What you need to know about employer scrutiny

With the passing of Steve Jobs, we are reminded of how technology, information sharing and the internet have changed since its inception.  Just 7 years ago, the idea of typing your name into Google and having your name appear in the search engines was unheard of, let alone LinkedIn and Facebook.

These are exciting times and an information sharing revolution is upon us.  As a job seeker, you need to be aware that this information sharing has taken us to a new age as a job seeker, in both the public and private sector.  What you primarily need to be aware of, is that the majority of employers and recruiters are undertaking comprehensive background checks on all applicants  (both online and offline) and if you apply for a government job, background checks are usually mandatory, with those requiring security clearance undergoing very intensive scrutiny.

So what does this all mean to you as a job seeker?

1. Get prepared

To reduce the chances of you, or the employer being surprised by the information found during the background check progress, then make sure you do the following:

Order a copy of your credit report:  Check your credit record and make sure that there is nothing on this report that could be detrimental to your reputation.  If there is something you disagree with, then you can resolve this issues before your information gets accessed by a potential employer, or the government.

Read the fine print:  When signing a job application, you will also be asked to sign a consent form, authorising a background check to be conducted, to overcome the Privacy laws.  If uncertain, ask questions.  If unnecessary information is requested, such as bank account number, mother’s maiden name, etc. (especially online) – be very wary, as no potential employer needs that detail up front.

Touch base with your referees:  Make sure there are no surprises here by contacting your referees and letting them know what jobs you are applying for.  The overwhelming majority of employers will contact them, before employing you.

Touch base with your colleagues:  Some of the more intensive background searches for high security clearance will result in even your neighbours and colleagues being contacted for information.

Make sure the information an organisation or agency holds about you is accurate and up to date.   When your personal information changes, it is a good idea to inform organisations, such as ATO, Centrelink, that your personal details have changed, so that they reflect the information that you provide on your job application, (if applying for government jobs).

Google your name and get rid of Digital Dirt:  Google your name and check what comes up about you and if necessary remove all material that could make a bad impression, such as questionable comments on blogs or on facebook, participation in seedy forums, or unflattering photographs.  Anything posted about you on the internet is fair game, so tidy up what is online, or better still use the internet to enhance your career, such as posting articles online within your area of expertise.

Improve your online profile:  If you use Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, make sure there is NOTHING on these pages that could be detrimental to your reputation.  Instead use these tools to enhance your online profile.

2. Don’t lie or exaggerate on your resume and selection criteria

It is estimated that up to 30% of job applicants lie, or exaggerate on their job application.  I think most job seekers at some stage have told the little lies, such as slightly stretching dates of employment, inflating past achievements, enhancing job titles and responsibilities.  A small minority go even further and fabricate degrees, fake credential and provide fraudulent references.

While in the past, a little blurring might have been overlooked – employers are increasingly wary and performing more background checks.  Also keep in mind that if you are applying for a job in government that requires security clearance, the repercussions for your career could be dire if a lie is exposed, as you could be eliminated from securing a job in government in the future.  So DON’T tell big fat lies on your job application.

What this means to the modern resume, selection criteria and job application form, is keep them truthful!  That does not mean you can’t use the sneaky professional tricks to enhance your document, just don’t engage in fraudulent behaviour.  For example, it is OK to omit past employment, if it is irrelevant to the job, or very old, but it is NOT OK to exaggerate the length of time you spent in a particular job.  Likewise it is OK to use very strong action words to emphasise your achievements, but it is NOT OK to exaggerate the percentage of sales that you made on the job.

While you might still get away with those lies and exaggerations, you do risk sabotaging your career, in particular for high executive positions and positions where security clearance is required.

In conclusion:  Today‘s job seeker, cannot necessarily hide from their mistakes, their criminal records, even their dating profiles, online blog entries and everything else in-between on the internet.  And this is only the beginning of information sharing and the internet revolution!