What is the most important thing to focus on before you begin your job search? Before you dive in, there are some things you may need to verify first:

1. Clear Background and Credit Check

Verbal references are not enough. Most often, companies hire professionals to look into your background—including credit checks—most often when you’re in the final process of getting hired. Make sure you don’t have any record that raises red flags.

In case you do have something in your past (but that will not necessarily affect the hiring process), you may want to reveal this information to your potential employer beforehand. Things happen. Mistakes occur. If necessary, focus your search on companies and organizations that are looking for people who need a fresh start.

Keep in mind that withholding information can make you appear untrustworthy. Don’t leave results to chance—Make an effort to discover what’s out there if you know there may be problems, and develop a strategy for how to divulge the information to the right people. As the saying goes, honesty is always the best policy.

2. Be Familiar with Your Dates of Employment

It is important to be very careful when it comes to your dates of employment. When unsure, you can always call your previous company and ask for records to help organize the dates in your resume. This is why it’s important to keep key documents of past employment, such as offer letters, in order to use them as references in the future.

3. List Your Previous Compensation

Some people prefer not to reveal their past compensation. And there is no need to inflate your compensation when asked about it during the interview. Keep in mind that hiring managers are allowed to verify information from your previous companies as soon as you have signed an application, including that from all the documents you may have submitted with your application.

Before taking an offer, make sure you are not entering a job that you could regret. Calculate your past compensation (including the benefits and applicable expenses) in order to help you decide if the job is worth your time.