Background check is a standard practice in different applications. When you apply for a job, cross international border, apply for a passport / business license or open a bank account, different kinds of background checks may be performed to check your eligibility for the application. Most often, people come across the background check when they go through the recruitment process.
Conducting a personal background check is always advantageous, especially when you are doing it to gain some advantage in job hunting. Self-background check for employment may give you some advantage in job market as you already know what an employer is going to see about you.