Worried About Past Background Check Mistake? Will It Affect My New Job Switch?

Background Check Discrepancy: My Experience

Four years ago, I switched jobs for the first time from a small, low-paying job to a large corporate entity. My official title in the previous company was 'Trainee Research Associate'. However, since I had a low-paying job and was inexperienced in switching jobs at that time, I didn't verify the payslip and offer letter for the official title/designation. By mistake, in my resume and during background checks, I wrote 'Equity Research Associate' as I worked in the Equity division. Due to this discrepancy, the background check was red-flagged, and I was terminated. It was a genuine mistake on my part as I was an inexperienced job switcher back then.

Disclosing Past Mistakes in Background Checks

Now, I will be switching companies again and have disclosed this event in my background check since the third party conducting the background check is the same as the one who red-flagged it four years ago. In between, I have changed jobs but never disclosed this issue as it didn't specifically ask for very short-term employment. Since I have disclosed the issue to prospective employers and during background checks, will it affect my employment in a new company? Specifically, will I be red-flagged again? All other details are correct on my resume.

I don't think you need to be apprehensive about this. Normally, the BGV team will not retain past data beyond four years. Additionally, the verifying person may not necessarily be the same individual. Importantly, you have provided accurate information, and there is nothing untrue. Therefore, the likelihood of being red-flagged on this account is close to nil.

Thank you for your response. Since it happened at the very start of my career, the event still affects me to this day, and hence I am anxious as I have already resigned from my current organization.

The Importance of Proper Documentation

Keeping documentation in proper shape and making honest disclosures enable employees to breathe easily. One never knows when a wrong disclosure can crop up and create trouble. The importance of proper documentation is vital when we are in employment. Reading the fine print and clarifying all doubts or queries is equally essential when accepting jobs or quitting.

Having said this, in this case, chances are remote under normal circumstances. In any event, you have facts ready with you, so you can explain away any discrepancy that normally may not come up in your case.