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Application Nightmare
Like many other individuals, I am actively seeking employment; and, I use many different resources to help me in my search.
Several weeks ago, I saw an opportunity with a well-known company; posted on the job site of the college I attend. I immediately applied for the job; by submitting my resume and filling out an application.
A couple of weeks go by and a company recruiter contacts me. We discuss my background and qualifications. She then asks me to fill out another application on the company website. Several days later, she calls back and we schedule a Zoom interview with someone who I thought would be my manager.
A week or so after the Zoom interview, I receive an Offer Letter. However, the offer is pending a background check. I am thinking to myself – no problem. I have nothing to hide and I was honest on both of the applications I submitted.
This is where the nightmare begins.
The company does not recognize the several years of college I have – because I have not yet graduated. As far as the other diplomas and certifications that I have received – they do not recognize those either.
Therefore, I had to verify that I graduated from high school. The high school I attended closed in June 1995. I had to contact our local school district and get a Graduation Verification Letter. The company wanted this information within 24-48 hours. I was able to do this, thanks to some amazing people at the school district.
I have not encountered this kind of "micro-elitism" in years; or, is it a case of discrimination?
This entire process is beyond exasperating; it is uncalled for and unneeded. In addition, this company has such high expectations for others, but it does not practice its own philosophies.
The Offer Letter I received from them has someone else listed as my manager and not the person I interviewed with. The company that claims to have such high standards is guilty of deception and a lack of transparency.
I have asked for some clarification but the company has not yet responded.
mcasterlloydDallas EA; Writer, Artist, Graphic Designer
52
11/02/20 at 2:55PM UTC
Take the job. Don't let their corporate vetting process keep you from a good opportunity. I find that larger corporations also have more opportunity for growth and have better ethics and diversity.
mcasterlloydDallas EA; Writer, Artist, Graphic Designer
52
11/02/20 at 2:52PM UTC
I had an issue with the background check for one of my past positions. When I contacted the third party company that was conducting the background check, it seems they were trying to verify my high school with my married name and not my maiden name! They had already verified my college, so it's crazy that they also needed to verify my high school.
Kellyartist, educator, wife and mom
79
11/02/20 at 12:31PM UTC
go with your gut! I had a similar situation and ended up turning down that job and another fell in my lap!
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/02/20 at 1:19AM UTC
Hi FGB'ers,
I want to thank everyone for your feedback; it has given me a lot to think about. During this time, many emotions were unearthed. The strongest emotion has been contempt – not for the company, but for those who lie, cheat and steal.
I understand that the company has a reputation to protect – I feel the same way. I have a reputation to protect as well.
The frustration that I feel is having to pay the price for everyone else who lied on an employment application; falsified credentials; changed transcripts; or created documents that did not exist.
I still have many unanswered questions and only time will tell what happens.
Thanks for your support!
Anonymous
11/02/20 at 3:52AM UTC
Yum pi are 100% right about suffering due to other people who lied, cheated etc. we all have to pay the price in a lot of situations.
Keisha Jones
217
11/01/20 at 6:28PM UTC
Hi Lori-Ann,
I have one word...RUN!!!
AnonymousMedia executive
11/01/20 at 5:43PM UTC (Edited)
Lor, unfortunately, as annoying as this is, and as counter intuitive as it may appear, it is what it is. There have been so many highly publicized cases of employees falsifying their education records and qualifications that many companies have gotten more stringent in verifying them. Also, the larger the company, the more stringent and inflexible the rules. A smaller company might not have a problem with a certificate versus a diploma or whatever it may be. But once you have a large organization with many employees, exceptions cannot be made; otherwise everyone would ask for them. Also, if you feel you are being discriminated against, and you haven't even begun to work, I strongly suggest you go elsewhere.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/01/20 at 4:18PM UTC
What I find most frustrating, are those individuals who lie, cheat and steal. Their behavior has had such a negative impact on all of us.
When I spoke with the gentlemen at the school district, he explained to me that it is not uncommon to have someone change their transcripts or diploma. Or, to create these documents, and others, when they do not exist.
It is a reflection on our society -- and not a good one.
Anonymous
11/01/20 at 3:48PM UTC
I understand your frustration, but I think it is important to recognize that your individual situation is a little bit different than others. Knowing a terminal degree (including high school diploma) is usually standard practice now in part because there is on onus on many businesses to verify that you are who you say you are. It's why the I9 process is often incredibly time sensitive.
That said, I assume they contract someone to process the background check. If your high school was still open in all likelihood, it would have been a few clicks of a button. I have this happen often with older candidates. We aren't as tight on the timeframe for candidates, but if I run a check I will get most information back instantaneously, and for recent grads, it's maybe 24 hours to get the education verification. But older grads whose records may not be digitized, it usually takes much longer and it's common for the background check company to close the ticket if they don't get an answer in 3 days.
It's frustrating, but we also have to be fair - We can't take you at your word when everyone else had to go through the other process.
Ct Porro
13
11/01/20 at 3:24PM UTC
Lori-Ann, Congratulations on landing a great job! You are now experiencing corporate America. Judge the job by the role you will play and those you will work with directly -- not by other departments (HR). This is not likely a reflection of anything but a poorly run or overwhelmed and understaffed HR group.
In their defense, did you contact them when you realized you had problems in pulling together the requested documentation. Communication on your part will go a long way in getting a more compassionate response from them. Additionally, you would not believe the number of padded and fraudulent resumes that I've sifted through. Everyone needs a job these days and it is not that hard for someone to fake credentials. Hard to believe after all you've gone through to get here, right?
I'd advise going forward, that you keep a small folder with original copies of all of your important documents (birth certificate, passport, graduation papers, even a sealed certified copy of your college grad transcripts from the registrar) that you have ready for the next great job you land in your career progression.
Good luck in your new role!
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
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11/01/20 at 4:06PM UTC
Ct, thank you. I am not sure what is going to happen. There is a tentative start date of November 9th, 2020., but I have so many unanswered questions. I reached out to the recruiter, but she has yet to reply.
The company does not accept copies of any documents. The vendor who does their background checks, has to call and verify the information.
Your right. Large companies are often run like assembly lines. It reminds me of Henry Ford, and the horror stories I read about how he treated his workers. He was not a nice man.
User deleted comment on 11/01/20 at 3:15PM UTC
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