Behind Investigational Background and Drug Test Policies ......

   If you  need to exaggerate or falsify  some information on your personal background to help you get in the door of your next employer or big money opportunity, at least be aware on how the HR investigational policies and drug tests are performed today by most large US companies. Although I don't promote untruthfulness , understanding these policies may improve your chances of not getting " busted"  ! Better yet, a second chance in life.

 Please keep in mind, a company  can perform both drug tests and background investigations. If you are lucky , you may find a company  not interested in either.  If you are being represented by an agency, ask them upfront about their clients hiring policies. Believe me, even if you murdered someone the agencies would do every thing they can to make their $$ commission on you.  If they have successfully managed to hire for that company in the past, they will know the existing policies. Either way, talk to people in your specialized field . You can probably find someone who has worked at that company in the past. Don't waste everybody's time going thru the interviewing process (including HR , agencies, and iT Corporate Recruiters),  if you have something in your closet that will cause you to  fail their preliminary prescreening.  Focus on  employers with  lenient  hiring policies ! 

 A little secret, did you know that most large law firms in the US don't perform drug or investigational procedures. The lawyers are afraid of  lawsuits.  Only in America !  

 Now, what does an investigational background really mean ?  It means that a company can verify a number of things in your background. Most of these include the following: employment verification of past employers including corresponding title and dates; personal credit or financial bankruptcy information ; driving record including citation and accident information; criminal or arrest convictions; citizenship. 

  If an investigational background takes place it will most likely be performed by an outside agency that was contracted by the company of interest. It usually takes about seven days to get the information back from the hired  investigational agency and will be submitted in a detailed report format to the prospective company. Please note, that the hired investigational agency may not be able to obtain all requested information. The HR rep will most likely look for falsification red flags that contradict your application. Once again, that is why it is important to write your reference contact information clearly and accurately on the employer application. Believe me, if the information that the investigational agency has received is inaccurate or unreadable , they are not going to waste their time trying to figure it out!  It will come across as unverifiable in the submitted report. Obviously, having allot of unverifiable information in your application will not look good in the report and may set a red flag with the Human Resource Department.

  From my past experience, most companies today don't  check financial information any longer. Of course, if you are being considered by a security or banking institution, bankruptcy has prevented some of my candidates from getting the job offer.

  Now about the drug test. You would be surprised how many people loose out on great $ opportunities because they are unable to pass a little ole drug test. My advise, if you are a recreational drug user lay off  3 months prior to your job hunting. If you need drugs in your life for some reason, one way around drug tests is to work as a consultant. Most consulting  or internet startup companies , don't perform drug tests or  perform investigational backgrounds.  But Paleease,  don't  try to bring in your friend's  pee to the drug testing center. It doesn't work !