How to Run a Self Background Check: Everything You Need to Know

Thomas Fine - October 18, 2024

Background checks are a necessary part of the modern hiring process. In fact, background checks are so helpful that they’ve proven useful for the purchase of firearms and other dangerous items. For these reasons, it’s important to know what will show up when a background check is run on you if you want to go through the interview process. 

While most people don’t run a background check on themselves prior to looking for employment, you don’t have to be like most people. When you run a self background check, you’ll appear more confident and prepared if anything comes up during the interview process. 

That said, finding the right tool for the right price can be tricky, especially when everyone says they’re the best. The good news is that we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about self background checks and how you can run one with Information.com.

What Is a Background Check? 

A background check is a process that businesses and the government use to look for information about someone. The process is usually quick, hassle-free, and doesn’t cost the applicant any money. 

Background checks are useful for employers to verify someone’s identity, check for criminal records, and ensure that someone is being honest about their education and work history.

Some background checks may also be extensive, and dive deep into someone’s records. For example, an SSN trace will reveal most information associated with someone’s Social Security number. Similarly, a level 2 background check digs deep into someone’s criminal records across the country.

Other background checks, like driving records checks, may focus more on someone’s driving records. These are useful if someone is applying for work that requires driving people or goods to a destination.

Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?

Yes, you can absolutely run a background check on yourself using self background check tools. Self background checks are important because they can help you clear up any inconsistencies before you’re hired for a job. Plenty of online tools are available to help you run one of these checks, and you can even use something like Google to get started.

Why You Should Run a Self Background Check 

Running a self background check is important if you want the hiring process to go smoothly. Doing so will prepare you for interview questions that might come up or help you find any inconsistencies. 

It can also help you find out if you have any disqualifications for a level 2 background check or other more niche background checks. Learn about why you should run a self background check below.

Prepare for Background Check Questions 

When you’re applying for a job or to become someone’s tenant, they’ll check for criminal records, sex offender status, and other public records. Knowing what shows up on your record can help you diffuse any situations or questions that a landlord or employer will ask. In fact, sometimes it helps to tell landlords and employers upfront to prevent any confusion.

Being prepared for questions and red flags that will show up can also help you sound more confident and trustworthy. 

It’s also important to note that some crimes and financial records will be unavailable for employers or landlords to see if you live in a state like New York or California. So, you can check your records to see when they were added to your report to see if they’ll hinder you.

Check for Inaccuracies

One of the most important reasons to check your background before you apply for any position is to check for any inconsistencies. 

Whether you want to apply for a job, to become a tenant, or to purchase a firearm, inconsistencies showing up on your record will sink you. For this reason, it’s important to see if anything that you don’t know about is showing up in your records.

Some examples of inconsistencies that might show up include:

• Conflicting SSN information 
• Gaps in work history 
• Gaps in education history 
• Criminal records of crimes you didn’t commit 
• Civil court records you don’t know about 
• Issues with your date of birth or name, even something as simple as spelling 
• Financial records that are inconsistent 
• Conflicting address information 

If you notice any of these issues in your records, you’ll have to address them as soon as possible. Depending on the issue, you may have to visit the DMV, county clerk, or other public offices.

Save Time 

Running a background check on yourself with a legitimate third-party tool, like the one we offer here at Information.com, will help you save time. Google is a great tool, and you can check social media as well, but you’re better off working with a reputable website to find what you’re looking for fast.

While most of your public records can be found online, it will likely take you several hours to compile all of the information. You’re better off saving time using a background check tool or even working with a background check company in some situations.

How to Run a Self Background Check 

Running a self background check is easier than you may think. Gone are the days when you had to hire some expensive firm to help you find information about your public records. 

Today, you can hire a background check company or use an online background check tool like the one we offer at Information.com. Learn more about both methods and how they can help you run a self background check below.

Information.com’s Background Check Tool 

The best way to run a background check on yourself is with our background check tool. It’s one of the easiest tools you can use to run a background check, and all you need is your first and last name, city, and state to get started.

What makes our tool one of the best choices is how affordable it is to use. We offer a trial period and can help you run numerous background checks at an affordable rate. Plus, you can start the entire process for free if all you need is surface-level information.

Another benefit of using Information.com is that our background check tool is connected to millions of public databases across the United States. We take this data, and then compile a full report including everything we find. So, you don’t have to worry about missing key records because you didn’t search in the right state. 

All of our information is current, accurate, and frequently updated, so you never have to worry about inconsistencies. Plus, we’ll notify you if anything changes in your records, so you never have to go into a job interview blind or wary of any changes to your records.

When you search with Information.com we’ll help you find the following information:

• First and last name
• Address 
• Date of birth 
• Criminal records 
• Court records 
• Civil court history 
• Financial records 
• Driving records
• Marriage records 
• Sex offense status 
• Email addresses 
• Social media accounts 

This is only the tip of the iceberg about what we can help you find. For these reasons, if you ever plan on going through the background check process we always recommend working with Information.com first.

Hire a Background Check Company 

Plenty of background check companies are available. These are big companies that run thousands of background checks on people every year, so they tend to know a thing or two about the process. 

In fact, working with a background check company is one of the most affordable options for big companies that have to screen thousands of employees.

That said, it’s not the best option for someone who wants to run a self background check. This is because self background checks only need to be run on, well, yourself, so it’s just one person. 

Most background check companies offer affordable bulk pricing, but for a single person, the cost might be too much. We always recommend starting with Information.com first.

Run a Self Background Check Today 

Background checks are an important part of the hiring process, and chances are your next job will require one. 

To ensure that you’re prepared, we always recommend running a self background check before you interview with any companies. This will prepare you for any background check questions or help you clear up any inconsistencies before you have to do it on the fly.

When it comes to where you can run a self background check, we always recommend starting with Information.com and branching out from there if you need more information. We offer the most affordable tool you can find, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to find what you need.