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Discussion

Background Check Snags

I've been going through a few background checks for some resident assistant positions. One place really liked me, gave me two interviews on the spot and said they were conducting a background check. A week later, I call them to check on it and they refuse return my calls, give me upfront answers and the hiring manager will not even take my calls when I know he is there. I am being friendly and respectful, so I do not see why they cannot simply tell me whether they are still running my checks or if they are going with someone else. That's all need; I don't even need details.

Another check for a second place has been running for seven business days now. Is this normal?

The thing is, I have had several jobs that I did not last at...less than two months. I got out of college with an English degree, and spent time taking jobs that I needed to take because the economy is bad. My parents constantly harassed me about not using my degree, I felt like I let them and myself down, and would quit. I also took one in particular just to have a job, knowing it was a poor fit (call center, blech). I do not put these down (four in total, including two in college I tried to work at in addition to full-time classes and a weekend CNA job). Since I do not put them down I am thinking they may run a credit check or SSN check and find these places. I may be out of the running because they figure I am dishonest and unreliable (even though I have several places of employment that I worked at for years and have decent references from).

Do I put each and every job I had, even if I only had it for two months or less and risk never getting a job interview? Will they understand why I did not list these places, especially if I was in school at the same time? Does it not matter and am I just obsessing like my douche of a boyfriend just loudly suggested for 15 minutes?

Thanks.

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    It's hard to say. I have had a few of those month or less jobs in my life (and yes, even at a call center), and I never put them down on applications...but I have never had too much issue finding employment.

    However, I've heard of people being turned down for jobs even because mostly unrelated issues, like a poor credit score, so those jobs may look bad whether you write them on your app, or if they find out via a background check. Some facilities may just be really picky.

    If I were you, I would keep trying, and I probably wouldn't put those short lived jobs UNLESS you don't have enough employment history to fill out the app properly, and since you stated you do, I wouldn't worry about that. Maybe it's a coincidence...I've had places tell me my background check could take up to two weeks. Don't give up. :)

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    Thank you for your clear answer on the matter and your encouragement. I just heard back from one of the places the day after I made this post and did my drug test on Friday, proving your point. :) I really have to learn not to freak about these things.

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    Did you receive the FRCA disclosure when you were told your background check was going to be performed? You have the right to challenge any inaccurate information provided to your potential employer by the third-party vendor (background check company). I would call the facility and request the name and number of the organization who conducted the background check. In the voicemail (because I am sure the coward HR person will put you to his voicemail), I would articulate your rights under the FRCA law and demand the information. I would say to the guy, “Since you are clearly uncomfortable with speaking to me personally, I am willing to receive the information via e-mail. If I don’t receive a response within the next three business days, the next contact made to you will be from my attorney.” You will have the information within an hour, I am sure.

    The responsibility of knowing and understanding your rights under FRCA is yours. The potential employer is not required to educate applicants of their rights. They must provide information when requested by the applicant. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your rights. Background check companies can make mistakes too, just like the credit reporting agencies.

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