I don't know if this is a problem or not!?

Question

My friends mom is a concerned. She worked at a place 22 years ago and had gotten fired. She just applied to the same company again and didn't tell them she worked there before. They called today to say she got the job but also said they are now doing a background check on her. Will that show up if it was 22 years ago?

I told her I would ask on here cuz she's not good with this kind of stuff.

Oh, she also said they do background checks on everyone, not just her.

Thanx.

Answer 1

It depends upon what kind of check they are doing.  Primarily it's a criminal check, and driving record, employment usually back ten years.  Tell your mom not to worry.  There is nothing she can do at this point anyway.  Good luck to her.  (usually personnel records are sent to storage or discarded after 10 years)  (retired IBM exec mgr/college prof)

Answer 2

It depends on how extensive the background is. I think most employers look at the past ten years, and then depending on the job, most will look at criminal history. However if the position is in a service field (law enforcement, medics, etc) they may be more extensive and go back that far.

She can always politely say that it had been years ago, she didn't think it was relevant to the application, and explain the circumstances/how she's grown since the termination if it is brought up.

Answer 3

Background checks could mean simply a 'Police Check'.

Basically she was fired 22yrs ago, and she should have been upfront with the interviewer about it, though we all know that would have been a red flag.

She might be lucky, as no one kept computer records 22yrs ago .... I am guessing everyone that worked there now have left? Otherwise when she starts, she'll still have some explaining to do, as rumours will go around.

Was she offered the job in writting? Or did they just call her on the phone, advising they will now do a background check?

If she fails in getting the job, she might want to get some urgent legal advice as to where she stands, as it may be discrimination issue for not taking her on.

This is a tricky one.

My question to this lady is ... WHY?!?!?!?

She should never again apply to this company if she was fired.  

Answer 4

Geez, I don't know.  If it was 22 years ago, I don't know what information would be available easily or if it would be archived.

Like if they do an employment check on her mom, they will probably only go back around 7 years.  I don't know how HR depts work.  Maybe they have all of the previous employees on a database but that doesn't sound very cost-effective.  

I don't think they have the ability to see back that far, really.

Good luck..

Answer 5

yea they would find out. depending on why she was fired it shouldnt matter that she worked there before.