So i'm in a quandary.....
ok. you guys know how hard i've been trying to get back into engineering. it finally has happened. i got hired on with a firm near the job i have now getting a very nice salary, neighborhood of 75. here's the problem: my background. after i put in my two week notice at the panel shop my recruiter calls me and says that i need to come in for drug testing (no problem there) and.......background check. i'm considering something zippyt suggested last night during our extensive phone conversation. he suggested that i go by the firm and talk with my lead engineer and tell him my history. it's a private firm, not a corporation, so that's a plus. they like my attitude and appearance another plus. i can give them references to my current jobshop employer (i'm on contract at the panel shop) who i've known for 20 years and knows my background history as well as my work ethic and i can also give them the track as a reference. after all, i am a manager there and responsible for my crew, running the business and trusted with the monies. SO. do i go in and tell them or keep my mouth shut and hope the new job shop doesn't run my background?? i'm leaning towards going into the office and sitting down with Dan, the electrical engineer lead and having a chat with him.
I'd trust Zippy's advice. But then again, I've never asked him for advice so I don't know if he gives good advice or not. :p: No, seriously, I'd take his advice. With background check, they'll know everything.
I don't know, but I think the best bet would be to be honest, and going in there to tell them your history before they do a check is proactive and gives you the best chance.
Yup. It sounds like you have lots of positive referees to put forward and I think going in to speak to someone is a good approach. Be relaxed, try not to be anxious, give them the "I'm a good guy" vibe which I certainly get from all your posts here. Good luck.
In my experience, everyone who says they're going to run a background check actually runs one. Go in and talk to him before he finds out another way.
i am. but jeez. i'm so nervous and getting more anxious by the minute. go buy stock in charmine! i can't stay out of the restroom! (tmi i know but that's how nervous i am)
Oh phlthy! Just imagine that all teh Cellar gurrlz are giving you a back rub! That should relax you (though on seconds thoughts maybe not! Perhaps you don't want to take a stiffy into that meeting :lol:).
Absolutely be the one to present the story.
It is vitally important for you to control the customer's experience. You need to create the story.
To make yourself less nervous think of it as an "elevator speech" a quick 30 second here's my story.
It's important that you don't sound bitter, blaming, or guilty. Just matter of fact, like a speeding ticket. Own it 100% You picked a shitty lawyer, you had (we all hope) shitty choice in women, you should have stayed in bed that day.
It's not like you have a long rap sheet and you keep failing the whiz quiz.
But practice your elevator speech and write it out and look it over for words that don't make it seem like you are ok with it.
Absolutely be the one to present the story.
It is vitally important for you to control the customer's experience. You need to create the story.
To make yourself less nervous think of it as an "elevator speech" a quick 30 second here's my story.
It's important that you don't sound bitter, blaming, or guilty. Just matter of fact, like a speeding ticket. Own it 100% You picked a shitty lawyer, you had (we all hope) shitty choice in women, you should have stayed in bed that day.
It's not like you have a long rap sheet and you keep failing the whiz quiz.
But practice your elevator speech and write it out and look it over for words that don't make it seem like you are ok with it.
This. All of this.
plthijinx, you problem right now is that you want this way too much. Treat it as a practice run. You do need to practice dealing with this type of situation, you know, in order for you to be at ease with it. I don't think this is the only job offer you are ever going to have.
Wow, Pico.
Different slant.
Not wrong, just came from outside my own realm of thought.
I say tell them.
But as Pico says, be calm (not clam as I originally typed)
It's November, so clams are OK.
If you intend to be working there for a long time, you definitely need to tell them. Even if there is no background check now, the policy could change or a client could demand it as a condition of work. While the issue may or may not cause them to not hire you, finding out that you lied to them will definitely be cause for firing.
The only good jobs that do not require a background check these days seem to be Congressman and POTUS.
guys your support is noted and appreciated. keep it coming. rich, i thought about that too. my passport has to be renewed and i may end up going to nigeria for a project. travel to different country? have to see if i can get in. "wait what do you mean you can't go?" "welllll i kinda had a run in with the wrong woman that made me an unpaid state employee for a bit." "hmm. well now...." shit. just shit. i should be alright but damn y'all.
[I]While the issue may or may not cause them to not hire you, finding out that you lied to them will definitely be cause for firing.
[/I]
Pretty much what i said , betterer for them to Know than be surprised,
Good luck
It'll suck big time if it keeps you from getting hired, but ya gotta tell 'em. I've been there.
At the very least, you'll feel good about being honest and up front with them.
