"We're what you call experts, we do this for a living."
A couple of months ago I applied for a job that I figured I was a shoo-in for. Yeah, I know you’ve heard this story before but this one has a twist that might help some of us. I applied for this job and as it turns out the place I applied to was a Placement Agency who posted an ad on Craigslist on behalf of one of their clients. I received an e-mail from a rep at that agency and I was told that this particular client was using a site called beyond.com to accept applications for this particular job. He instructed me to go to the site, register and apply for the job there if I was really interested. I did as he instructed and – surprise, surprise, surprise – that was the last I ever heard from him and I never heard from his client.
However part of my registration at this site involved getting an e-newsletter every once in a while. These newsletters will have tips, suggestions and listings of where you can go to better your skills if not actual job listings themselves. I just got another one from them and I wanted to share this with you guys since the tiles is: The Truth about Employment Background Checks. They should have called it The Truth about Employment Background Checks: Bustin’ the Myths….
xxx,
The recent downturn in the economy has created an extremely competitive job market where employers are being extra careful of who they hire into their organization. In fact, The Survey Group reported that more than 80 percent of employers do a background check on potential employees by performing some form of employee screening. So, it’s a good idea that you understand the truth and myths surrounding background checks and what employers may learn about you.
To ease your mind, we are going to share with you what a potential employer can and cannot learn about you through a pre-employment background check.
Oh this ought to be good….
A potential employer will be able to access:
- Arrest Records—MYTH. An employer cannot access your arrest record. Your arrest record will only be seen if you were convicted of a crime or are pending trial.
OK, show of hands, how many of you have ever checked the “Yes” box next to the “Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the last 7 years” question? Anyone? Anyone? Beuhler? Beuhler?
Myth: BUSTED!!!
- Bankruptcy Filings—TRUTH. Bankruptcies are public record. However, employers cannot discriminate against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.
Now trying to prove that you’ve been denied a job because of a bankruptcy is a different story. There is a lot of paranoia out there that if people who have been effected by the economy are having to declare bankruptcy then that would disqualify them from consideration for any job. I know that is one of the things that Wifey is really afraid of, so we are trying to stall for as long as we can until we can’t stall any longer. Actually we’ve done some checking and we would be able to keep the house if we filed for bankruptcy – provided I have a job first.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
Workers Compensation Claims—TRUTH. When an employee’s claim goes through the state system or the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), the case becomes public record. An employer may only use this information if an injury might interfere with one’s ability to perform required duties.
Well I have no worries here, my car accident was almost three years ago while I was working as an Independent Contractor so I wasn’t eligible for Worker’s Comp – even though I was working at the time. The lady who hit me got off pretty much Scot free because her insurance carrier kept telling me that I wasn’t hurt and that I was faking my injuries. As we had no Health Insurance I didn’t go to an ER, and if I had I would have learned that I had whiplash. I still fight headaches to this day. As it was we got them to cover what medical treatment I needed and paid for most of the repairs to my car – once we got ourselves a lawyer.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Social Security Number—TRUTH. An employer will be able to verify your social security number.
That’s usually on the job application.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Educational Records—TRUTH. These records are only seen if there is consent from you, the student. However, a school can release what they call “directory information” which can include your name, address, dates of attendance, degrees earned, and activities you participated in, that is unless you have given written notice not to release that information.
As long as the kid who used to bully me in grade school isn’t in charge of what’s on my transcript, them I’m fine.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Military Service Records—TRUTH. The military can disclose your name, rank, salary, assignments and awards without your consent.
I’ve never been in the military.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Medical Records—MYTH. Employers do not have the authority to request your medical records and cannot use them when making a hiring decision. They can however inquire if you have any physical restrictions that may inhibit you from performing a certain job.
I don’t see where they would get off on requesting your medical records for any reason.
Myth: BUSTED!!!
- Work History—TRUTH. Verification of dates of employment and positions held can be obtained.
Yeah, that’s usually on my resume too. The only problem for me is that some of the places I’ve worked in the past have either closed down or moved and my supervisors have moved on for the most part.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Driving Records—TRUTH. Your driving records are not confidential and can be released without consent. However, they are usually not included in the standard pre-employment background check unless you will be driving as part of your job.
Well I haven’t had a traffic ticket since 1992 so I’m cool.
Myth: CONFIRMED!!!
- Credit Reports—MYTH. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) employers must receive written consent before seeking an employee’s or potential employee’s credit report. However, if they run a credit check with your consent, its best to first check out what they may find. Get a Free Credit Report now!
Ok, seriously now!
I’ve said this before and I will say it again – just because you are not supposed to do something doesn’t mean that you are not going to do it. People are not supposed to rob convenience stores, yet they do it all the time. Same with a potential employer doing a credit check on you. When we send in an application or our resume, what makes you think that some of these people are not doing credit checks on us in an effort to pre-screen us? Just because the Fair Credit Reporting Act exists and employers are bound to get our consent doesn’t mean that they are getting it. Just because the FCRA is there doesn’t mean that there are employers out there who are following it. Just like there were Wal-Mart Managers in California forcing workers to work off the clock or be fired a few years ago, employers will do things they are not supposed to and screw us job-seekers if not their actual employees in the end.
Just because FCRA exists, what makes you think there are no businesses out there that are ignoring those guidelines?
Look I don’t know for sure that companies are doing credit checks on us in order to eliminate people from the possibility of employment. I have already lost one job (that I know of) because of a credit check and I’m sure I have lost more and will continue to do so until I find “the one.” You know who I’m talking about, right? I’m talking about that one company who might not care what my credit score is, or even your for that matter. All they care about is ‘does this person want to work, can they do the job and can they do it well?” That is the employer that I am hoping to attract, and that is who I want to go work for (or with).
Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later, for all of us.
So I have to call this Myth: PLAUSABLE!!!
Remember, BigDaddyCool is an expert at busting myths about employment. He has years of experience that keeps him safe. Do not try this at home!!!!!
