How do agencies get a report of my character?

Question

How do agencies get a report of my character?

Answer 1

Usually previous employers

Answer 2

When I worked recruiting we did background investigations. You would supply us with 5 friends and 5 co workers and we would interview them via telephone. We would then get a couple references from them and follow those up. After speaking to about 15-20 people we would have a somewhat good idea of your character. We usually assumed the 5 or 10 people you gave us would say wonderful things, but by the time we got to the people they recommended and the people the people recommended recommended..well you get the point...  

Answer 3

If you mean for applying for a job at an agency:

I work in home health care, and anyone who works in this field who applies for a job has to undergo a criminal background check in most states. Many states also require that we be fingerprinted too--I've been fingerprinted in 2 states.  Many also require an initial drug test.

But that's about criminal activity, not necessarily about "character." They'll look at your references, but references aren't always reliable.

They won't call your current employer unless you give them permission to, because many people don't want their current employers to know they're looking for another job.  Hirers understand and respect this. They might call prior employers but many employers are reluctant to say negative things about a prior employee's "character"--I would be.

Chance are they'll assess your character themselves based on your interview and your resume.  What are your past accomplishments? How well do you answer their questions--which might be things like, "What do you feel is your greatest strength/greatest weakness [as it relates to your work history]?" "What is the biggest [work-related] mistake you've ever made?"

So get yourself a couple of good books on 'how to handle a job interview' and 'how to write a resume'--I'm doing the same thing myself right now.  Learn how to make a good impression on them and how to answer their questions in a way that show poise and good character.