You don’t necessarily need to read a history book to learn about Hurricane Katrina or the Iraq War. You lived through these events. So why should you read into your own history when you have lived to experience every moment of it?

If you are searching for a job, employers are going to look closely at your history in pre-employment background checks. Some run background checks on all candidates and others screen the preferred candidate after a job has been conditionally offered. What they find could prevent you from being hired, even if the information is misleading or inaccurate. By fact-checking your own academic, employment, criminal, driving, credit, financial, and even social media history, you can

1. Find avenues to correct misinformation in your records.
2. Prepare to address any questions you may be asked about mistakes you have made.

Before you interview for a job, here are six ways to fact-check your history:

1. Verify your academic records

Whether you are a high school graduate, college graduate, or a post-graduate with a master’s degree, you will want to verify all of the information that employers routinely ask for about your academic history. Make certain that the GPA, extra-curricular, coursework, and degree information you provide is completely accurate by fact-checking it with each institution you attended. If you provide academic references, get permission from the teachers and professors you list before you submit an application.

2. Call former employers and supervisors

Many employers will ask you for the precise dates of your previous employments, so capture this information accurately by verifying it with your employers. For each experience you have had, you will also need references. Many job candidates make the mistake of providing references without first notifying former supervisors. Be sure to get permission before you put together your reference sheet.

3. Run a criminal background check

Google “criminal background check” and run your name through one of the criminal registries to ensure that there is no misinformation about your criminal history. Employees can be disqualified from contention because of felonies or misdemeanors. Employers are especially reluctant—with good cause—to hire any candidates with a history of violent crimes. They have the right to protect the safety of employees and customers, and you have the right to know if misinformation in your background could prevent you from being hired. If there are any mistakes, contact the appropriate courts and agencies to correct them before proceeding with your job hunt.

4. Run a credit check

Employers check your credit to see how responsible you are with money. This part of the background check is especially critical if the position involves handling money. The credit check will reveal your history of opening credit accounts, paying bills on time, and applying for loans. If there are any accounts that you don’t remember opening or transactions that look suspicious, or if your FICO score is lower than you expected, someone could be fraudulently using your credit cards or social security number. Try to correct any errors by contacting the appropriate financial institutions before applying for jobs. If any issues remain in limbo, you can explain them during interviews.

5. Review your driving record

Your driving record is another indication of your general level of responsibility. As you might expect, DUIs can certainly cost you a job. Numerous citations and accidents can also jeopardize your application, as can a suspended or canceled driver’s license. Make sure there are no tickets or citations on your record that are inaccurate or unpaid.

6. Check your social media accounts

Employers check social media accounts to see that there isn’t any factual information that contradicts what you have told them in your application. They also check Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms to see if there are any behavioral red flags. If you have photos that show drunken or irresponsible behavior, posts that demonstrate intolerance or character concerns, or even comments that are too personal for anyone beyond your immediate circle to read, delete them. Finally, check your privacy settings to be sure you are not providing full access to the general public. Your social presence should confirm the professional impressions you make during your job interviews.

Self-investigating your social media history is an especially important part of this process, and one that deserves your attention. To learn more about this topic, read 3 Things You Need to Take Off Your Social Profiles, PRONTO! and 5 Ways to Make Your Social Media Presence Appealing to Employers.