background checks

[Epi]

I just started working at the county library and they have to do a background check for me to work with children. Initially I was worried and they thought that meant I was a felon.

Usually if you're working with children, you're a government employee or in an occupation requiring a little more security over equipment (locksmith) they have you go do a live scan (fingerprinting) at your local law enforcement center.  It's all electronic, you won't be given anything, your information will be sent directly to the library.  If you haven't changed your name or still have an F marked on your license/ID the only person who would see that is the non-sworn officer or office aide that will do your prints on the machine and they won't see your DOJ results, the only one that will would be the person receiving the documents at the library.

As for hiding your previous name... it is also on your credit report even if you never establish credit with it.  I have had that happen to me before and the only time that name was ever used was a drivers license.   Also be careful on name changes.  Some states will limit you on that as well.

When you obtain a drivers license your information goes off to the government who then in turn sends it to the county you maintain residence in that then adds your name to their jury pool.  I've heard some crazy things (which over time have started to seem more and more plausible) with drivers license and public college application/enrollment that the government will check your credit against their home/school loans and eventually other banks get a whiff (or just out right buy your information) and start doing the same.

[Elijah3291]

Hey everyone, good news, I called the background check people and they said everything went though ok, and I called Target and they said they had gotten the verification.  She says I have orientation on tuesday and she is just waiting for the background check to get into their online system, so as long as that goes ok, I start next tuesday!

[Traivs]

Sweet glad it all worked out

[tgchar21]

Another thing about your credit report: If you did change your name prior to having any credit, and your old name shows up without an explanation related to something you did (like in Jigsaw's case getting a driver's license) it might mean something worse than your past still being stuck with you. It is likely a sign that when you were a child your identity was misused by someone and it got on your report (indeed minors not old enough to be doing things like these shouldn't even have a credit report).

[peky]

Hey everyone, good news, I called the background check people and they said everything went though ok, and I called Target and they said they had gotten the verification.  She says I have orientation on tuesday and she is just waiting for the background check to get into their online system, so as long as that goes ok, I start next tuesday!

OK, gret ! Good for you. Now, all I need to do is figure out which Target, so I ca come and check you out ! Just kiding!!!

Good luck in your new job,

XX OO

Peky

[Jigsaw]

Glad you got the job at Target.

Also glad to read some of the other post.  I am currently undergoing a background check myself (Secret) and I am to the point where if they bring it up and it spreads around work, then I am going to talk to a lawyer and see if I have any recourse.  Also, if I am fired, then I know I have legal rights.  I am just too old to play the games.  I am spilling all the beans, so nobody can say I am hiding anything and I have no illegal activity to hide, heck I have never even done drugs and barely drink.

Anyway, thank you everybody who chimed in, I feel a little better about my own security check since it is electronic and processed by an outside group.

[Felix]

Sweet Elijah I'm glad you got the job.

[Arch]

When I get my "big three" credit reports every year or so, only one still has my old name. I changed it over fifteen years ago, though.

[Jeatyn]

When I get my "big three" credit reports every year or so, only one still has my old name. I changed it over fifteen years ago, though.

I was under the impression that old information clears off after 6 years? bummer...I had been sorta counting down until my old credit history under my old name would be gone forever. I always cringe at the part on the forms that ask "have you been known by any other name?" - was hoping I'd not have to do that fairly soon.

[tgchar21]

I always cringe at the part on the forms that ask "have you been known by any other name?" - was hoping I'd not have to do that fairly soon.

The best way to handle the question is to ask about the context of the situation before filling the form out - usually when they ask it's to line up your past records together. After all, if for example someone was adopted as a child, they don't usually care about your original name when applying for a job or credit. On the other hand, if for example part of your active credit history is under your old name, they'd care about that.

ETA: Jeatyn - I saw in your profile that you're in England. What I (and most others in this thread) have said is written from a US-perspective. The laws and/or rules over there may be different (so for example the time limit on credit reports may vary). Still, my advice on asking whether or not they need to know before filling the form out would still apply.

[cynthialee]

Spiffy.

Eli, whats up with that tiny picture of you? I had to enlarge it allot to see what you are looking like nowadays.
cute as ussual

[Elijah3291]

Spiffy.

Eli, whats up with that tiny picture of you? I had to enlarge it allot to see what you are looking like nowadays.
cute as ussual

thanks, I ought to put up a new picture anyway, that one is back when I lived with my ex.

[cynthialee]

I remember how you looked pre T.

A very good transition I must say.

[thefire]

Oh, yeah. I didn't get the job counting inventory because I didn't pass as male. So they can't give a "female" a "man's job."

[Arch]

Oh, yeah. I didn't get the job counting inventory because I didn't pass as male. So they can't give a "female" a "man's job."

This sounds like hokum to me. Is heavy lifting involved? Did they call you "little lady" to rub salt in the wound?

You may slap me if I'm overreacting.

[LordKAT]

I had a few jobs doing inventory as female. I think the rejection has another reason.