How Far Back Does California Really Care?
So, you're thinking about moving to California, or maybe you just landed a job there. Congrats on both, by the way! But let's talk about something a little less glamorous: background checks. Specifically, how far back do they actually go in the Golden State?
The Seven-Year Itch (But Not in a Good Way)
California has this weird obsession with the number seven. Seven hills in Rome, seven wonders of the world, and now, a seven-year lookback period for background checks. Basically, if you committed a crime more than seven years ago, consider yourself lucky. Employers can't hold it against you.
But wait, there's a catch. This only applies to convictions. If you were arrested but never convicted, or if your record has been expunged, employers can't see it. So, there's a tiny silver lining.
What Else Do They Look At?
Okay, so your criminal past (or lack thereof) is pretty much covered, but what else are they digging up? Well, it depends on the job. If you're applying to be a rocket scientist, they might want to see your college transcripts. If you're going to be handling money, expect a credit check. And if you're applying to be a superhero, they'll probably just ask for your secret identity.
Can They See My Social Media?
Short answer: maybe. While employers can't legally ask for your social media passwords, they can definitely do a Google search. So, if your Twitter handle is something like "World'sGreatestPartyAnimal123," you might want to reconsider.
So, Should I Panic?
Probably not. California's background check laws are actually pretty employee-friendly. But it's always a good idea to be honest on your job application. Lying is never a good look, and it could come back to bite you.
How To...
- How to prepare for a California background check? Be honest on your application and make sure your social media is clean.
- How to handle a past conviction? If you have a conviction, be prepared to explain it honestly and professionally.
- How to dispute inaccurate information on a background check? Contact the background check company and dispute the information.
- How to protect your privacy during a background check? Be aware of what information you're sharing and with whom.
- How to find out what information is included in a California background check? Check with the specific employer or background check company.