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    "result": {"data":{"wpArticle":{"id":"cG9zdDo1MzYzMg==","title":"How to Run a Background Check on Yourself Before Employers Do","content":"<div class=\"key-takeaways\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Running a self-check helps identify and correct errors before employers or landlords see them—research shows more than 50% of background checks contain at least one false-positive error</li>\n<li>Professional services deliver employer-grade results in under 24 hours, while DIY methods can take weeks and miss multi-state records</li>\n<li>You have legal rights under the FCRA to dispute inaccurate information and request corrections within 30-45 days</li>\n<li>Self-checks don&#8217;t affect your credit score and allow you to prepare explanations for legitimate records that need context</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Block HeaderBlock \">\n\n  \n  <div>\n\n    \n    \n    \n        \n\n  </div>\n\n  \n</div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Block u-textAlign--center u-textColor--lightBlack is-default HeaderBlock has-h2\">\n\n  \n  <div>\n\n    \n          <h2 class=\"HeaderBlock-title  h2\" id=\"get-a-background-check-today\">Get A Background Check Today</h2>\n    \n    \n          <a href=\"/get-started/\" target=\"\" class=\"cta is-default Button reverse\">\n        Get Started      </a>\n        \n\n  </div>\n\n  \n</div>\n\n\n<p>Applying for a new job or apartment means someone will likely review your public records. Rather than wondering what they&#8217;ll find, you can preview the same information employers and landlords see by conducting a self-check. This proactive step helps you identify errors, prepare explanations for legitimate records, and address issues before they derail opportunities.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-run-a-background-check-on-yourself-before-employers-do\">Why Run a Background Check on Yourself Before Employers Do</h2>\n<p>Self-screening serves as both a defensive and preparatory tool. <a href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-reports-highlight-problems-with-tenant-background-checks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>, analysis of more than 24,000 complaints revealed significant challenges renters face with background check errors, including wrong information belonging to someone else, outdated records, and inaccurate details about arrests or criminal records that weren&#8217;t corrected.</p>\n<p>Identifying mistakes early gives you time to dispute them through proper channels. The correction process typically takes 30-45 days, so discovering errors after a job offer is contingent on a clean report can cost you the opportunity. Beyond error correction, self-checks help you understand what different screeners see—employers focus on <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/screening/criminal-background-check/\">criminal background checks</a> and employment verification, while landlords prioritize eviction records and rental payment history.</p>\n<p>Proactive screening also saves time in hiring and rental processes. When you know what&#8217;s on your record, you can prepare context for employment gaps, explain minor offenses, or provide documentation that clarifies incomplete court dispositions. This preparation demonstrates transparency and responsibility to potential employers or landlords.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-actually-shows-up-on-your-background-check\">What Actually Shows Up on Your Background Check</h2>\n<p>The scope of information varies based on the type of screening and applicable state laws, but most comprehensive checks include several core components:</p>\n<p><strong>Criminal records</strong> encompass county, state, and federal court databases. Most states follow a seven-year lookback period for reporting criminal convictions, though some states have no time limit. <a href=\"https://gispi.com/ban-the-box-laws-2026/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to recent fair chance hiring legislation</a>, Philadelphia amended its Fair Chance Ordinance to reduce the lookback period for misdemeanors from seven years to four, effective January 2026. These state-specific variations affect what employers can legally consider.</p>\n<p><strong>Identity verification and address history</strong> come from Social Security number traces, which search databases from lending institutions, utilities, schools, and credit card companies. This information helps screening companies identify which jurisdictions to search for criminal records based on where you&#8217;ve lived.</p>\n<p><strong>Employment and education verification</strong> confirms the accuracy of your resume. Employers contact previous companies and educational institutions to verify dates, titles, degrees earned, and attendance records. Inconsistencies between what you reported and what verifiers confirm can raise red flags.