Fairfax County General :
Fairfax Underground
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:19PM
I have recently applied for a volunteer position with the county and received a letter stating that they have declined my application and would not tell my why. Why would they do that? What's a good way to get a background check online? I thought maybe there is something on my background report but there is nothing that I know of.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Sgt. Hulka
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:23PM
Maybe it was that thing you did in college?
If you really want to volunteer, join the army.
If you really want to volunteer, join the army.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
pgens
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:28PM
Do you have a MySpace page with goofball stuff like being drunk or having your member out? That can do it too... no gov background check needed!
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:30PM
pgens Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you have a MySpace page with goofball stuff
> like being drunk or having your member out? That
> can do it too... no gov background check needed!
No, but something very similar. Do you think they would actually google your name or research you online?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you have a MySpace page with goofball stuff
> like being drunk or having your member out? That
> can do it too... no gov background check needed!
No, but something very similar. Do you think they would actually google your name or research you online?
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
TheMeeper
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:32PM
bc Wrote:
>>Do you think they would actually google your name or research you online?
I do that all the time before I hire people.
>>Do you think they would actually google your name or research you online?
I do that all the time before I hire people.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Sgt. Hulka
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:33PM
bc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> pgens Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do you have a MySpace page with goofball stuff
> > like being drunk or having your member out?
> That
> > can do it too... no gov background check
> needed!
>
> No, but something very similar. Do you think they
> would actually google your name or research you
> online?
The Army wouldn't.
-------------------------------------------------------
> pgens Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do you have a MySpace page with goofball stuff
> > like being drunk or having your member out?
> That
> > can do it too... no gov background check
> needed!
>
> No, but something very similar. Do you think they
> would actually google your name or research you
> online?
The Army wouldn't.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:36PM
Yeah I know the army wouldnt, believed me I KNOW. Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples application based on whats online.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
TheMeeper
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:43PM
bc Wrote:
>>> Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples application based on whats online.
There are probably certain cases where it could be considered in violation of employment law, but that would depend on what they saw online and what they based their decision on (i.e. if they saw the person was handicapped and decided not to hire, etc). Also, I would never tell someone that is the reason they weren't hired anyway.
Funniest time was some guy that I interviewed, he had to be at least 30 or so, I googled his name after the interview and saw that he was involved in some kind of goth role-playing game where people got together and acted like vampires. LOL.
>>> Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples application based on whats online.
There are probably certain cases where it could be considered in violation of employment law, but that would depend on what they saw online and what they based their decision on (i.e. if they saw the person was handicapped and decided not to hire, etc). Also, I would never tell someone that is the reason they weren't hired anyway.
Funniest time was some guy that I interviewed, he had to be at least 30 or so, I googled his name after the interview and saw that he was involved in some kind of goth role-playing game where people got together and acted like vampires. LOL.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:51PM
I guess that would make sense. Free way to find some dirt on someone without revealing the source. That sucks, it really ruined my day, I really wanted the position. Besides it's free labor for crying out loud. Lol, I guess I got some editing to do with the info on me online.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Sgt. Hulka
()
Date: March 21, 2008 05:59PM
bc Wrote:
Besides it's free labor for
> crying out loud.
The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe you.
Besides it's free labor for
> crying out loud.
The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe you.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:00PM
No thanks, fortmer marine
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
native
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:01PM
Sgt. Hulka Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> Besides it's free labor for
> > crying out loud.
>
> The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe you.
Really? can I get the fine print first?
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> Besides it's free labor for
> > crying out loud.
>
> The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe you.
Really? can I get the fine print first?
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Sgt. Hulka
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:06PM
native Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sgt. Hulka Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > bc Wrote:
> > Besides it's free labor for
> > > crying out loud.
> >
> > The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe
> you.
>
>
> Really? can I get the fine print first?
Sure, by all means. Contact a recruiter near you, I'm sure he has it all.
As a side note, volunteering for your country carries a little more weight on your resume than volunteering for your county.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sgt. Hulka Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > bc Wrote:
> > Besides it's free labor for
> > > crying out loud.
