How long should I wait before contacting an employer?

Question

I had a second interview this monday at a company and they offered me the position on the spot pending a background check and a credit check. I knew my credit was bad and I was upfront about it telling them about it. (around 530) Its been a week, should I call and see if I still have the job? I do not know what they are looking for in a credit report. I do not have any bankrupts or liens ect. Just a few things in collections that I am trying to get fixed and two student loans that I have been paying on. I'm to the point to look for another job but my friends are saying wait and see. Please no rude comments I'm just trying to find the best solution to this.

Answer 1

This is not exactly a tax question (my apologies if you intended to put this in a different category.)

Call and ask.  The background check may take longer than a week, but they should have the credit check completed by now, and might not have the courtesy to call to let you know.

If you're collecting unemployment, you have an obligation to keep searching, anyway.  Even if you're not, it seems the prudent thing to do, but be sure to tell everyone you contact that you have a conditional job offer.

You don't specify the type of job, and possibly rightfully so, but there are jobs where the basic background check (basically checking for felony convictions by name and fingerprint) is inadequate.  I've had a number (OK, 2) jobs which required security clearances, and my present job required a semi-security clearance.  (Don't ask.  It's a form SF 86-T, while the standard security clearance is form SF 86.)

Answer 2

I'd call.  A week is more than enough time.  They can pull a credit report and a basic background check in a few minutes at most.

Edit:  They must not be using the same provider for the background check as we use.  Then again, our source isn't cheap.

Answer 3

A week?? that is a long time. I would call them a.s.a.p. Usually they call you within 3 days. or maybe the posittion is no longer available,but you should call them now. Good luck!!!!