Background checks?

Question

Do most schools do background checks once admitted?

I'm curious because my previous employer (Icelandic bank) has gone belly up so there's nobody to call and verify the info I've provided is accurate.

To top it off, my employer prior to that was a hush-hush hedge fund with – zero online presence, I have no phone number for them, and frankly, can’t even figure out if they still exist.

In a case like that – how do they go about verifying the info on my app/ resume? (I don’t have pay slips or contracts or anything like that dating back to my first 2 of 4 jobs since undergrad…)

losttraveler · Answer

Yes most do background checks... as far as the company going belly-up.. there should be something online (I would imagine)... even my family which owns a small company (11 employees) doesn't have a website but you can still find a posting about info based on yahoo etc for it.

scielle · Answer

Oh sure, there's some online evidence of the Icelandic bank having existed - but no one to call and verify my data as clearly the HR department is long gone.

As for the hedge fund - intentionally no online presence. Nada, zip. The place was a black box (hence my leaving after less than a year... long story)

mbarealestate · Answer

What type of background checks do schools have for extracurriculars?

MDF · Answer

Surely you have some sort of record...paystubs?

cwhs · Answer

Assuming this is an international hedge fund, you can always look for their tax filings. If this is an American firm, look for their SEC filings. That'll at least tell you if they're still in business.

randompasserby · Answer

Tell the truth on your application. Nothing more, nothing less.

All schools will have background checks, but all schools are familiar with handling cases where people's employers have gone under (especially after 2007/8). Schools are generally reasonable in the face of complications, by the time that they are doing the background checks, you'll have been offered a place - the school wants you there and are just doing their due dilligence.

I also presume that at least some of your recommenders are professional and will be able to vouch for you.

MBAbot · Answer

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Background checks?

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