Job Discussion Forums

StayingPower · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 252

I'm a little worried about this, as I had a misdemeanor over a year ago and wonder if it'll hold things up. They've hired me, but include a statement to the effect of you not having a criminal record. Sure enough, I do, but only a very slight misdemeanor.

What should I do? Tell them?

lou_la · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Bristol

I'd tell them. If it shows on your CRB check they'll find out anyway.

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

The way I see it, if you own up about a minor misdemeanour at least they know you are an honest person. Which I consider a very redeeming quality. If you don't, they might never really trust you, even if you are hired. Even in the Wild West (East?) of Taiwan, it's worth keepign your nose clean.

If you really want to check, you can look up one of the users on this forum, whois involved in the Hess HR department. His username is atiff and his name is Andrew Tiffany, and from his posts he seems like a very reasonable guy. No better person around to give you the lowdown.

StayingPower · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 252

I contacted one of the management and asked him if misdemeanors mean you're anathema. He hasn't yet replied. If he does, and asks me, then I'll tell him.

Sound okay?

atiff · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 66

Hi,

The purpose of Hess requiring a background check is to ensure we have safe schools and safe, responsible people working in them. We take each case of an existing criminal record into consideration during the hiring process, obviously. But generally, if it is minor and not habitual then you probably don't have to worry about it affecting your employment with Hess.

dracotei · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 48

Mr. Tiffany,

My question doesn't have to do with a criminal record since I don't have one. However, since I have seen your post, I would like to ask a question that most of us don't really get to ask, especially not in an interview. If you have the time and the disposition, here's what I'd like to know.

As possible employees we are often asked why we would choose Taiwan, for instance, as a country, and more specifically, why HESS as our employer. In your opinion, why is Taiwan a country that ESL teachers should consider first when choosing their destination, and more importantly, why HESS? In other words, what makes your school different from the rest?

Thank you kindly
Chris

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

atiff · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 66

blateson · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144

how exactly does an American, stuck in Asia (Taiwan) and not going home for say another year, get a background check done? On top of that, considering that family members or friends back home may not be effective at getting the job done either, how is the American supposed to have it done then?

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

I (a UK citizen) applied for background checks from Japan and the UK for the purposes of immigration to Canada. Both were done quite easily through the respective countries trade offices in Taipei.

blateson · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144

I'm American and all the rumors I've heard over the last 2 years about getting police reports and checks have all indicated it's just about a nightmare for us Americans. I haven't heard of anyone doing it while staying in Asia, all had to fly back to the US and wait out 90 days or more, go through loops and delays. Out of the question for me now. Also don't see family or friends fighting it out back home if it's going to be too difficult.

atiff · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 66