Why do employers want to check your background or even your credit? It could be for one of several reasons. For instance, if government security clearances are required for the job you are interviewing for, an employment background check may be required. For positions involving accounting or financial responsibilities, credit reports can provide insight into how financially dependable you are.

Find out more information on why background checks are a common part of the hiring process, what information is included in background checks, and what your rights are.

Source - Read More at: www.thebalance.com

Companies vary in the depth that they conduct background checks, from simply doing employment verification and self reported reference checks,  to conducting full blown criminal, financial and DMV checks. 

In some instances, regardless of how you can spin it, there are certain factors that are automatic deal killers, so in the interest in saving everyone time, you may want to find out at the onset what type of background & drug  checks are involved in the hiring process. 

The most common issues that preclude someone from being hired are candidates that have a poor driving  record. One DUI within the previous 7 years  will often times  throw someone out of the running if a company car is involved, and if the position involves dealing with money, personal bankruptcy can be a derailing factor. 

Be cognizant of what is typically checked, and work hard to keep your record clean, so that one bad decision does not adversely affect your career path, for years to come.