What must an employer do before checking a job applicant's credit report?

An employer must obtain written consent from the applicant before checking their credit report in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This requirement ensures that job applicants are aware that their credit history will be evaluated as part of the hiring process. The written consent serves to protect the applicant's privacy and to give them control over how their personal information is used.

By obtaining this consent, the employer demonstrates adherence to the FCRA's regulations governing the use of consumer reports in employment decisions. This process includes informing the applicant about the potential use of their credit report and ensuring that they understand the implications involved.

The other options don't align with the requirements set forth by the FCRA. While it's important to provide applicants with certain rights regarding their credit reports, simply providing a copy of the report before checking it, notifying applicants after a certain period, or requesting a government audit do not meet the requirement of obtaining explicit permission prior to conducting a credit check.