Job Discussion Forums

[BSUMatt]

Hey everyone, I have a question about criminal records with a slightly different twist. When I was young I got a felony for selling weed. Since then I did well for myself, graduated college, and did many other resume boosting activities (pres. of fraternity, student body senator, etc). Just yesterday I went before the judge and set in motion a record change which will modify the charge to a misdemeanor. Now I just have to wait 1-3 weeks for the paperwork to go through and the judge to sign it.

My question is, when in the application process are background checks done? How thorough and how accurate are they? Once I applied to Best Buy (stating my felony) and they received a faulty report back saying that I had three. Apparently the company running the check counted every time I appeared in court a separate felony. I got that cleared up, but now I have zero faith in anyone's ability to accurately search at least my background.

I'm hoping to start applying for jobs teaching English and I was wondering if anyone here has been involved in the process of background checks. I would like to find out if I should wait a few weeks to put in applications or if I could start the process now. Any info I could get on the process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[tttompatz]

Most places don't do background checks. Mexico, central/south America, Africa, and a few countries in Asia are open to you.

For those that do have background checks, ANY positive finding, regardless of the nature, showing on your record will be automatic grounds for refusal of a work visa.

As a US citizen most of Europe is not an option (EU rules for getting a work visa - not because of your history). A few countries in Eastern Europe may be open to US citizens and some do not require a background check.

.

[spiral78]

Central/Eastern Europe (where a US citizen does have a legal chance at work) DOES require criminal background checks. Further, the OP will need a CELTA or equivalent certification - and jobs aren't normally found from abroad in this region, necessitating the payment of start-up costs (air ticket to the region, first month or two of room/board).

[Sashadroogie]

Come to Russia. No background checks that I know of... In any case criminals fit right in!!

[Justin Trullinger]

[tttompatz]

[AGoodStory]

[Blingcosa]

I want to do a comprehensive listing at some stage, as this is an often-asked question, and I have my own issue with a drink driving charge.

As far as I know, you are okay in China, Cambodia, Argentina and Russia.

Japan asks, but doesn't check - so there is the possiblility of a 'memory lapse' there.

Some countries ask, but a conviction isn't always an instant rejection - sounds like the case with Ecuador. Maybe this is the case with Thailand too: they require a background check, but I think they are more concerned about sex offenders.

I have heard that any offence will have you denied a work visa for Saudi, Vietnam or Korea, but there might always be the chance to work 'sub-legally' on a tourist visa.

[Justin Trullinger]

[Montanaland]

All background checks are not equal...meaning some are more rigid than others.

For comparison I have a 500 something credit score at this moment meaning I would not pass the www.dss.mil credit check to work in a mail room (70k yr) or some other info sensitive menial logcapiv job(s) through fluor.com and dyn-intl.com etc.


About 1/2 of all logcapiv jobs do not require secret clearence and above which require excellent credit. I guess if you've had serious legal problems such as a felony etc.. I'd imagine you would have to stick to certain countries. At my H.S. where I work as well as any other white collar job in Amerika a clean background is a must

[HLJHLJ]

I applied for a 12-1X in the UK earlier this year, I needed a copy of my criminal record check. It wasn't a CRB certificate (I have one of those as well, but they don't accept them) it was a specific type of letter from ACPO.

I don't have a criminal record, so I have no idea whether it would show up, but the letter only cost about �12 in the UK.

The consulate rules vary slightly by country (and in USA by state for some reason), so it may be worth shopping around.

Be aware that Ecuador have really tightened up on visas over the last few months, and it's causing a lot of people here headaches.

[naturegirl321]

Go to Peru. No background checks, no visas, housing, or flights for that matter either

[geekpie]

At the moment I think if you have a minor offence on your record it isn't a problem, especially if it is a long time ago. I have a misdemeanor on record from when I was 15-16, a good 10-12 years ago. Unfortunately because I'm from the UK, child records become spent but can never be expunged like they can in the states. The UK frequently comes under criticism for it's criminalisation of children, but that's another topic I guess. On topic, I know Japan takes a particularly dim view of narcotics offences. What's to bet that before long EVERY country will require checks and refuse anyone with ANY form of offence, no matter how trivial?

[Big Poppa Pump]

As it isn't a federal offense get a CRC from a different state. You ought to come up aces if you do that. Just use your mate's place as an address to send the results.

[WanderAround]