Background Checks - Time Taken

Question

Hi All - I am soon to be applying to a number of top Euro MBAs for 2013 entry.

Given I am a fairly paranoid character, I do not wish to resign from my employment until I have been 100% accepted - including the background checks (Not that I have anything to hide). I am in a very well paid position and do not want to run any tail risk of resigning, then the MBA falling through

Can anyone opine on the time taken do get the background checks signed off? I am really hoping they don't leave these really late. Do BSs generally complete these asap after you accepting an offer in principle?

krussell · Answer

What kind of background checks? I've only heard of business schools asking you for proof like transcripts, references, and the likes. Most ask for your current supervisor, which should take care of your work history check.

Professionally, I've had background checks for work and those generally take less than a week and are done fairly soon after interviews.

Kohsamed · Answer

I had assumed that Business Schools did full criminal records, credit, employment and educational background checks

Is this not the case? Seems odd

mazwaz · Answer

Yes it is the case, business schools perform a background check using a professional company. I was in the same situation than you and I just explained my situation and gave them an approx resignation date so they can contact my employer. They were very convenient and checked everything else before my employment background. They know the process and how delicate it could be.

Kohsamed · Answer

Thank you - May I ask what school this was?

A few years ago we had a guy accepted to join our desk, who duly resigned from his job. A few weeks later he failed our background check due and could not join. He failed the check due to a technicality, and had done nothing wrong to be honest. Hence my paranoia!

mazwaz · Answer

it is IMD, but they don't perform the background checks themselves. Instead they use a professional company and I believe almost all the top business schools go through the same process. They only asked my employer about my position designation, the date I started to work for them ...

For the educational checks it is about the same they just check what you put on your application (the years, degree etc ...). I think that if they have any doubt about one finding they give you a chance to explain.

Background Checks - Time Taken

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