Expert: William Payne - 12/14/2006

Question
I have a question I hope you can answer.  I applied for a position with the Federal Government (police officer).  I have passed all of the requirements (stress test, physical exam, interview, background, agility, pscyh eval, drug test, and what ever test they have given me).  The agency is now verifying previous employers.  All of my previous employers have given me satisfactory reviews, but one previous police department they have not contacted yet may not do so.  I worked for this department over 10 years ago and resigned due to personal issues with certain fellow officers.  Long story short, they were not the type of officers I could work with and keep a good conscience.  Some of those officers still work for this department now.  I left the department with no suspensions, disciplinary actions, or citizen complaints.  I fear that these officers may say things to the investigator that may damage my reputation or chance to be hired by this governmental agency.  How should I inform the investigator of this?  Should I even be worried that this is an issue since I have done very well on all of my other jobs and tests?

Answer
Frank,

Thanks for the question.

The investigator that is covering your background can probably filter out any information that might be derogatory, but untruthful. I really would not stress out about it unless the investigator says something to you concerning any negative responses. Did you tell the investigator up front about the individuals in this particular department and why you quit? That information might be of use to the investigator.

I think you will do all right if you have completed all of the other requirements and background checks.

I always tell potential candidates that there will be someone or some persons that will always give negative information about a top candidate, but a good investigator will weed out what is real or not.

Good luck!