<p>Yesterday I had the unpleasant responsibility of rescinding two offers of employment for candidates. I had to tell the hiring managers that their new employees would not be eligible to work for them and I had to call the candidates and tell them that they were ineligible to apply with us for two years. And both of them were the same reason.<br />
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They lied on their applications. Specifically, they failed to disclose criminal convictions. <br />
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It is important to keep in mind that criminal convictions will not necessarily bar you from employment in most jobs. There are some guidelines, of course. If you have two DUI’s in the last three years, chances are you won’t be eligible to be a driver, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be considered for a sales position, for example. <br />
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Applications for employment are *legal documentation*. And they are the first "official" line of trust between you and a new employer. Why would an employer want to hire you if you start off your relationship with a lie? <br />
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Background checks of any kind are confidential. If a past conviction is disclosed but does not have a direct bearing on the responsibilities of the position, the hiring manager never sees the results of it. Only HR has access to this sort of information. So not disclosing it for fear of looking bad for your new boss is a needless worry. <br />
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So do yourself and us all a favor. Be honest. It really *is* the best policy. </p>
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