Your first stop: the Web site of ChoicePoint, which bills itself as �the nation�s leading provider of identification and credential verification services.� The site explains how to order free copies of reports on insurance claims, your work history and your tenant history.

If you�re denied a job because of a background check, you have both the right to know which company provided the check, and to get a copy of it. You may want to contact the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, which offers help in such situations and provides online fact sheets to guide you: Employment Background Checks: A Jobseeker's Guide and Employment Background Checks in California: New Focus on Accuracy.

Your Credit History

Each year, you�re entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting agencies � TransUnion, EquiFax, Inc. and Experian. To request them, go to www.annualcreditreport.com.

If you find an error in your report, follow these steps:

• Notify the credit-reporting agency in writing about the incorrect information.


• Also in writing, inform the company that filed the information.


• Check the other credit reporting agencies to see if their reports contain incorrect information, as well. If they do, notify each one, again in writing.


• In 30 days, check back to make sure your report has been updated.


• Once you�ve confirmed the update, ask that any companies who�ve pulled your report over the past six months get updated versions (if you think it�s necessary).


• If you can�t get the whole mess cleared up, you can put a 100-word statement in your report telling your side of the story. If you do this, remember: be professional.

What If They�re Right?

But what if you do have poor credit, or you did commit a youthful indiscretion?

Smaller firms are less likely to have a human resources office devoted to doing background checks. If you�re asked about either topic, keep your answer short, sweet and contrite, for example: �I got my first credit card in college and was very irresponsible. I�ve learned my lesson and now my credit is back on track.�

If you have a criminal past, you can try the same contriteness, but be aware it�s not as likely to fly. When it comes to a job in the money, any whiff of deceitfulness is going to be a huge obstacle to overcome.