Career AdviceInterviewing
Going Through a Background Check with a Misdemeanor on Your Record
by Rigel Celeste on Aug 24th 2009 10:30AM
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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