</p>\n<p><strong>Driving records</strong> show your <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/screening/mvr-checks/\">motor vehicle record (MVR)</a>, including license status, class, violations, accidents, and DUIs. These checks are standard for positions requiring driving but may appear in comprehensive screenings regardless of job requirements.</p>\n<p><strong>Credit history</strong> appears only for positions with financial responsibility, such as banking or accounting roles. Employment credit reports differ from consumer credit reports and show bankruptcies, accounts in collection, and payment history without credit scores.</p>\n<div class=\"cta-box\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"see-exactly-what-employers-will-find\">See Exactly What Employers Will Find</h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t wait until a job offer is contingent on a clean report to discover errors. When you <a href=\"https://goodhire.com\">run an employer-grade background check on yourself</a>, you&#8217;ll get the same FCRA-compliant report that hiring managers see—giving you time to dispute inaccuracies before they cost you opportunities.</p>\n</div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-run-a-background-check-on-yourself-4-methods-compared\">How to Run a Background Check on Yourself: 4 Methods Compared</h2>\n<p>You can obtain your records through several approaches, each with distinct advantages and limitations:</p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table no-filter\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Method</th>\n<th>Turnaround Time</th>\n<th>Comprehensiveness</th>\n<th>Cost</th>\n<th>Best For</th>\n</tr>\n</thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Professional Service</td>\n<td>Under 1 minute &#8211; 24 hours</td>\n<td>Employer-grade, multi-jurisdiction</td>\n<td>$30-$50</td>\n<td>Job seekers and renters needing accurate employer-equivalent reports</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>DIY County/State Searches</td>\n<td>3-5 days per jurisdiction</td>\n<td>Limited to known locations</td>\n<td>$10-$25 per search</td>\n<td>Those with simple address history in one state</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Free Online Services</td>\n<td>Instant</td>\n<td>Incomplete, often inaccurate</td>\n<td>Free</td>\n<td>Preliminary research only—not reliable for employment purposes</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>State/FBI Repositories</td>\n<td>10-20 business days</td>\n<td>State or federal only</td>\n<td>$14-$50</td>\n<td>Specific licensing, visa, or immigration requirements</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n</figure>\n<p><strong>Professional services</strong> like <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/background-checks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodHire</a> provide the same FCRA-compliant reports employers order. <a href=\"https://pubs.thepbsa.org/pub/FB36B937-C9D5-A941-7720-4047386F38B0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Research shows that 95% of organizations with at least one U.S. location</a> conduct some type of screening, making professional-grade reports the most relevant preview of what employers will see. These services search multiple jurisdictions simultaneously and deliver results quickly, with many criminal checks completing within one hour.</p>\n<p><strong>DIY county and state searches</strong> require you to contact each courthouse or state repository individually. You&#8217;ll need to know every county where you&#8217;ve lived, worked, or had legal matters. Each jurisdiction has different procedures, fees, and processing times. This approach works if you&#8217;ve only lived in one or two counties, but becomes impractical for those with multi-state address histories.</p>\n<p><strong>Free online services</strong> aggregate public data but rarely provide complete or current information. These databases often miss recent records, include outdated information, or show records from people with similar names. They&#8217;re useful for preliminary research but shouldn&#8217;t be trusted for employment or rental applications.</p>\n<p><strong>State and FBI repositories</strong> provide official records directly from government sources. The FBI&#8217;s Identity History Summary Check costs $18 and requires fingerprinting. State repositories vary by location—some offer online requests, while others require mail-in applications. These checks take weeks to process and only cover one jurisdiction, so you&#8217;d need separate federal and state checks to see comprehensive results.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-do-if-you-find-errors-or-concerning-information\">What to Do If You Find Errors or Concerning Information</h2>\n<p>Discovering inaccurate information requires immediate action through proper legal channels. The Fair Credit Reporting Act grants you specific rights to challenge and correct errors.