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bdiddles1 · Jul 16, 2015, 05:06 PM

Hello. I have recently been job hunting. I am currently employed. I had an offer letter, which was signed and accepted by me. A few days after I gave my notice at my current job I was contacted by HR and told that something came up on my background check. At the time it was a pending charge. Long story short the offer was rescinded and I had to go back to my boss and ask him for my job back. Since then I was able to get the charge in question "dismissed" but am aware that it still will show up on my background check. I have accepted another offer at another company and am struggling as to when I should give my notice at my current job. I don't want to give my current employer anything less than 2 weeks but I also don't want to risk my background check preventing this job offer from going through. What should I do??

ScottGem · Jul 16, 2015, 05:12 PM

Did you explain to the new company what they might find on your background check? If you had explained it to the first company, the offer may not have been rescinded.

But if you have not been upfront with the new company, you are risking the same thing happening.

bdiddles1 · Jul 16, 2015, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Did you explain to the new company what they might find on your background check? If you had explained it to the first company, the offer may not have been rescinded.

But if you have not been upfront with the new company, you are risking the same thing happening.

The question about my criminal history never came up, not even on the initial application. If they asked I would have provided the information. I answered every question they asked me truthfully. Should I call the HR person and tell her my situation? As I said the case has been dismissed and I am in the process of getting it expunged.

smoothy · Jul 16, 2015, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by bdiddles1

The question about my criminal history never came up, not even on the initial application. If they asked I would have provided the information. I answered every question they asked me truthfully. Should I call the HR person and tell her my situation? As I said the case has been dismissed and I am in the process of getting it expunged.

I've been employed for over 35 years... worked for 7 employers and applied at dozens over that time.

Even 3 decades ago... there were always questions about arrests or convictions on the job applications. Being anything but completely honest answering them can and usually will result in being fired even after you were hired if its discovered. Not just during the hiring process.

joypulv · Jul 16, 2015, 06:22 PM

Do not offer the information unless you are asked.
Do not give notice at your present job until you have a contract in writing.
Tell the new employer that you can't start work immediately.
Easy!

ScottGem · Jul 16, 2015, 07:00 PM

I don't know where you are located, but I agree with smoothy that this is SOP on applications. II disagree with Joy especially in your case. You know that this is likely to come up in a background check. You have a ready answer that it was dismissed. So telling them about it means they won't be surprised if it comes up on a check. It may be completely innocuous, but if you don't tell them and they find out, they will wonder why you didn't mention it.