Why do employers want to check your background? It could be for one of several reasons. If government security clearances are required for the job you are interviewing for, a background check may be required. The employer may want to make sure you are telling the truth.
It’s estimated that up to 40% of resumes can contain false or tweaked information, so, employers want to insure that what they are getting in an employee is what they were promised. The employer may perform a background check to find out whether actually graduated from the college you said you did or to confirm that you worked at your previous employer(s) during the time stated on your resume or your job application.
Background Check Information
What’s included in an employee background check? The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the standards for screening for employment. The FCRA defines a background check as a consumer report. Before an employer can get a consumer report for employment purposes, they must notify you in writing and get your written authorization. If the employer is simply conducting inquiries (rather than running reports) they should also ask for your consent. That way you could withdraw your application if there is information you would rather not see disclosed.
If an employer decides not to hire because of this report, they must give you a pre-adverse action disclosure that includes a copy of the report and a copy of your rights. They must then give you notice that they have decided not to hire you and let you know the name and address of Consumer Reporting Agency and information on your right to dispute the report.
At a minimum, a background check will verify your social security number. At most, it can include an analysis of your work history, the people you know, along with a full credit report. It can also include your credit payment records, driving records or criminal history. The inquiries should be related to the job. For example, if you are hired to work in a bank, it would be reasonable to find out if you have a history of embezzlement or theft.
Background Check Privacy
What can’t be included in a background check? There is some information that cannot be disclosed under any circumstances. School records are confidential and cannot be released without the consent of the student. You cannot be discriminated against because you filed for bankruptcy, however, bankruptcies are a public record, so, it is easy for employers to obtain the information. Laws vary on checking criminal history. Some states don’t allow questions about arrests or convictions beyond a certain point in the past. Others only allow consideration of criminal history for certain positions.
Employers cannot request medical records and may not make hiring decisions based on an applicant’s disability. They may only inquire about your ability to perform a certain job. The same holds true for Worker’s Compensation. The military can disclose your name, rank, salary, assignments and awards without your consent. Driving records are not confidential either and can be released without consent.
Be Prepared
The best way to prepare for a background check is to be aware of the information that an employer might find. Get a copy of your credit report. If there is erroneous information, dispute it with the creditor. Check your motor vehicle record by requesting a copy of your record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask your previous employers for copies of your personnel files. Make sure you know what your references are going to say about you.
Most importantly, make sure your resume and job applications are accurate and truthful. If you lie you might not get caught right away, but, you will probably get caught at some point. It’s not worth not getting hired, getting fired and ruining your employment history because you thought your resume might need some enhancing!
Tips
Coping With Job Loss
A Leading Cause of Stress
Call it what you want — being laid off or downsized, getting dismissed or fired, receiving your pink slip or your walking papers, losing your job hurts. Among a variety of life-altering events, such as death in the family, divorce, and serious illness, losing your job ranks among the highest in stress-causing situations.
Job loss can have a profound effect on your emotional well being. There is a typical cycle that most people experience. This cycle includes denial, anger, frustration, and eventually adaptation.
Dealing With It
As you can see, being separated from one’s job is extremely difficult. Many of us closely identify ourselves by what we do for a living. When the job is taken away, we can lose track of who we are and even why we are.
Emotional issues aside, a number of practical issues must be addressed. We must determine how long our financial resources will sustain us. We must also decide if a career change is in order. Then we must begin to plan for the future.
Taking Care of the Practical Stuff
A major issue most people must deal with is providing for themselves and their families. Finding out if one qualifies for unemployment compensation should be the first thing that is taken care of. The next thing is applying for this benefit. There are certain criteria that must be met. In the United States, your local Employment Service Center will be able to help you. The Web Site of the U.S. Department of Labor has information on unemployment compensation in the United States. This includes links to the individual sites of many states.
The next issue to deal with is health insurance. In the U.S. the majority of people who have health insurance are covered under a group plan through their employer. When a job is lost, that coverage is as well. That is why The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was passed some time ago. This law allows those separated from their jobs to purchase health insurance at a group rate for a limited time.
