3 ms·

Unfortunately, the worst offender of this is the federal government. Essentially any federal position, regardless of actual job position, requires a background

Unfortunately, the worst offender of this is the federal government. Essentially any federal position, regardless of actual job position, requires a background check.

gtsteve 6y ago
Most government jobs in the UK require this too. However, they don't require a spotless record but there would be some types of offences (serious fraud, affiliation with organised crime, etc) that would make it impossible. It's assessed based on the job, the offence, and how long ago it was. Does a background check in the US imply that they'd never consider anyone with any blemish on their record whatsoever? Surely it just means they have to make an informed decision.
- ciarannolan 6y ago
  > Does a background check in the US imply that they'd never consider anyone with any blemish on their record whatsoever? No, but federal jobs usually get dozens or hundreds of applicants. Removing felons is usually one of the first filters they use to narrow the field.
- deleted 6y ago
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bityard 6y ago
Which is a good thing. A background check looks for past, present, and future issues that could indicate a pattern of unethical or illegal behavior, or conflicts of interest. Every employee, regardless of actual job position, is given some level of inherent trust over the country's money, data, or physical assets. A background check is a minimal defense against misplacing that trust. (Insert snide remark about elected/appointed politicians here.)