How to Check My Work History

If you're applying for a new job or a loan, you will be asked to provide a work history. Employers like to do background checks to verify that your resume and credentials are accurate, and lenders want to make sure you have steady income with which to pay them back. The best way to prepare for a background check is to first review your work history yourself.

Instructions

1. Contact the Social Security Administration. It has several reports that can help you construct your work history.

2. Contact your previous employers to ask for personnel files. This is beyond the scope of information that most lenders are looking for, but future employers might call your current or past supervisors for work history information.

3. Employ the services of a third-party verification company. You cannot guarantee that a previous employer will respond to the questions asked by verification companies. Most organizations have policies about what can be discussed, so third-party verification must be chosen carefully to ensure the quality of the information gathered. Research how long the company has been in operation, and contact the Better Business Bureau to find out whether any recent complaints have been lodged.

Tips & Warnings

• Employee verifications can go back as far as seven years and usually only take a few days to conduct. If your work information is inaccurate, contact the owner of the report source and ask him what steps should be taken to correct the issue.

• This information is not legal advice and is for guidance only.

References

• A Matter of Fact: Employment and Work History Verification

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Work History and Earnings History Form
• Intelius