> >
> > The Army would pay you, house you, and clothe
> you.
>
>
> Really? can I get the fine print first?
Sure, by all means. Contact a recruiter near you, I'm sure he has it all.
As a side note, volunteering for your country carries a little more weight on your resume than volunteering for your county.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Rowsdower
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:11PM
If a background check was done on you, you likely signed a form providing consent. On the form there may be a contact information to obtain a copy of the report, a list of people the investigator contacted and what the interviewees stated. I am not sure it is a law in Virginia, but I know it is a law in some states where the investigating agency has to provide you a copy of the report if a written request is provided.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
inkahootz
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:25PM
bc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you think they
> would actually google your name or research you
> online?
>Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples application based on whats online.
Are you serious? Private employers can do as they like, as long as they don't base the no hire on a disability, race, gender, etc. Most emloyers in this state hire on an at will basis, meaning they can fire you at any time for any reason. Unless you are a gov't or unionized employee they can do as they please.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you think they
> would actually google your name or research you
> online?
>Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples application based on whats online.
Are you serious? Private employers can do as they like, as long as they don't base the no hire on a disability, race, gender, etc. Most emloyers in this state hire on an at will basis, meaning they can fire you at any time for any reason. Unless you are a gov't or unionized employee they can do as they please.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
pgens
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:28PM
bc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess that would make sense. Free way to find
> some dirt on someone without revealing the source.
> That sucks, it really ruined my day, I really
> wanted the position. Besides it's free labor for
> crying out loud. Lol, I guess I got some editing
> to do with the info on me online.
Sorry that happened. It has been in the news lately that employers are Googling potential employees. Why people use their real names online baffles me.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess that would make sense. Free way to find
> some dirt on someone without revealing the source.
> That sucks, it really ruined my day, I really
> wanted the position. Besides it's free labor for
> crying out loud. Lol, I guess I got some editing
> to do with the info on me online.
Sorry that happened. It has been in the news lately that employers are Googling potential employees. Why people use their real names online baffles me.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
ffxn8v
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:34PM
What was the position????
If it was a position of trust, like an Aux. Police Officer, you need to be straight and narrow.
If it is picking up the dog poop at the West Ox Animal Shelter, you can be a bit wild...
I believe you can request in writing, the reason(s) for denial.
If it was a position of trust, like an Aux. Police Officer, you need to be straight and narrow.
If it is picking up the dog poop at the West Ox Animal Shelter, you can be a bit wild...
I believe you can request in writing, the reason(s) for denial.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
TheMeeper
()
Date: March 21, 2008 06:38PM
bc Wrote:
>> Lol, I guess I got some editing to do with the info on me online.
That might not be the reason they didn't hire you, but it's still a good idea to clean up all of your personal online data.
Also, make sure you use a professional sounding email address, preferably just your name. You'd be surprised how many people don't do that on their resume, like they think it's cool or cute. Nothing says "resume in trash can" more than someone who lists an email address like BigManOnCampus69@gmail.com.
>> Lol, I guess I got some editing to do with the info on me online.
That might not be the reason they didn't hire you, but it's still a good idea to clean up all of your personal online data.
Also, make sure you use a professional sounding email address, preferably just your name. You'd be surprised how many people don't do that on their resume, like they think it's cool or cute. Nothing says "resume in trash can" more than someone who lists an email address like BigManOnCampus69@gmail.com.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Radiophile
()
Date: March 21, 2008 07:06PM
inkahootz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do you think they
> > would actually google your name or research you
> > online?
> >Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples
> application based on whats online.
>
> Are you serious? Private employers can do as they
> like, as long as they don't base the no hire on a
> disability, race, gender, etc. Most emloyers in
> this state hire on an at will basis, meaning they
> can fire you at any time for any reason. Unless
> you are a gov't or unionized employee they can do
> as they please.
Pretty much true. Virginia is a "right to work (for less)" state. You can be hired or fired for any reason barring age, sex disability etc. And employers get around that by other methods. Many employers have applicants take tests including computer skills, personality, written English etc. If you score 98% on all the tests, they have a reason NOT to hire you - and it is not because you are in a wheel chair.
