More than 90 percent of employers require potential employees to take a background check before they are formally offered a position for a job. It is important to know what employers are looking for in a background check so you don't inadvertently cost yourself a job. However, each employer looks for something different.

Credit

When you apply for a job that deals with money or finances, employers will pay attention to your credit report and score. They may want to make sure you do not borrow money without paying it back. So they will look to see if you have any bankruptcies, repossessions, judgments, late payments and delinquencies.

Driving Record

Your driving record isn't only important in regard to your car insurance bills. It can be vitally important to any jobs that require you to drive, including those as a postal employee, UPS driver, pizza delivery and taxi driver. Without a clean record for a certain number of years, you may lose out on these jobs.

Criminal Background

Most commonly, employers will look into your criminal background. However, though there are some companies that just won't hire someone with a record; many will look at other factors: what was the crime, how long ago did it occur and is it applicable to the position you have applied for?

Permission

Remember that an employer cannot perform a background check on you without your permission.

Your Report

In instances when you don't receive a job because of information contained in your background check, you can request a copy of your report. In some states, you can request to see a copy of the report regardless of whether you get the job.

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Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting & Orienting New Employees By Diane Arthur