We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?

When responding to this question, focus on thinking back to any disputes you had with a neighbor, poor credit, tickets or citations, criminal or civil charges, arrests, drug use, or family members who have been in trouble with the law. Most background investigations are in-depth, and investigators will discover everything about you. If you have something troubling in your past, this is your opportunity to tell the interviewer what they will find and explain the situation.

As with any interview question, honesty is the best policy. Avoid telling the interviewer that there will be nothing terrible found during the background investigation if there is something they will discover. Even if you had something expunged from your record or the record was sealed, most investigators will still find out what happened in your past.

"The worst thing you may discover in my background check is my incarcerated brother. He is serving his last two years on an aggravated assault charge. However, I have a clean record, excellent credit, and have never taken drugs. My brother's criminal record does not reflect who I am or how I conduct my life. I just wanted to make you aware in case your investigators discover my brother is in prison."