civil litigation documentation (are you suing someone or being sued?).