Company wants background check, personal info
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- p-mac
I've been asked back for a second round of interviews. The administrative guy that scheduled the interviews also sent over a packet of documents -- application, background and reference authorization forms -- and asked that I fill out these docs and bring them to the interview next week.
The forms ask for a lot of personal and sensitive info including social security numbers, driver license numbers, salary information, etc.
Don't you think they're being a bit premature in asking for this? I don't even know if I want to work for them yet. It seems like I should wait until we have a verbal agreement on terms, a legit offer, before I hand over these docs, yes?
- ukit0
Hmmm, it's been so long since I filled out a formal job application, but I wouldn't be too shocked if they ask for your SSN or drivers license number. What are you afraid of anyway?
- p-mac0
Not afraid of anything really, just seems weird. I've never filled out his info in the past.... never needed to.
This is a senior level position.
I'm probably just being too cautious for no reason.
- SteveJobs0
i think they do this to speed up the bg-check in the event that they want to hire you.
- those checks can take a full week or more sometimes.SteveJobs
- unless you are steve jobs, then they just look you up on wikipediajimbojones
- YOU are exactly right!
AMOK
- bdizzle0
as long as they never find the bodies your good to go-
Don't sweat it.
- AMOK0
No this is the NEW Standard for Corporate America. I have a few friends in HR and as Internal Recruiters, and they are starting to ask for all this stuff ahead of time...plus they are checking LinkedIn, Facebook, Myspace and other SOC NET sites IF you become a FINAL Candidate...just FYI to all you looking to apply anywhere CORPORATE!
- that's why most smart designers work for themselves or for small firms....vaxorcist
- ukit0
It's not even all that new. I think they use your SSN to check your employment history and all that jazz. Makes sense, doesn't it - otherwise you could theoretically just lie about where you worked and how long.
- I find it crazy that they should have access to this info - which is basically info about yr tax records.lukus_W
- honest0
Do a background check on the company – credit reports, psyche evaluations of the managers there, personality compatibility, financial forecasting, personnel records, health and safety history, etc.
- monospaced0
I understand getting that kind of info when being screened for an apartment, or even when you've been offered a position, but from my experience it's not standard practice. There are boundaries that a potential employer cannot cross, such as calling your previous employer and asking about your performance. They can confirm that you worked there, but that's it. There are others, but these questions don't violate much. Just ask yourself how much you want the position.
- Totally, I'd politely decline the information - if they insisted, I'd decline the interview.lukus_W
- honest0
- lolmonospaced
- I'm going to miss her. and the whole show. Her and Jack are the only survivors since season 1 (and tony, wherever he is)CyBrain
- monospaced0
One design company I was applying for in Silicon Valley made me complete this freaky personality test booklet. Then I found out that they were hardcore religious and had a group prayer on Monday. I never went back for the second interview.
- scarabin0
i do an astrology chart and consult the gods for each potential hire and give a detailed sexual profile to make sure i don't hire any perverts
- monNom0
I'd defer giving any sensitive info until you have a job offer. Feel free to give them references, but hold onto your SIN number, salary info (if you're not comfortable revealing that), etc.
I would never give my SIN number to a apartment rental. There is zero secrity in place for those sorts of roles. Your name and a previous address is fine for a credit check.
- ukit0
Let's assume by some twist of fate the job and/or apartment was not a job at all but a front group for some massive criminal enterprise. What would they be able to accomplish just by having your Social Security Number? (Not being facetious, just wondering).
- my ex had her identity stolen once, people took out credit in her name, hellish phone calls resulted....vaxorcist
- monNom0
With a sin, date of birth, name etc, you can open a credit card account, take out a second mortgage, all manner of nasty things. I think the chances of an apartment or business being a criminal enterprise in and of itself are pretty slim (not exactly stealthy), however the employees of that company may be criminally minded.
I also live in the identity-theft capital of north america so maybe a bit over cautious.
- boobs0
Don't worry. They're just going to post all that information on the internet.
- FredMcWoozy0
Pretty standard now a days.
If you don't have a criminal record or a high amount of undpaid debt then you will be ok.
- ernexbcn0
some companies are even checking your credit rep, I think that's going too far
- honest0
tell them what happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas, get with the rules
- cannonball19780
just tell them that you arent comfortable with it