</p>\n<p><strong>Common errors include:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mistaken identity—records belonging to someone with a similar name</li>\n<li>Outdated records that should have been removed based on state lookback periods</li>\n<li>Incomplete dispositions showing arrests without noting charges were dismissed</li>\n<li>Expunged or sealed records that still appear in databases</li>\n<li>Wrong employment dates or job titles from verification sources</li>\n</ul>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2013/01/background-screening-reports-fcra-just-saying-youre-not-consumer-reporting-agency-isnt-enough\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Under the FCRA</a>, consumer reporting agencies must investigate disputes and verify information accuracy. If a company meets the legal definition of a consumer reporting agency, it must implement accuracy, dispute, and safeguard requirements regardless of disclaimers stating otherwise.</p>\n<p><strong>Step-by-step dispute process:</strong></p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Document the error</strong>—Take screenshots or save copies of the inaccurate report. Gather any supporting documents that prove the information is wrong, such as court records showing case dismissal or employment letters confirming correct dates.</li>\n<li><strong>Contact the consumer reporting agency</strong>—Submit a written dispute explaining specifically what information is inaccurate and why. Include copies (not originals) of supporting documents. GoodHire reports include clear dispute instructions and connect users directly to the reporting agency for corrections.</li>\n<li><strong>Wait for investigation</strong>—The CRA must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute. They&#8217;ll contact the information source (courthouse, employer, etc.) to verify accuracy. If the source can&#8217;t verify the information, it must be removed.</li>\n<li><strong>Review the results</strong>—The CRA must provide written results of the investigation. If information is corrected or removed, they must notify anyone who received your report in the past six months (two years for employment reports).</li>\n<li><strong>Add a statement if unresolved</strong>—If the dispute doesn&#8217;t resolve in your favor but you still believe the information is wrong, you can add a 100-word statement to your file explaining your position. This statement will appear in future reports.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>For legitimate records that need context rather than removal, prepare a brief explanation. For example, a 10-year-old misdemeanor might be explained by noting it occurred during a difficult period, you&#8217;ve completed all requirements, and you&#8217;ve maintained a clean record since. Employers appreciate transparency when candidates proactively address concerns.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-what-employers-actually-see-and-cant-see\">Understanding What Employers Actually See (and Can&#8217;t See)</h2>\n<p><a href=\"https://pubs.thepbsa.org/pub/FB36B937-C9D5-A941-7720-4047386F38B0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Industry research indicates</a> that protecting employees and customers ranks as the top reason for conducting screenings, cited by 76% of employers with U.S. locations. Improving quality of hires follows at 52%, with protecting company reputation at 41%. Understanding these motivations helps you anticipate what employers prioritize.</p>\n<p><strong>Industries and roles with heightened screening requirements:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Healthcare positions requiring professional license verification and criminal checks</li>\n<li>Financial services roles subject to FDIC regulations and credit checks</li>\n<li>Childcare and education positions with mandatory criminal background checks</li>\n<li>Transportation jobs requiring DOT compliance and MVR checks</li>\n<li>Government positions often requiring federal background investigations</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Ban-the-box laws limit when employers can ask about criminal history.</strong> <a href=\"https://gispi.com/ban-the-box-laws-2026/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Recent legislation shows expanding protections</a>: Texas implemented a statewide ban-the-box law (HB 2466) effective September 1, 2025, requiring employers with 15+ employees to remove criminal history questions from initial applications. Inquiries can only occur after a candidate is deemed &#8220;otherwise qualified.&#8221; Washington State expanded its Fair Chance Act (HB 1747) effective July 1, 2026, imposing additional limits on how employers use criminal background information in hiring decisions.