Press Release
Be Honest with Your Next Potential Employer, Especially when Employee Background Checks are Performed
Friday, May 30, 2008
I have been verbally extended a job offer from a company I am excited about working for. However, the offer is contingent on the successful completion of an employee background check. When should I resign from my current employer?
If you have no major issues in your background I wouldn’t be too concerned. If, however, there are problems that have occurred (i.e. an arrest, lawsuit, poor credit, etc.) make sure the employer making the offer knows about the situation(s) even if you have an expunged record. If you address the circumstances prior to the background check the potential employer may be forgiving of any previous indiscretion(s).
People genuinely like surprises, but not in this case. If a prospective employer is not kept in the loop about these issues the likelihood of them being forgiving is very minimal. They will feel that you deliberately tried to hide these facts from them and that you are not a trustworthy person. Therefore it is always in your best interest once a verbal offer has been extended and you know a background check will be completed to provide full disclosure to the hiring authority.
Once the background check has been completed and the verbal offer turns into a written offer you should then give your two week notice. Do not proceed until you have documentation in hand. Although you may want to give your resignation based on the verbal offer, a written offer solidifies the position and will make you feel at ease when providing you resignation letter.