sickofthewait wrote:
Hey all - Long time lurker, first time poster here. I just found this thread and could use some advice. I was recently admitted to a top 15 program with a full scholarship. Of course they are doing the Kroll background check. I didn't lie on anything on my application, but there are 2 things that might need explaining.
The first is that 1.5 years ago I was charged with a DWI. However, the charges were dropped (because it was a b.s. charge in the first place), but I know that it shows up on background checks (only that I was charged). I cannot have it expunged for 2 years....so, I have to wait till the end of this year to completely erase it from my record. On my application, they asked if I've ever been "convicted" or plead "no contest" to anything other than some sort of a misdemeanor (not sure of the exact wording). So, I checked "no" which is completely accurate. I now have the opportunity to contact them to "clarify" anything that might need clarification but am debating even bringing it up, since I answered the question truthfully and accurately. Thoughts?
I say wait and see if they even bring it up. As long as you answered truthfully in the first place, I don't see it being a problem, especially if you explain the situation the way you have above in the off chance they ask. The school has gone through the trouble of admitting you, they won't let you go without a fight.
sickofthewait wrote:
The second is a bit more trivial....I am pretty sure that for one of my recommenders, I listed him as my supervisor, when technically, he is an "indirect supervisor." I do all my work for him, but I report to someone else. I won't go into details, but the guy I report to would probably have had typos in his letter of recommendation, whereas the guy I used (who has a much more prestigious job and reputation within the company) is someone I really respect and was thrilled to have write my letter of recommendation. My concern here is that if Kroll asks the company (i.e. HR) who I report to, they will list a different name than the person who wrote my letter. I know for a fact that if Kroll contacts my recommender, he would either say he was my supervisor or explain the situation, as we have already discussed this scenario. Does anyone know if this is a big deal at all?
Thanks in advance!!
Kroll is not likely to ask HR who your direct supervisor is. Also, the person writing your recommendation doesn't even have to be your direct supervisor. One of my recommenders is a person that supervised me on a few projects, but I was not her direct report by any means. I made sure she explained the extent of her supervisory responsibility in her recommendation. The only requirement is that the person writing it should be able to speak to your professional abilities and leadership potential - they could be a client, supervisor, etc. I doubt that the person who wrote it explicitly said that s/he is your only and direct supervisor, you're sweating small stuff here. Kroll will contact HR and they will want to know dates, salaries, titles. Then they will contact your recommender and will want to know if they actually wrote the recommendation (do they know you at all? For how long?) and what your last title was, and that's it.