Background Check disclosure after offer (job application, 2013, felony, application)

[terrapin6908]

I was offered a position which is contingent on my successfully passing a background check. No where on the initial job application did it ask "Have you ever been convicted..."

I have 2 Illinois misdemeanors, obstruction and resisting stemming from a 2013 incident - I was convicted and served community service.

Should I disclose this to the employer now, prior to my start date? If so, should I email the HR person or call?

Thanks in advance

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by terrapin6908

I was offered a position which is contingent on my successfully passing a background check. No where on the initial job application did it ask "Have you ever been convicted..."

I have 2 Illinois misdemeanors, obstruction and resisting stemming from a 2013 incident - I was convicted and served community service.

Should I disclose this to the employer now, prior to my start date? If so, should I email the HR person or call?

Thanks in advance

Call. And yes, you should disclose it now because if the position is contingent on successfully passing the criminal background check, and you can't pass it - you don't really have a job offer.

[Mr_Geek]

Did you have to fill out a form outside of the application for a background check? Usually this is how it's done and they will ask about any convictions. But yes, call and let them know.

[terrapin6908]

Yes. The "Background Check" form asked if I had been convicted of a felony and I answered no - which is true. But the background "form" detailed that causes for immediate "taking back" of an offer included a misdemeanor in the last 3 years - Mine was nearly 5 years ago. I was never asked about it nor denied anything so I'm simply unsure if I should even open this can of worms...

[Mr_Geek]

Originally Posted by terrapin6908

Yes. The "Background Check" form asked if I had been convicted of a felony and I answered no - which is true. But the background "form" detailed that causes for immediate "taking back" of an offer included a misdemeanor in the last 3 years - Mine was nearly 5 years ago. I was never asked about it nor denied anything so I'm simply unsure if I should even open this can of worms...

Well that changes things a bit. I'd probably not bring it up based on this new info. You passed their test of:

1. Not being convincted of a felony

and

2. Not having a misdemeanor in the last 3 years

[terrapin6908]

I will say that a "Good Hire" basic search came back CLEAR - No records found. But I believe they will do a county search too.

[joe from dayton]

I wouldn't mention it as you do not have a disqualifying arrest or conviction. If they wanted a 5 or 7 year conviction history, they would ask for it.

[shorman]

Disclosing it will do no good. The employer will follow their policy, if the convictions disqualify you nothing you say will change that.

[KellyXY]

Since your offenses are beyond the scope of what they asked you are not obligated to disclose them.

[jnojr]

Originally Posted by terrapin6908

I was offered a position which is contingent on my successfully passing a background check. No where on the initial job application did it ask "Have you ever been convicted..."

I have 2 Illinois misdemeanors, obstruction and resisting stemming from a 2013 incident - I was convicted and served community service.

Should I disclose this to the employer now, prior to my start date? If so, should I email the HR person or call?

Thanks in advance

I would want to get out in front of this, and present it to them in a light that's most favorable to me; rather than have them find out through the background check and feel I was disingenuous or trying to conceal it.