“Sorry but your offer has been rescinded” is one of the most difficult messages a recruiter has to deliver to their candidate. It’s difficult for a number of reasons. The obvious one is that the candidate who believed they were going to be starting a new career has just had the rug pulled out from under him. Equally as important, if the offer was rescinded because of a purposeful misstatement of fact, the trust that the recruiter and hiring company placed in the candidate along with the candidates integrity have been shattered. As an information security professional, the need for ethics and honesty should be obvious, however this year more than ever I have delivered this message to candidates who have provided false information to their potential employer.
Almost every client that we perform search assignments for now conducts background checks as a part of the hiring process. Most companies make a written job offer that is contingent upon the candidate passing a background check. This year we have witnessed more candidates failing their background checks than ever before. I don't know if data bases are more extensive or better connected, if candidates don't recognize how thorough the process really is or if they are just so cavalier that they believe their misstatements will not be discovered. But regardless, offers are being pulled back by companies who won't compromise their requirements.
Candidates fail background checks for either errors of omission, misstatements of facts, or financial or legal problems. I have found that some of people who failed their background checks are not surprised. They are the candidates who have purposely distorted the facts of their employment history. The people that are surprised are usually those who have been given bad advice about filling in the gaps on their resume by changing their dates of employment, or exaggerating about their title or responsibilities in previous jobs.
What's essential to understand is that an employment application is a legal document. Once you have filled it out, most companies are obligated to verify all of the information you have provided on the application. For this reason it is imperative that you are factually correct and accurately complete the application. The information on the application must reflect the information on your resume as well as what you described during your interview.
To be clear, let's discuss what I have found as standard information that is routinely checked by companies performing background checks and the types of issues that might disqualify someone from employment.
1. Credit Report-
Companies look at credit reports as an indication of financial problems that may influence misdeeds. Some of the issues they consider are, a record of multiple collections, civil judgments, bad debts, charge-offs, a tax lien or repossession.
2. Criminal Records-
Has the candidate been convicted for a crime involving financial malfeasance, a crime involving violence, or a crime involving controlled substance.
3. Previous Employment-
Has the candidate falsely claimed that he worked for an employer that he hasn’t. Has she omitted an employer that she did in fact work for. Have his dates of employment been altered or stretched to cover gaps in employment. Finally has he falsely claimed expertise gained or displayed in a previous employer.
4. Education
Transcripts will be collected from any colleges that are listed on an application. Candidates will be eliminated if they falsely claim a degree that they do not possess or falsely claim the type of degree that they have.
5. Department of Motor Vehicles-
A candidates DMV record may be reviewed to see if there is an occurrence of multiple DUIs. If he has failed to appear in court when required to do so. If there are multiple charges for driving with a suspended license or failure to carry insurance it indicates a possible problem.
6. SSN-
Companies always want to make sure that a candidate is legally cleared to work in the United States. They will determine if someone is falsely claiming a SSN, or is not legally allowed to work in the US
7. Professional References-
Most Companies require that they are provided with or have the ability to personally speak with a minimum of two professional references. These references will not only validate and verify your technical ability to do the job, but also your management style, communication skills and personality.
The bottom line is, if you are contemplating changing jobs, first review your resume and make sure that all of the information it contains is factually correct. . When you fill out an application, check it twice for accuracy. Relay all relevant information to the recruiter or corporate human recourses representative. Realize that if you have had issues in the past with any of the above mentioned items you are always best to disclose them up front. If you have a reasonable explanation for any items that may be suspect, and you disclose them up front, there is a good chance that the issue will be resolved.
