What Jobs Don't Do Background Checks?

Background checks are a common part of the hiring process and often expose previous work history, education, and criminal records. Therefore, it may be hard for people who have a criminal record or gaps in their work/education history to receive a job offer. To get around this problem, applicants can search for jobs that don't do background checks.

So, what jobs don't do background checks? The short answer is that many entry-level jobs can be done without a background check, along with anything that's off the books. While it's impossible to cover every single job that doesn't do background checks, this article covers some of the more common industries you can seek out to avoid going through the process.

What Jobs Don't Do Background Checks: Is It Mandatory?

Background checks aren't mandatory. It is entirely up to the employer to decide if they run background checks on prospective employees, but it is a standard part of the hiring process. It ensures that the applicant's information is accurate and their background aligns with what they claim on their resume.

What Is a Background Check?

Before we cover what jobs don't do background checks, it's important to know what a background check is. While most people think of a criminal records search as a background check, this is often only part of the process.

Background checks tend to pull all public records about an applicant and that may include education, work, and financial history. Some background checks may even include personal contacts and references, so they can vary in depth depending on the industry.

Four Types of Jobs That Don't Do Background Checks

We can't list all the specific companies that don't do background checks, but we can take you through some of the most common jobs and industries that don't require in-depth background checks. Learn more about what jobs don't do background checks below.

Content Marketing

Going the content marketing route is a great way to get a job without having to go through a background check. Many of these openings are performance-based, so you'll find that employers are looking for a history of getting results and quality work. Essentially, if you can write you can become a freelance writer, and if you have a knack for growing social media profiles, you can become a social media marketer.

These are often freelance or agency positions, but they're a great way to get your foot in the door without going through a background check. At the end of the day, clients and employers care more about results than where you worked when you were 17.

Personal Services

Another great industry to get into is one that involves a personal service of some kind. We’re referring to personal training, dog walking, babysitting, and other similar jobs. These services involve working with someone one-on-one, so it's more about their feelings towards you than an in-depth background check. Cleaning homes and other types of domestic work can also help you get around the background check process as you're working for an individual instead of a company.

That said, if you plan on working for a company in these industries you may have to go through a background check process. How extensive they are depends on the company, but we always recommend using a tool to check your records first before applying using a tool like tool like UnMask.

The Trades

The trades are a great way to enter the job market without going through a background check. The trades refer to jobs like carpentry, handyman work, welders, and carpenters – essentially, hands-on jobs.

Depending on the trade, you can be someone's apprentice or even go through a program to join the workforce or a union as a certified technician. While some trades will check your background to ensure that you’re competent and have the skills necessary to get the job done, some entry-level positions may not, and many trades aren't as interested in criminal history as other industries.

Starting Your Own Business

Last but not least, if you don't want to worry about a background check, or even a hiring process altogether, one of the best things you can do is start your own business. Entrepreneurship is a great way to avoid background checks because it places you at the helm of the ship and allows you to create your own job – the only background check you'll need is an introspective one.

The road to business ownership is paved with its own unique challenges, though, so make sure you weigh the benefits and drawbacks before going down this road.

What Jobs Don't Do Background Checks: Apply Today

If you want to secure a job without going through a lengthy background check process, the best way to do so is to know what jobs don't do background checks, and this article took you through some of your best options. That said, there are plenty of others out there because it can vary based on the specific company, so always reach out beforehand.

If you’re ever worried about a background check we always recommend checking your records before applying.