Question about contractors and background checks

[EaglesFan]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I am currently working as a contractor with a large health insurance company here in Virginia. I am not technically employed by the company, but rather through a tech recruiting agency. My position is in IT and I work with data. My one-year contract "expired" in July, and I was recently offered the chance to apply for a permanent position with the company.

My problem is with the background check. I have a few convictions on my record. Two of these are traffic-related misdemeanors from about 7 years ago. I also have a felony for breaking and entering and a misdemeanor for petite larceny. These two were related to the same incident that occured about 5 years ago. None of this came up when I began working here a year ago.

After reviewing the application, I called the HR dept in another state and expressed my concern about the background check. I didn't go into specifics, but she explained that they are mainly looking for "job-related" offenses having to do with dishonesty. She couldn't give me a list, but I assume she is referring to things like fraud, ID theft, embezzlement, etc.

My question is, would any of the convictions on my record be generally considered "job-related" or related to dishonesty? My initial thought was no, but then again, it seems like any crime could be considered dishonest.

Theoretically I could continue working here as a contractor indefinitely, so I don't want to apply for the job if it could jeopardize my current position. The job pays well, and there aren't too many benefits to being an employee as opposed to a contractor.

Thank you for your time.

 

[mlane58]

felony for breaking and entering and a misdemeanor for petite larceny

Come on! breaking and entering - thats dishonest don't you think and petty larceny - HELLO! called stealing--also dishonest!

 

[Betty]

Three total misdemeanors (even though two for traffic offenses) & a felony - you have dishonesty there & it isn't going to look good to an employer on a background check.

 

[EaglesFan]

Three total misdemeanors (even though two for traffic offenses) & a felony - you have dishonesty there & it isn't going to look good to an employer on a background check.

Yeah, I know it doesn't look good. My understanding is they look for specific offenses (fraud etc.), but I don't think it's worth the risk. Thanks.

 

[CO19]

EaglesFan,

I don't think your traffic offense is relevant, unless you will be driving a company vehicle or unless the traffic offense was DUI or other serious misdemeanor. Otherwise, you have a couple convictions that could be "relevant" to most any position and would be a bona-fide concern to any employer.

I would proceed forward with the application process and be up-front and perfectly honest prior to them commencing the b/c. I have found over the years that employers are more accepting of candidates who are upfront about their criminal past and less forgiving when we find it and they learn applicant lied/omitted from application.

Most responsible employers do consider the nature, gravity, relativeness of position, and date of offense, among many other factors, when selecting a candidate. It is anyone's guess how this employer will interpret and use in the selection process. If you've had a good record as a contractor, good employment verification with supervisor, I'm sure they will weigh accordingly.

Good Luck!

 

[EaglesFan]

Thanks for the response, CO19. I hope you're right. Since writing the original post, I talked to HR about my situation and applied for the position. We'll see what happens...