what questions are asked of references & emplo

[collider]

Hi all. So I survived the polygraph (barely). For the obvious reasons, I don't want to draw attention to that or be congratulated or anything - I'm just moving right onto the background check.

It was delayed for a couple of reasons and is about to get underway. All of my references are very cool, but a couple are  kind of freaked out and want to know what to expect.

Also, I was laid off from a previous job (not for cause) and I'd like to know what they're going to ask my previous employer. I was in the hiring pipeline when I got laid off, and mentioned the possibility of a background check to my boss at the time - he said it wouldn't be a problem as those kinds of things ask about trustworthiness and competence and stuff.

If anyone here has served as a reference in the past and knows what kind of questions to expect (whether as a "friend" reference or a past employer reference), please let me know what kind of questions are asked.

Thanks

[polyfool]

Hi all. So I survived the polygraph (barely). For the obvious reasons, I don't want to draw attention to that or be congratulated or anything - I'm just moving right onto the background check.

It was delayed for a couple of reasons and is about to get underway. All of my references are very cool, but a couple are  kind of freaked out and want to know what to expect.

Also, I was laid off from a previous job (not for cause) and I'd like to know what they're going to ask my previous employer. I was in the hiring pipeline when I got laid off, and mentioned the possibility of a background check to my boss at the time - he said it wouldn't be a problem as those kinds of things ask about trustworthiness and competence and stuff.

If anyone here has served as a reference in the past and knows what kind of questions to expect (whether as a "friend" reference or a past employer reference), please let me know what kind of questions are asked.

Thanks

Collider,
If you've had no trouble in the employment arena, then you have nothing to worry about with the background check. The questions vary depending on the agency. Don't sweat the getting laid off w/o cause. Though, if you were in the middle of the hiring process, there may not be much for that employer to add other than perhaps checking the information you provided in your application there with the information you provided your future employer. Here's an idea of what you can expect to be asked of your former employers and co-workers:

Does he function well under pressure?
Have you ever seen him lose his temper?
What kinds of Rx drugs has he taken?
Have you ever known him to abuse alcohol or use and/or sell illegal drugs?
Is he eligible for rehire? (Employer only)
Are there any write-ups in his file? (Employer only)
What were his job responsibilities?
Do you know him to harbor any ill feelings toward one particular group--eg. minorities, religious group?
Is he loyal to the U.S Government?
What kind of person is he--of high moral character?
Can he be trusted to guard classified information?
Is this a person you would recommend for employment with this agency?

Hope this helps put your mind at ease.

[collider]

Thanks polyfool - very helpful. Still waiting on the BI to get into full swing (I know it's started, but it's dragging like all heck).

One other question - are arrests fatal to getting a clearance? I was arrested 2 years ago pretty much for mouthing off to a cop (I didn't insult him or anything, but I made the grave mistake of getting all lawylerly - he was obviously in a pissy mood and took it out on me; the case was eventually thrown out).

It would really, really stink if after enduring the interviews, the testing, and finally, THE POLYGRAPH to get DQed for a stupid decision I made when I was 22.

PS - the arrest was not for anything drug or alcohol related.

[polyfool]

Thanks polyfool - very helpful. Still waiting on the BI to get into full swing (I know it's started, but it's dragging like all heck).

One other question - are arrests fatal to getting a clearance? I was arrested 2 years ago pretty much for mouthing off to a cop (I didn't insult him or anything, but I made the grave mistake of getting all lawylerly - he was obviously in a pissy mood and took it out on me; the case was eventually thrown out).

It would really, really stink if after enduring the interviews, the testing, and finally, THE POLYGRAPH to get DQed for a stupid decision I made when I was 22.

PS - the arrest was not for anything drug or alcohol related.

Collider,

I assume you disclosed this information to the agency on your background security form? If that's the case, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It would seem the agency would not have bothered to move forward with your application after learning of the arrest if it was that concerned about it. If however, you did not disclose it, it may present a problem. The fact that it was as recent as two years ago may not be so good as well as that it may be considered to indicate a lack of judgement on your part. I honestly can't offer you much advice in this area as I have never even come close to being arrested--one speeding ticket my whole life. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help. In the end, it will be up to an adjudicator to decide. If the arrest presents a problem, you should be allowed to give your side of the story in your own defense. Bottom line--if you disclosed it up front, I wouldn't sweat it. Good luck.

[collider]

Collider,

I assume you disclosed this information to the agency on your background security form? If that's the case, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It would seem the agency would not have bothered to move forward with your application after learning of the arrest if it was that concerned about it. If however, you did not disclose it, it may present a problem. The fact that it was as recent as two years ago may not be so good as well as that it may be considered to indicate a lack of judgement on your part. I honestly can't offer you much advice in this area as I have never even come close to being arrested--one speeding ticket my whole life. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help. In the end, it will be up to an adjudicator to decide. If the arrest presents a problem, you should be allowed to give your side of the story in your own defense. Bottom line--if you disclosed it up front, I wouldn't sweat it. Good luck.

Thanks for the insight polyfool - the arrest was the result of a ridiculous, ridiculous miscommunication. I've never come close to getting arrested in my life other than this surreal incident. I'll keep you updated as things move forward - I really hope it isn't fatal to the application (esp. after the poly