Why are background checks a secret?

Question

How come we can't see what an employer sees on a background check? How come we can't know what's on our own record? If we can, where do we find a complete copy of these reports? I have tried paying for background checks before and they are always blank, maybe it really is blank.... I just want to know what an employer sees so I can have an edge and try to fix what they find.

Why is it such a fricking secret?

Answer 1

If you were convicted of a crime, you should know about it.  Sometimes background checks will also include education background.  Don't lie about your education/ work history.  If your job is in the financial field, they might also look at your financial background.  There really shouldn't be any suprises.  Generally if you fail a background check, the employer will provide you with a phone number that you can use to contest the results.  They will usually tell you what the background check found.

Answer 2

Actually in the state o California you do have a right to see the results of your background check.  I know this for a fact.