Employer Background Check Question

[General_Phoenix]

Just curious, but when do employers conduct a background check for new hires? I applied for a job, got the interview, got a call back - had to go through a physical competency exam (to show I am in shape) then went to a physical to make sure everything else is alright (blood pressure, TB test, etc.) I have a slight ding on my criminal record from 10 years ago that I am worried about...so...basic yet maybe silly question, would the company go through all that trouble before running the background check?

 

[Q2UnME]

^ Typically, the background check is conducted at the same time as the pre-employment physical and the drug screen. If you were extended an offer for position, it would have been contingent on passing the physical, drug screen and background check. If you bomb the background check, it gives them an out to legally pull the offer.

Q2

 

[RoJoHen]

I'm pretty sure you would have had to sign something authorizing them to perform a background check, so if you didn't have to do that, you're probably safe. Of all the jobs I've ever applied for, only one was required to perform a background check on me.

 

[Kolinahr]

They probably won't dig very deep if at all. But yes, they probably would have to get your consent before doing a check. Hope the slight ding doesn't tarnish things too much. Good luck!

 

[RevDMV]

Mostly just agreeing with answers here. If they plan to do one, it'll be concurrent with other activities. The depth of the search will depend on the postion you're seeking, and the company culture about background search.

I've been in the hi-tech world my whole career and it's been everything from no search, to my latest company, who performed a full in depth search (no security clearance required for the job, just how they do business)

Good luck!

 

[Ashu]

Usually, depending on how employers do it, there is a form that would have to be filled out (just basic info that the background checking company would need to run the check), which of course would require your signature and what not. If you don't see anything like that during the hiring process, you're probably good.

 

[SeerSGB]

Ditto everything already said. And I'll add, but up front about the ding on your record if asked while filling out the paperwork. Sometimes being honest up front about it will keep the offer in play; where as if they find out about it on their own, they'll pull the offer. It's there, you can't change it, so it's better to be open about it and not hope it'll slip through the cracks.

 

[publiusr]

Frankly, I want a law passed to where the employer has to release his private records to potential hires for fairness.

My old scuzzball employer was a drunk. Years ago, when min wage was 3.35 hr, he thought he paid too much.

Never work for someone who survived the Depression

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Wow, how to stereotype a whole generation based on one person.

 

[marksound]

Frankly, I want a law passed to where the employer has to release his private records to potential hires for fairness.

My old scuzzball employer was a drunk. Years ago, when min wage was 3.35 hr, he thought he paid too much.

Never work for someone who survived the Depression

I know people now who aren't worth $3.35 an hour.

 

[StarCruiser]

Rule number 1 in these situations - just tell the truth...

If you honestly screwed up and admit it, probably won't be an issue. If you try to hide it and they find out - poof - no job.

 

[publiusr]

^ Wow, how to stereotype a whole generation based on one person.

That was a joke by the way.

 

[Kolinahr]

^ Wow, how to stereotype a whole generation based on one person.

That was a joke by the way.

*ehem* Sarcasm is very difficult to convey over the internet. That goes for 'joking' tones as well. I have gotten into trouble when my sarcasm was not recognized before. Remember that!

 

[Chensams]

What everyone else said. They should run it prior to offering you the job; however, it can be all over the place. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I know of a couple of cases where they offered jobs before the background/drug tests were completed (right hand not talking to the left hand).

As someone else mentioned, it's best to disclose it up front (if you think it is a deal killer). Where some companies may only go back 5 years, some may go further. It gives you the opportunity to explain it was an isolated incidence and something you learned from.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Wow, how to stereotype a whole generation based on one person.

That was a joke by the way.

*ehem* Sarcasm is very difficult to convey over the internet. That goes for 'joking' tones as well. I have gotten into trouble when my sarcasm was not recognized before. Remember that!

Yup. Even rereading it now, that one is unrecognizable as a joke. Oh well.

 

[marksound]

Just out of curiousity: what does it mean, "slight ding?"

Traffic violations, civil disobedience, theft, assault and battery, possession with intent to distribute ... ?

When this inevitably comes up with your kids it's good to remind them that everything they do/did in their youth will come back to haunt them, no matter how arrogantly they dismiss the notion.

(This is where age and experience come in handy.)