My background search brought up that i don't have a high school diploma. how can i fix this?

Question

My background search brought up that i don't have a high school diploma. how can i fix this?

Answer 1

If this is an error, contact your high school to provide transcripts and proof of your diploma.  If the search is accurate, you have learned that background searches catch this kind of thing.  You can either tell them you are in the process of getting your GED or consider other employment opportunities.

Answer 2

um... get one?

Answer 3

This is a tough one but you legally have the right to dispute any information contained in a background check. Most of the time, background check companies go directly to the highs school or even the school district that the high school is in to verify diplomas. There are a couple of companies/organizations that actually track diploma information but they generally track college and trade school diplomas.

Your first step is to ask for a copy of your background check from the employer. They have to, by law, provide you with a copy of it or the providers information so you can get a copy from them. Once you have the copy, you will see how they obtained the information about your lack of a high school diploma. Sadly, I will bet the information came from Choicepoint who is by far the most incompetent company and once you dispute it, they will have to correct the information and resubmit the correct background check to the company that requested it.

If it is in error and the background check company refuses to correct the problem you can contact the FCC who will take action on your behalf. That is a very long process though. Personally I would provide the employer with your high school diploma to speed up the process and then go about getting the information corrected. If you don't have a copy of the diploma, simply contact you high school and they can get you a new copy. You need to either provide the employer with the original diploma or a certified copy of the diploma.

I hope this helps.