For most people background checks are no big deal, but for those who aren't so lucky and find themselves sweating bullets over a misdemeanor in their past it can be a real source of stress -- and if handled incorrectly -- it could mean a lost job opportunity.Although there's nothing that can be done to keep a misdemeanor from showing up on a background check there are steps you can take to minimize the damage when it does:
- Prepare in advance (before you even go to a first interview) to answer uncomfortable questions about your background -- know what you're going to say and how you're going to explain important points.
- Avoid becoming anxious or defensive if/when the subject comes up in the interview (especially if it comes up unexpectedly).
- Be upfront and honest (but don't necessarily bring it up until the interview gets to the background check stage) and don't try to cover it up, pretend it didn't happen, or hope the employer doesn't notice it. You'll only end up looking worse.
- Tailor your list of personal and professional references to show character and to counterbalance any concerns created by your less than perfect history.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wizard says: (2:02PM on Aug 26th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
On many applications, there is a spot about 'have you committed a felony' -- how do you respond to this if you have a sealed record (i.e Georgia's First Offenders Act), that can sometimes still turn up from background checks -- whether it be for a federal/state position or an employment firm?
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Stephen Lytle says: (4:56PM on Sep 9th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Wizard,
If your record is sealed you should have gotten paperwork with that confirmation letting you know how to proceed moving forward. Each state is different, however, if your record is sealed I would withhold that information based on that. If it does come up in a criminal records check I would then disclose the situation and let them know that the record was sealed and explain why. Dont shoot your self in the foot by disclosing unneccessary information. If you interview well and they want to hire you a logical and truthful reason to your background should not be a hinderance, especially if you have the paperwork to prove it.
Donna Luttman says: (1:28PM on Sep 2nd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I was forced to resign from my previous employment or be terminated. It had Nothing to do with my job performance as an RN or Nurse. It was nothing illegal or demeaning. I had wrote a very nice letter to The Head of Dietary re:quality & quantity of food being servied on night shift. I even gave some suggestions for ideas. I forwarded copies to our CEO and Director of Nursing Services. (They always stated they had an open door policy). However I was forced to resign or be terminated immediately. I have copies of everything. How do I tell prospective employers about what happened and when do I bring it up?
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Stephen Lytle says: (4:57PM on Sep 9th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Donna,
Try glassdoor.com, indeed.com, or jobvent.com. Those are alle xcellent sites to review employers.
However, realize that no matter if they had an "open door" policy or not that probably was not a good idea. I would have kept that to your immediate supervisor or the suggestion box rather than taking it to the top.
I would let your prospective employers know honestly what happened. If you have documentation you should be fine. However, I would keep the information you provide minimal. It would always help to have a positive reference from that company as well to back up your work experience and performance.
Sally S. says: (7:32PM on Sep 18th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I was arrested for a misdemeanor in MD in 1981, served community service, and my record was expunged; at least, I've always assumed it was. If I ever had paperwork on it, it's long gone. I don't even remember ever getting paperwork, but it's possible that I did and got rid of it (to make sure no one else came upon it), in an effort to put it all behind me. I've always answered NO for any questions about arrest or conviction. But what if I wanted to apply to an agency like CIA or FBI (as a secretary, not as an agent) - would they be able to access ancient records like that, and could they hold a NO against me?
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Chris Trevino says: (4:07AM on Sep 20th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I lost my job as a field engineer 2 years ago and subsequently lost my house and my credit. Over the past 2 years I have been unable to get an interview in my field so I applied for a position outside of my field in retail with a national company. This store asked me if there was anything in my background that would come up on a background check excluding misdemeanors. I was taken aback when they came back and told me that something on my background check came back negative. How can I find out what is being held against me? The company said they could not tell me and I think that is a huge pile of BS.
help
Chris
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