Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Background Check
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Even though background checks are a routine part of the hiring process, it’s normal to feel a little nervous or unsure about what’s involved. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
A criminal background check involves a thorough review of an individual’s criminal history to assess their suitability for certain opportunities or positions. Taking proactive measures to prepare for such checks can help ensure accuracy and present a favorable image to potential employers or other parties involved.
Preparing for a criminal background check is like getting ready for someone to check your history. This check looks into your past to see if you’ve ever been in trouble with the law. People often go through this process when applying for jobs or housing.
If you’re wondering what you need to do, what you have to prepare, and how long it’ll take, keep reading to get the answers.
Common Types of Background Checks
First things first: if you’re going to do a background check, you’ll want to know what type of check you need. Why? Because different types of background checks reveal different things and are completed in different ways. Depending on the position, you might need one type of background check instead of another. We wrote about this in our blog “What Is on a Background Check?” but just in case you missed it, here’s a quick recap:
Criminal background check (also known as a name-based criminal background check):
This type of check is the most common one employers ask for. It looks through several databases, including the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records, to see if you have a criminal record. These types of checks can be completed online through a trusted provider like MyCRC, and you can receive your results in as little as 15 minutes.
Certified criminal record check:
If you’re unable to complete a name-based criminal record check, then you might need to get this type of background check. This background check involves going to your local police station. They’ll take your fingerprints and use that information to confirm your identity before revealing your criminal record.
Vulnerable sector check:
If you’re going to be working or volunteering with a vulnerable population such as children, seniors, or people with disabilities, then you might need to get a vulnerable sector check. This type of check can only be completed at a police station. It examines several criminal record databases and also checks to see if you have committed a sex crime for which you were pardoned.
What You Need to Prepare
We’re going to be honest with you—there’s not a lot you need to prepare ahead of your background check. Here’s a quick rundown depending on the type of check you need to complete:
Criminal background check (name-based criminal background check):
- A valid piece of ID such as your driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport
- If you have a criminal record, make sure that you have the conviction offence, date of sentence, and court location for any crimes you have committed
Certified criminal background check:
- The location and hours of your local police station
- A valid piece of ID such as your driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport
Vulnerable sector check:
- The location and hours of your local police station
- A valid piece of ID such as your driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport
- Information about the job or volunteer position, such as the organization you’ll be working for and the vulnerable population you’ll be working with
- If it’s for a volunteer position, then you’ll also need a letter from the organization
Ready to get your background check?
Get started now with MyCRC! (please note that we only offer name-based criminal background checks. All other checks will need to be completed at your local police station)