|
|
| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Government & Non-Profit |
How far back do employers usually check back when researching an applicant? (years vs jobs)? |
I have been an administrative assistant for several years now but was wondering how far back does an employer go to check records? Do they actually check every job listed on the application? The general rule of thumb for resumes is to show 10 years of previous employment only. Depending on how many employers you've had for the last 10 years the company will check with at least 3 - 4. Not all companies respond or cooperate with verification of previous employees so it's hard to get information some times. That is why they will check with more companies. Also, they want to see if there is a pattern in your work history - attendance issues, or what ever the reason for leaving a company might be. If you list the company they may check with them about you so be prepared. Typically they go back a maximum of 5 years. It's unusual for anything more than that, especially for an admin position. JKAT is correct, but let me add one thing. If you're in a financial services position, they look at 10 years worth of information. I am in that industry and each employer checked 10 years of info. I was just finishing high school, but I still had to put that down. Good answer above--to it I would advise that employers look also for patterns...i.e., too many jobs in too few years [job-hopping makes prospective bosses nervous]; also they might ask you 'why did you leave this job?'. Your 'several years' ought to make you bullet-proof in that aspect. Your most recent employer will be the one they'll want to talk to, and if there's anything prior to that with a shadow on it [terminated, left w/out notice, etc.] they may need to have a chat with that one too. It really depends on the company. The last three positions I held in Admin., none of my employers contacted a previous employers, at all. They didn't even call my references. I work for smaller companies though, so that may be part of the reason. I work for the Sheriff's office in the animal control division (no I am not an animal control officer) they went back to when I was 18 (I am 45 now). I underwent a polygraph an extensive background check, to include interviewing my ex-husband of 8 years ago. I also had to have a drug screening. On the other hand, I work for the city PD and they didn't even do an abbreviated background on me, no piss test, nothing. So it really depends on where your going to apply. Every place is different govenment employee |
Finance Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |