I was roaming around the internet when I came across a couple of employment forums where candidates for jobs with the city were talking about either lying about their past job history or about run-ins with the law.
I was tempted to put my two-cents in but as I followed the threads I was concerned that I would be dragged into the muck. Some people tried to justify their actions out of fear of losing the opportunity. Others actually didn’t think anything was wrong with “forgetting” to acknowledge their past history on the application. And others misunderstood the question of “Have you ever been arrested” versus “Have you ever been convicted of a crime or felony”. It seems that even if charges were dropped or not filed and the record “supposedly” cleared of the arrest, the record of being arrested seems to stick around.
Now, my usual disclaimer with a bit of enhancement – I’m not an HR person nor am I a lawyer or legal professional (the “enhanced” part) – this is just opinion and discussion. However, as a hiring manager and knowing the background check that is performed by most, if not all, agencies, you will be found out sooner or later.
Now, I’m not talking about the “great pretenders” – the ones who claim to have skills and experience and then are “found out” to be severely lacking in one or both when interviewed. I know that some are desperate for a job and others thought they could make it through. Even some who were fired from a job might be able to get through if their old employer is no longer in existence and a reference check can’t be made. But as far as where you say you live is not where you really live; if your degree, license or certification is not real; and if you have tickets, arrests, convictions, or more, you will be found out sooner or later.
NYPD and FDNY, as both handle law enforcement as part of their day-to-day activities (remember FDNY has Fire Marshals), do their own background checks. I’ve had several experiences where I’d interview a candidate, submit the paperwork, and then receive a call from the Marshals stating the “candidate is no longer viable. Please select another”. As true professionals I wouldn’t ask – and they wouldn’t say – what the particulars were.
For other agencies, many rely on the NYC Department of Investigations, or DOI, to help with the checks. DOI can do detailed investigations as well as perform arrests and other tasks that law enforcement entities do. Many city employees fear the possible call to “Maiden Lane” where DOI is headquartered…
So, the losing sleep part. In some cases the investigation takes time. One might think they “got one over” on their employer. Most jobs require city residency. The “hard-to-fill” jobs like Radio Repair Mechanic, Auto Mechanic, Computer Specialist (Software) to just name a few, do not require city residency.
FDNY Order from 1968
When I first applied to work for the city (somewhere after the Fire Department stopped using Morse code keys to go back in service but before the internet became popular) I couldn’t get a straight answer about living in the city. “Hard-to-fill” was not understood and some advised me to use my relatives’ address in Queens just to be sure (I did not live in the city). Although I really wanted the job, with a little one on the way and a mortgage payment, I couldn’t live comfortably with this little “secret”. What if I was found out? Lied on the application? Try to produce utility bills and other documents that show I “live” there? Try to keep up that façade – and then keep my job?… so, I went with my non-city address and waited for the straight answer from a confirmed reliable city source – and all was good.
Little did I know that DOI did actual home visits – as did the department’s investigation team.
A word to the wise… the city is bigger than you and has the resources to back it. They are slow. One member of my team was working for over a year before he was called down for his fingerprint check. But the investigation will take place. Could you rest easy for 1, 2, maybe 5 years hoping that maybe it all worked out? Your best bet is to come clean up front with all of your history so you can get this all handled. Make sure your documents are legit and verifiable – no bogus diplomas, degrees, or licenses freshly printed after your resume.
Or maybe your boss will get a call asking you to report to Maiden Lane…
Questions and comments welcomed below.