</p>\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s legally excluded from employment screening:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Expunged or sealed records (in most states)</li>\n<li>Arrests without convictions (in many jurisdictions)</li>\n<li>Bankruptcies older than 10 years</li>\n<li>Civil suits and judgments older than 7 years</li>\n<li>Medical information and genetic data</li>\n<li>Workers&#8217; compensation claims</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Professional screening services like <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/background-checks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodHire</a> show exactly what employers see when they order screening, eliminating surprises. This transparency allows you to prepare for conversations about your background rather than being caught off-guard during the hiring process.</p>\n<p><strong>How employers interpret results:</strong> Most employers use the &#8220;nature-time-nature&#8221; test when evaluating criminal records—considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed since it occurred, and relevance to the position. A minor theft charge from 10 years ago likely won&#8217;t disqualify you from an IT position, but recent financial crimes would raise concerns for accounting roles. Understanding this framework helps you contextualize your records appropriately.</p>\n<div class=\"cta-box\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-your-results-in-under-24-hours\">Get Your Results in Under 24 Hours</h3>\n<p>With 30-45 days needed to dispute errors, timing matters when you&#8217;re applying for jobs. Rather than waiting weeks for DIY county searches or state repositories, you can <a href=\"https://goodhire.com\">order a comprehensive multi-jurisdiction background check</a> that delivers the same results employers see—with 90% of criminal checks returned in under 1 minute.</p>\n</div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-does-a-background-check-on-yourself-cost\">How much does a background check on yourself cost?</h3>\n<p>Professional services typically charge $30-$50 for comprehensive reports. State repositories range from $10-$25, while FBI checks cost $18 plus fingerprinting fees. Free services exist but provide incomplete information unsuitable for employment purposes.</p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-far-back-does-a-background-check-go\">How far back does a background check go?</h3>\n<p>Most states follow a seven-year lookback period for criminal convictions, civil judgments, and collections. Bankruptcies can be reported for 10 years. Some states have no time limits on felony convictions. <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/screening/employment-verification/\">Employment verification</a> and <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/screening/education-verification/\">education verification</a> can cover your entire history.</p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"will-running-a-background-check-on-myself-hurt-my-credit-score\">Will running a background check on myself hurt my credit score?</h3>\n<p>No. Self-checks are considered &#8220;soft inquiries&#8221; that don&#8217;t affect credit scores. Only &#8220;hard inquiries&#8221; from lenders reviewing credit applications impact your score. Employment background checks also don&#8217;t affect credit scores.</p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-i-see-my-fbi-criminal-history\">Can I see my FBI criminal history?</h3>\n<p>Yes. The FBI&#8217;s Identity History Summary Check provides your federal criminal record. Submit fingerprints and an $18 fee through approved channelers or directly to the FBI. Processing takes 10-20 business days. This only shows federal records, not state or county criminal history.</p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-does-it-take-to-get-results\">How long does it take to get results?</h3>\n<p>Professional services deliver most results within 24 hours, with many criminal checks completing in under one hour. DIY county searches take 3-5 days per jurisdiction. State and FBI repositories require 10-20 business days. Employment and education verifications depend on how quickly previous employers and schools respond.</p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-if-i-find-something-i-didnt-know-about\">What if I find something I didn&#8217;t know about?</h3>\n<p>First, verify the information is actually about you and not someone with a similar name. If it&#8217;s an error, file a dispute with the consumer reporting agency following <a href=\"https://www.goodhire.com/resources/articles/fcra-summary-of-rights/\">FCRA procedures</a>. If it&#8217;s accurate but you weren&#8217;t aware of it, consult an attorney to understand your options—some records may be eligible for expungement or sealing depending on your state and the nature of the offense.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>\n<div class=\"Block FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock\">\n<details>\n<summary>\n        Is it okay to run a background check on myself?      </summary>\n<div class=\"FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock-answer\">\n<p>Yes, performing a self-check is both legal and recommended—it helps you identify errors before employers or landlords discover them, giving you 30-45 days to dispute inaccuracies through proper FCRA channels.</p>\n</p></div>\n</details></div>\n<div class=\"Block FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock\">\n<details>\n<summary>\n        What is the best way to do a background check on myself?      </summary>\n<div class=\"FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock-answer\">\n<p>Professional FCRA-compliant services like GoodHire provide the most accurate preview of what employers see, delivering comprehensive multi-jurisdiction results within 24 hours for $30-$50, while DIY county searches and free online databases often miss records or provide outdated information.</p>\n</p></div>\n</details></div>\n<div class=\"Block FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock\">\n<details>\n<summary>\n        What are red flags on a background check?      </summary>\n<div class=\"FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock-answer\">\n<p>Major red flags include resume discrepancies (wrong employment dates or unverified degrees), recent criminal convictions relevant to the position, patterns of financial irresponsibility for roles with monetary access, and multiple DUIs for driving positions.</p>\n</p></div>\n</details></div>\n<div class=\"Block FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock\">\n<details>\n<summary>\n        Why would someone do a background check on themselves?      </summary>\n<div class=\"FrequentlyAskedQuestionBlock-answer\">\n<p>Self-screening allows you to verify resume accuracy, discover and correct errors before they cost you opportunities, prepare explanations for legitimate records that need context, and understand exactly what potential employers or landlords will see during their evaluation process.</p>\n</p></div>\n</details></div>\n<div class=\"Block DisclaimerBlock\" title=\"DisclaimerBlock\" description=\"The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.\n\"></p>\n<div class=\"Block DisclaimerBlock-content\" >\n<div class=\"DisclaimerBlock-title\">\n\t\t\t\tDisclaimer\t\t\t</div>\n<div class=\"DisclaimerBlock-description\">\n<p>The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.</p>\n</p></div>\n</p></div>\n</div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Block HeaderBlock \">\n\n  \n  <div>\n\n    \n    \n    \n        \n\n  </div>\n\n  \n</div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Block u-textAlign--center u-textColor--lightBlack is-default HeaderBlock has-h2\">\n\n  \n  <div>\n\n    \n          <h2 class=\"HeaderBlock-title  h2\" id=\"get-a-background-check-today\">Get A Background Check Today</h2>\n    \n    \n          <a href=\"/get-started/\" target=\"\" class=\"cta is-default Button reverse\">\n        Get Started      </a>\n        \n\n  </div>\n\n  \n</div>\n","date":"2026-04-29T07:00:00","tableOfContentsGraphQL":"<ul><li><a href=\"#why-run-a-background-check-on-yourself-before-employers-do\"><span>Why Run a Background Check on Yourself Before Employers Do</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#what-actually-shows-up-on-your-background-check\"><span>What Actually Shows Up on Your Background Check</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#how-to-run-a-background-check-on-yourself-x-methods-compared\"><span>How to Run a Background Check on Yourself: 4 Methods Compared</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#what-to-do-if-you-find-errors-or-concerning-information\"><span>What to Do If You Find Errors or Concerning Information</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#understanding-what-employers-actually-see-and-cant-see\"><span>Understanding What Employers Actually See (and Can&#8217;t See)</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\"><span>Frequently Asked Questions</span></a></li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\"><span>Frequently Asked Questions</span></a></li></ul>","author":{"node":{"firstName":"GoodHire","lastName":null,"name":"GoodHire","overviewSocialMedia":{"patternsSocialMedia":[{"fieldGroupName":"User_Overviewsocialmedia_PatternsSocialMedia_LinkedinIn","patternsSocialMediaLinkedinInUrl":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodhire"},{},{}]},"authorInfo":{"bio":"<p>The GoodHire team keeps customers informed about important news relating to background checks and employment screening.</p>\n","company":null,"jobTitle":null,"companyLogo":null,"photo":{"altText":"GoodHire","localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","placeholder":{"fallback":"data:image/png;base64,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"},"backgroundColor":"transparent","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/c08a8133ec9281b7f1db3e0c636ac88e/f656c/gh-logomark-compare-logo-e1610555883770.png","srcSet":"/static/c08a8133ec9281b7f1db3e0c636ac88e/f656c/gh-logomark-compare-logo-e1610555883770.png 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