These days, it is common for employers to conduct a background check on potential candidates prior to making an offer of employment. Both background checks and criminal records searches are an important part of protecting the employer and making sure that potential hires are free from any criminal offenses or misconduct. Employees with a criminal history can be a liability for any employer, as well as a threat to the harmony, order, and peace of the office.

Some employers will hire private investigators to do background checks on potential employees.
Other employers prefer to hire private institutions that conduct their own investigations; however, the cost for these organizations tend to be much higher than simply sticking with your own investigation by conducting a public background check.

Each state has a specific process in place for doing background checks through the local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as through other agencies. But there are also several options available for those who want to conduct a background check on their own.
To follow are a few tips that will help you get started in your search.

First, be sure to obtain permission in writing from the person you wish to conduct a background search on. Let the person know specifically which types of background checks you will be conducting, and have them acknowledge this in writing.

Provide the search engine with the personal information that is needed, including a first name and a last name, the person's date of birth, current mailing address, and a social security number.

Indicate specifically which records you are searching for. Some offices use specific forms for each type of search. You may choose to search from the FBI's database, also known as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Or you may choose to search the state database. You also have the option of choosing both if you wish.

Pay for the cost of your search.

Make sure that you complete the forms, and pay close attention to the submission requirements. Failure to omit the required forms can lead to serious delays and possibly even additional processing fees. Some agencies will ask you to send in the form or forms required together along with your address and a stamped envelope, and they may also ask you to include a check or the money order for the processing fee.

Indicate your preference for delivery. You will have the option of obtaining search results either by email or by snail mail.