The background check or security check is becoming an increasingly popular option for employers to conduct on potential new staff, perhaps even more popular than a medical check.

If you're planning on entering a field where your background is of paramount importance to your future employer – certainly the teaching, security, investment, health and policing professions are a few of these fields – you might expect to undergo a background check.

I remember helping one of my job candidates get a job with a local government-run organization several years ago and he had to get security clearance before being hired. The fact that he was born overseas added to the length of the process but he eventually got cleared and got the job.

In this case, he had to fill out an application regarding his work history and personal history in terms of where he lived and worked. About 4 weeks after submitting the application, he was approved through a fast-tracked application process.

The company paid for the clearance certification and was happy to wait for him to be cleared which was fortunate since it took a bit longer than average given that he was born abroad.

The point is that as time goes on, more and more employers may utilize background checks to screen potential hires before bringing them on board as an employee.

Add this to the list of things you may have to face (along with other possible tests such as drug tests or medical health tests) before you get the job you're interviewing for.

Obviously, you don't have to take any of these tests if you don't want to. Just don't expect to get the job, that's all! If the background check is part of the job process, it's a part of the process that the company no doubt takes very seriously.

Carl Mueller is an Internet entrepreneur and professional recruiter who has written an ebook for career-minded individuals: http://www.RecruiterSecretsRevealed.com

Recruiter Secrets Revealed sheds light on job search and career management "secrets" that you can use to supercharge your career and distinguish yourself from other job searchers.