Important
Checkr does not evaluate the information returned on your report and does not influence or otherwise make engagement decisions.
At Checkr, we know that background check records alone do not provide the complete picture of a candidate. Everyone can make mistakes, and our potential extends beyond what may have happened in the past. Every individual has a unique story that is worth hearing.
We’re proud to provide employers the opportunity to utilize Candidate Stories. This feature allows your story to be told directly to the company you applied with, as shown below:
If the company you applied with does not use this feature, you will need to provide additional information directly to them. You can determine if the company you applied with has this feature available by logging in to the Candidate Portal and scrolling to the bottom of the page to see if there is a “Share your story” option:
Clicking on “Share your story” will allow you to
- Provide general information about yourself,
- Provide information about a specific record or records on your report, and
- Upload any documentation to support the information you choose to provide.
If you would like to provide general information about yourself, there are example prompts to help you think about what additional information you can provide:
If you would like to provide information about a specific record or records on your report, there are also example prompts to help you think about how you can provide additional context about your record:
Candidate Stories give decision-makers a chance to better understand the person behind the background check. As more candidates tell their stories, the meaning of trust and safety will grow, normalizing hiring people with records and giving everyone a fair chance at employment. Check the Candidate Portal to see if this option is available for you.
Tips for an effective and impactful Candidate Story:
- When providing information about a specific record, try to avoid general information about yourself and focus on rehabilitative efforts.
- If you have solid evidence of the rehabilitative efforts, such as a court document, certificate, or receipt of completed classes, please provide them.
- If you have yet to take rehabilitative courses, what have you done to improve your life?
Have you taken any schooling? How have you changed your thinking to improve going forward? - This is your time to shine and genuinely provide insight into why you are perfect for the job you are applying for or what you have done to better yourself.
What is considered evidence of rehabilitation:
- Proof of enrollment or completion of school (High School, GED, Associate or Bachelor's Degree, etc.)
- Letter of recommendation from previous teachers or professors
- Proof of completion of a rehabilitation program after the conviction
- Letter from probation or parole officers attesting that you satisfied all terms of probation or parole
- Letters from recovery programs or counselors attesting to your current state of rehabilitation
- Letters of recommendation from counselors, instructors, or employers
- Proof of community service, education, or other self-improvement efforts after you completed your sentence, probation, or parole
- Evaluations by a psychologist or other mental health professional
- Letters of support from other people not mentioned above attesting to your rehabilitative status
- Personal statement describing your rehabilitative efforts or any changes you have made to improve your life