One company I worked with gave applicants personality tests. One potential employee took the test and scored through the roof on the honesty category. He was African American, so the company figured he was "not forthcoming enough" and did not hire him for this reason.
If you fit the company mold and they like you, they will hire you. Tests, background checks, minimum qualifications etc more times than not a used as the excuse not to hire someone, when the real reason is they just did not like you because of age, race, sex, handicap, or other reasons.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2008 07:09PM by Radiophile.
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do you think they
> > would actually google your name or research you
> > online?
> >Isn't it somehow illegal to decline peoples
> application based on whats online.
>
> Are you serious? Private employers can do as they
> like, as long as they don't base the no hire on a
> disability, race, gender, etc. Most emloyers in
> this state hire on an at will basis, meaning they
> can fire you at any time for any reason. Unless
> you are a gov't or unionized employee they can do
> as they please.
Pretty much true. Virginia is a "right to work (for less)" state. You can be hired or fired for any reason barring age, sex disability etc. And employers get around that by other methods. Many employers have applicants take tests including computer skills, personality, written English etc. If you score 98% on all the tests, they have a reason NOT to hire you - and it is not because you are in a wheel chair.
One company I worked with gave applicants personality tests. One potential employee took the test and scored through the roof on the honesty category. He was African American, so the company figured he was "not forthcoming enough" and did not hire him for this reason.
If you fit the company mold and they like you, they will hire you. Tests, background checks, minimum qualifications etc more times than not a used as the excuse not to hire someone, when the real reason is they just did not like you because of age, race, sex, handicap, or other reasons.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2008 07:09PM by Radiophile.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
coffin
()
Date: March 21, 2008 07:44PM
Must have been some bad shit if they won't even let you work for them FOR FREE!
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
Smith
()
Date: March 21, 2008 08:36PM
bc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have recently applied for a volunteer position
> with the county and received a letter stating that
> they have declined my application and would not
> tell my why. Why would they do that? What's a good
> way to get a background check online? I thought
> maybe there is something on my background report
> but there is nothing that I know of.
Did you ask why? You might try to FOIA whatever information you can get (if any) on your application. You can always try.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have recently applied for a volunteer position
> with the county and received a letter stating that
> they have declined my application and would not
> tell my why. Why would they do that? What's a good
> way to get a background check online? I thought
> maybe there is something on my background report
> but there is nothing that I know of.
Did you ask why? You might try to FOIA whatever information you can get (if any) on your application. You can always try.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
tomahawk
()
Date: March 21, 2008 09:42PM
TheMeeper Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> >>Do you think they would actually google your
> name or research you online?
>
> I do that all the time before I hire people.
LOL it always cracks me up how naive people are about things like this. I bet there are a lot of older folks who are relieved that they managed to graduate from college before the internet started documenting all their jackassery virtually FOREVER.
If you post something on a publicly available website, it's out there, and only a fool would hire you without doing at least a simple google search first. Even if it was illegal, it'd be dumb not to.
-------------------------------------------------------
> bc Wrote:
> >>Do you think they would actually google your
> name or research you online?
>
> I do that all the time before I hire people.
LOL it always cracks me up how naive people are about things like this. I bet there are a lot of older folks who are relieved that they managed to graduate from college before the internet started documenting all their jackassery virtually FOREVER.
If you post something on a publicly available website, it's out there, and only a fool would hire you without doing at least a simple google search first. Even if it was illegal, it'd be dumb not to.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 22, 2008 01:52AM
It was a volunteer position working at the jail intake. I mean I had good references and good resume but I guess if they did do a google search they probably came across something stupid
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 22, 2008 01:53AM
....and yes I have tried to contact them via e-mail and phone but I get no response.
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 22, 2008 02:00AM
I would assume it to be a great conflict of interest volunteering at the ADC where you were previously a 'visitor.'
Re: Background Check
Posted by:
bc
()
Date: March 22, 2008 02:02AM
no not at all, just driving violations