Background check can't locate employment history

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I had a background check for new employer and the background check company can't find record of two previous employers I had because the record is so old, I suspect. I provided the background check company with a w2 for one of the places, but I can't find anything for a hospital I worked in 88. The bakground check company gave me a copy of the record stating two employer were not verified. I called one of the hospital's and they informed me that that in my state they are not required to search for information beyond 7 years agon. The other hospital I worked for still exist, but has now been acquired by another health care organization, and it appears they would not verify my employment either. My present employer verification was acceptable.

Do you think this will interfere with me getting this job ? Will my potential employer understand the dates of employment cannot be verified because, the jobs were many years ago, and I only have a w2 form for one employer and they claim it does not cover the 1.5 years I worked there.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Wow '88? that's a little far back. The farthest I've had to go was 10 years. However I can go back further and did jump thru hoops right after I got licensed to find the records of an Ad agency I worked for like in '91 I think. I ended up finding out that the company had changed hands 5 times over the years as in, the name had been bought and sold. Totally different employees. So, I have the info and contact for a holding company in PA who has the records from the time I was there. Took a lot of sleuthing to get that tho.

[demylenated, BSN, RN]

Can be on a credit report as well. What kind of "background" check? Mine was only for legal purposes (criminal history).

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

The backgound check is for city public health department nurse. I was employed at the still exising hospital for

2/1988 to 5/1989, but the hospital human resources department tells me that per state policy, they only go back 7 years.

I started nursing when I was 24 and I'm 49 now. I have never been unemployed and have been with my present employer for 22 years. I've been nursing thoughout my whole career and full time at that. Unfortunately, I can't retire and the Lotto jack pot is'nt meant to be.

I know IRS will dig up your tax records 10 years back but mine are much older. I think I will try them anyway. My record is otherwise, perfect. But the two short employment records almost looks like I'm lying on my resume.

I have turned my house upside down looking for the records. I was young, and just assumed my future employer would make a phone call for references and that the references would always be there. Who would have imagined this, now.

[merlee]

Most employers only go back a couple of years or a couple of employers! My background is so checkered - 5 states, a foreign country, etc., etc., they would go nuts trying to track it!!!

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

If they can't verify employment (which going back that far seems a bit nitpickey :))...they can just do a criminal check to verify you weren't in prison :) You should be ok :)

[KeepClimbing]

In my experience with government jobs, they may ask you to write a short statement that explains where you worked and that the company is no longer in business. I doubt it will negatively impact your chances.