Moving On
Once we have come to terms with all matters emotional and practical, it is time to move on. We must decide where to go from here. First you must look at why you lost your job. Was the company downsizing? If so, is this a trend in the industry? Do you want to stay in the same field? Is a career change in order? If not, maybe this is a good time to spruce up some skills in order to make yourself more marketable.
Rather than looking at a job loss as a horrible thing, it might be better to consider the positive implications of this situation. Take the time to make some changes — switch careers or industries, learn some new skills and improve upon the ones you already have, or perhaps consider relocating. Look forward to your next opportunity. You never know what doors this turn of events may open for you.
Job Burnout
Causes, Symptoms and Cures
What is Burnout?
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines burnout as: exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.
What Causes Job Burnout?
Here are some possible causes of job burnout:
- working harder to hold onto your job in the face of impending layoffs
- working harder because of leaner staffs
- working hard without being rewarded
- being in an unsuitable career
- not having enough time away from work
How Do You Know If You Are Burned Out?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, burnout may be to blame:
- fatigue
- irritability
- crying jobs
- anxiety attacks
- weight gain
- teeth grinding
- increased drug, alcohol, or tobacco use
- insomnia
- nightmares
- forgetfulness
- low productivity at work
- inability to concentrate
(Job Burnout. www.vhihealthe.com.)
What Are the Effects of Burnout?
Burnout can affect your physical and mental health. It can lead to:
- depression
- anxiety
- physical illness, i.e. stroke or heart attack
- suicide
What Can You Do If You Are Burned Out?
Before you can cure your burnout you have to figure out what is causing it. You must also take into account the severity of your burnout. The more severe it is, the more drastic your fix will have to be. Here are some possible cures:
- Take a vacation
- Don’t work overtime
- Find more time to relax or do things you enjoy
- Try to improve your relationship with your boss or co-workers
- Lessen your work load by delegating and prioritizing
- Quit your job
- Change your career
Career Planning
Taking It Step-By-Step
What is Career Planning?
Career planning is a lifelong process, which includes choosing an occupation, getting a job, growing in our job, possibly changing careers, and eventually retiring. The Career Planning Site offers coverage of all these areas. This article will focus on career choice and the process one goes through in selecting an occupation. This may happen once in our lifetimes, but it is more likely to happen several times as we first define and then redefine ourselves and our goals.
Career Planning: A Four Step Process
The following chart represents the process in which one engages while moving through the process of selecting a career and entering it. One might seek the services of a career development professional to help facilitate his or her journey through this process. Whether or not you choose to work with a professional, or work through the process on your own is less important than the amount of thought and energy you put into choosing a career.
1.) Self
- Gather information about yourself (self assessment)
- Interests
- Values
- Roles
- Skills/Aptitudes
- Preferred Environments
- Developmental Needs
- Your realities
2.) Options
- Explore the occupations in which you are interested (Occupational Information)
- Research the industries in which you would like to work
- Research the Labor Market
- Get more specific information after you narrow down your options by:
- Job Shadowing
- Part time work, Internships, or volunteer opportunities
- Written Materials
- Informational Interviews
3.) Match
- During this phase of the process, you will:
- Identify possible occupations
- Evaluate these occupations
- Explore alternatives
- Choose both a short term and a long term option
4.) Action
- You will develop the steps you need to take in order to reach your goal, for example:
- Investigating sources of additional training and education, if needed
- Developing a job search strategy
- Writing your resume
- Job searching
- Gathering company information
- Composing cover letters
- Preparing for job interviews
Good Luck!
