Preemployment background screening is becoming increasingly common as resume fraud grows and employers become more cautious when hiring. Some employers require background checks for new full-time hires as well as temporary workers, and some even perform retroactive checks on current employees.

How Deep Do They Dig?

Typically, a background check reviews criminal and court records. The check often includes driving records and vehicle registrations. It may also review sex offender databases.

Credit checks are increasingly common too. Employers sometimes assume that good credit means you’ve kept your financial promises and are responsible with money. And more employers are verifying candidates’ education and degrees as resume fraud increases.

It’s Your Decision

Remember that submitting to a background check is your decision. Potential or even current employers can’t conduct a background check without your written authorization.

However, you should realize that failing to allow the check has risks. In many cases, you’ll eliminate yourself from consideration for the job. Or, if you refuse to allow a current employer to conduct a check, you could lose your current position.

Check for Mistakes

Mistakes aren’t commonplace in background checks, but they do happen. And the consequences can be devastating. Incorrect information can prevent you from obtaining a position or result in job termination.

To avoid these kinds of mistakes, conduct a "self check," which can demonstrate to potential and current employers that you have a credible background.

You should also review your credit report annually. You can find instructions on how to get a report and correct errors at the Federal Trade Commission website. And, you can request a copy of your driving record from your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

From writing your resume and interviewing to negotiating, you work hard to get a job offer. Don’t lose it due to a background check.

Erin Hovanec is a careers expert at Yahoo! HotJobs.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.