Believe it or not, getting your employment history does not require much thought. If you have worked in several places, recalling can be somewhat challenging. However, you can get information on your employment history through government-approved agencies. This article will enlighten you on employment history and how to get it in the United States.
What is employment history?
A person’s employment history is their work history that includes previous places of service or work. Usually, your new employer will require your employment history as part of the hiring process. Information about previous companies, positions held during service, time, and compensation form part of your employment history.
Employers use employment history to gain insight into a potential employee’s past and employment verification. It also serves as proof of a person’s work experience and qualifications. Discrepancies with information in your employment history can raise a red flag for your new employer.
Essentially, when your work history is under review, prospective employers look for details like:
- Any time gap between your past jobs
- Staying power in your previous jobs. For example, if you have worked with an establishment for less than a year.
- Discrepancies in compensation rate, etc
These details express your enthusiasm for work and how resourceful you will be to the company.
How to get your employment history in the United States?
Getting your service history can be challenging, primarily if you have worked in several places. Mobility of labor also contributes to most people’s difficulty in organizing their service history.
Several ways to get your employment history exist in the United States. Here they are:
Social security records
Social security records provide the most accessible avenue to obtain your employment history. Essentially, your employer uses your social security number to ascertain your employment verification in the United States. As a result, it links all your service history together.
Social security also keeps records of your payments to social security programs from your income. You can visit the social security administration’s website to download an online copy of form 7050. Alternatively, you can obtain the same form in print instead of online. Other details necessary include but are not limited to your name, SS number, and date of birth.
The social security administration might require a little payment before giving your records. You may be required to pay between $136 for a noncertified statement and $192 for a certified statement. Usually, a noncertified statement is sufficient unless otherwise needed.
Also, your employment history is entirely linked to your social security number to create the report. You can either submit the generated report to your prospective employer or a demanding agency.
Alternatively, you can use the information on the report to fill out the necessary forms. In addition, your state’s unemployment office also provides social security information which you can get at no cost. However, getting your employment history through social security might be difficult if you live in multiple states.
Through your tax returns
Your tax returns provide valid information about your previous employment. Also, your W-2 forms and pay stubs contain information about your previous employers. So, your past W-2 forms include information about the name and address of your employer, including your date of employment. If your tax returns are prepared online, you can view or obtain your tax return forms from the website or service portal.
Alternatively, you can request a transcript of your previous tax forms from the IRS. The IRS provides detailed instructions about obtaining your tax returns/tax forms.
By contacting your previous employers
If you are unsure about collating information about your work history over the years, you can contact your previous employers. Essentially, the human resources department of your previous workplaces can assist you with getting information about your work history. In addition, your past employers have your exact dates of employment and may even have records of your appointment letters.
How to get your employment history by checking your credit report?
If you supplied your work information when applying for a credit facility, your credit reports could help find your employment history.
You can get your work history through credit reports by using a reputable site to access your credit report. After viewing your credit report, you can contact the credit report agency where you notice discrepancies. Examples of credit report agencies include but are not limited to; Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Interestingly, the Credit Report website is the only option the Federal Trade Commission authorizes.
Final Thought
Gettig, your employment history in the United States works with your previous documentation. You should ensure that your information across all platforms, including your Linkedin profile, is in harmony. You should avoid all inconsistencies with your information and be as honest as possible. Hopefully, this article provides practical strategies for obtaining your work history in the United States.
FAQS: How can one find their employment history?
How can one find their employment history?
Your tax records provide the easiest method of getting your service history, especially in the United States. Usually, your tax returns will include your previous employers, earnings, and other relevant information about your last work process.
Is your employment history included in your background checks?
Your employment history becomes part of your background check depending on who is investigating and why. However, if you have all your data documented, it will most likely be included in your background check, especially for high profiled jobs.
How can I get my service history from the IRS?
The IRS does not provide your complete service history. Instead, they give a wage report to you when you request it. Your wage report explains your income for the last ten years, and you can request an online wage history transcript through the IRS portal.
Is it possible to tell lies about your service history?
Although anyone can tell lies about their personal information, it is wrong to lie about your work history. Eventually, your potential employer might discover your ruse, especially during background checks.