How to Collect Unemployment
The purpose of unemployment insurance is to provide workers, who areunemployed through no fault of their own, with monetary payments for a specific period of time or until the worker finds a new job. Unemployment benefits are provided by state unemployment insurance programs within guidelines established by Federal law. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, benefit amounts and the length of time benefits are available are determined by state law. EligibilityIn order to receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established (one year) period of time. In addition, workers must be determined to be unemployed through no fault of their own.DisqualificationThe following circumstances may disqualify you from collecting unemployment benefits, depending on state law:Quit without good cause,Fired for misconduct,Resigned because of illness (check on disability benefits),Left to get married,Self-employed,Involved in a labor dispute, Attending School,Unemployment Benefits.Regular benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in most states. Additional weeks of benefits are be available during times of high unemployment. In many states, the compensation will be half you earnings, up to a maximum amount. For example, in New York State you’re entitled to collect up to a maximum of $405, which is half the state’s average weekly wage. While in Arizona, the highest benefit rate is $205. Benefits are subject to Federal income taxes and must be reported on your Federal income tax return. Extended BenefitsUp to 13 weeks of extended benefits, starting after the 26 weeks of standard benefits are available to eligible unemployed workers in all states. In states with high unemployment, up to 13 additional weeks of benefits will be available after the first extension is used. Check with your State Unemployment Office for information on what benefits you are entitled to. When to File Filing for unemployment should be the first item on your agenda when you’ve been laid-off. It might take two or three weeks to collect a check, so the sooner you file, the faster you’ll get paid. A delay in filing will mean a delay in collecting.How to File Contact your State Unemployment Office for directions on how to file for unemployment compensation. You may be able to file over the phone. In general, to file a claim you will need:Social Security Number,Alien Registration Card if you’re not a US citizen,Mailing address including zip code,Phone number,Names, addresses and dates of employment of all your past employers for the last two years.Getting PaidIt generally takes a few weeks after your claim to receive your first benefit check. Some States, like New York, require a one-week waiting period; therefore, the second week claimed is the first week of payment. Once your claim is approved you should be able to file weekly by phone or mail. When You QuitCan you collect unemployment if you quit your job? It depends. In most cases, if you voluntarily left employment you are not eligible. However, if you left for “good cause” you may be able to collect. “Good cause” would be determined by the state unemployment office and you will be able to make a case for why you are eligible for benefits. If your claim is denied, you should be entitled to a hearing where you can plead your case.State Requirements Registering with the state job service and actively seeking work is a requirement while collecting unemployment. You must be ready, willing, available, and able to work. The Job Service may require job seekers to apply for jobs, submit resumes, and not turn down a position if it meets certain standards.The state Job Service Offices are excellent resources to assist with a job search. Many free services are offered including job listings, career counseling, resume and cover letter writing help, and training. Our job listings by state directory has links to state employment services. Take advantage of the help they can give you – it will make your job search easier.
Letter of Resignation Examples
Date:
Mr. (First Name) (Last Name)
(Title)
(Company Name)
(Address)
(City), (State) (ZIP)
Dear (Mr., Ms., Mrs.) (Last Name),
I am sorry to inform you that I am leaving (Company Name). This was a difficult decision, as working for (Company Name) has been a positive experience and one for which I am thankful. I have learned a great deal here, and have enjoyed working on our projects with you. However, career enhancement opportunities have led me to accept a position with another company. This final decision was reached only after thorough consideration.
In order to lessen the impact of my departure I have postponed the effective date of my leaving until two weeks after the date of this letter.
I wish continued success to (Company Name), to your projects, and to you. Please feel free to contact me after I leave if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
CC:
(Name)
Department Manager
(Name)
Director, Human Resources
Letter of Resignation example #2
Date:
Mr. (First Name) (Last Name)
(Title)
(Company Name)
(Address)
(City), (State) (ZIP)
Dear (Mr., Ms., Mrs.) (Last Name),
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as (position) for (Company Name) to become effective as of (Date). I have accepted a position in (State, place).
I believe this position will offer me more challenge and opportunity for advancement as well as allow me to broaden my own skills, experience and knowledge.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you and (Company Name) for your time and efforts in my training and advancement during the last (time period). The support and concern shown for me has been deeply appreciated. There will be no need for the extension for a counter offer as I would not look favorably upon it.
I wish you and the company continued success, and should you need my assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
CC:
(Name)
Department Manager
(Name)
Director, Human Resources
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