I'm with the majority here. If you're there long term it'll come out one way or another sooner or later. You form friendships with collegues and they meet some of your old friends at some party or something or on a fishing trip maybe and someone says something and there goes the whole kit and kaboodle. Better off not having to remind your old friends never to mention it and better for you not to carry the stress of not telling around with you all the time either. It'll only effect your performance in the end.
Besides, who wouldn't love you warts and all plth? ;)
Bearded ones?
Especially. June and July aren't so friendly to them.
Tell them the story just like you've told some of us. Be factual and avoid the bitterness - that does you no good. Good Luck!
What everyone else said. Especially Zippy, since he works in the engineering industry.
Provided you can show it was a one-off incident, domestic related, and not to do with dishonesty, it probably won't put them off too much. If it does, might as well have it come out now.
Oh and GOOD LUCK. 70 grand? C'mon, land that baby!
plthijinx, you problem right now is that you want this way too much. Treat it as a practice run. You do need to practice dealing with this type of situation, you know, in order for you to be at ease with it. I don't think this is the only job offer you are ever going to have.
You talkin to me?
It sounds like you are.
Your analysis sounds fair, and your advice is fairly sound, but it's practically impossible to follow. At least in my experience it has been very difficult to follow.
plt, she's on target and if you can do what she's talking about your stress levels will definitely be reduced. Good luck.
As for my read on your situation, I agree with those who have urged you to be proactive and be the one that introduces this information. Certainly there's a clean/smooth/appropriate way to introduce it into the conversation, like NOT making it the first thing you talk about... I dunno about how to intro it. But it is the truth about you, including relevant facts that will definitely contribute to your relationship with them that WON'T be in some background check. You need to sell yourself to them, including these unfavorable facts, but also include the rest of the context.
I know you'll succeed. Especially if you practice. Like actual speaking out loud talking to another person practice. I'm not kidding.
Go get'em tiger!
Especially if you practice. Like actual speaking out loud talking to another person practice. I'm not kidding.
Go get'em tiger!
That's rock solid advice right there, I don't care who ya are. Have your roommate interview you, or just tell him your story like he doesn't know what went on.
"out loud talking to another person practice", that's the ticket. It'll get you more comfortable w/the situation.
well here's an update. i called Dan today, the primary engineer i will be working for, and left a message. come to find out he went hunting this weekend and wasn't in the office. my recruiter called me around 5:15 tonight asking if it was ok to give George, the other person i interviewed with, my cell phone number to get the ball rolling with IT. no problem. call me. i was on my way home when he called and he asked me how i wanted my email address to be done since he knows that my first name is one thing but i go by fred. i said fred. (rhymes i know, poet and didn't know it). then i asked him if Dan was out of town and he said yes but would be back tomorrow. that's when i opened the bomb bay doors. i told George that i had something that i need to talk to them about but i wanted Dan there as well and could we meet tomorrow morning. he said sure no problem. asked me if i wanted to get into it then to which i said no, i'd rather wait and have Dan there too. it's kinda big but not really but is. make sense? lol, anyway i told him that i have references to back up what i'm going to tell them. so. 10:30ish tomorrow the bomb will drop.
Good luck man, for what its worth I think you're doing the right thing.
Video tape it and we will offer useful commentary.
Good luck filthy, I know you're going to be agonizing over it, but try not to. Practice, of course, but you're going to be fine.
i don't need to practice. i've told the story so many times i can do it in my sleep. be honest. tell my side. offer video proof that this chick is crazy. offer proof of references. this is exactly why i hung onto said video if y'all remember. i just might pull that card.
Good job so far. Don't wait. Get it set & get it done.
Good Luck.
phlthy - I'd probably just stick to offering references, and downplay the "chick is crazy and video proof thereof" thang (though I'm in the UK and maybe these things seem different in the US?). Those are the sort of things which begin to imply bitterness, and you want to keep away from that, I think. Just play it straight, factual: domestic issue, court, court ruled, consequences, all in the past now. Mwah!
YIPPEEEEEE HORTHEFUCKRRAYYYYYYYYY!!! they want me there!!!!! I stil start on the 28th!!!
BOOOOOYAAAAAAA WHO'S YO DADDYYYYYYYYYY!
(sorry! me excited!!!)
Outstanding!
Obviously the discussion went well, but what did they say?
Oh phlthy, what brilliant news!! Fabuloso! Mahvellous dwalink! Wonderful!!!!!!! Mwah!
That was quite a hurdle to overcome! Congratulations!
basically they were grateful that I took the initiative. I told them id rather them hear it from me than someone/place else. I even offered up more referrences. they said that they didn't need them that my previous referrences were good enogh. "glowing" was the term they used I believe.
and thank you all for your help and support! I truly appreciate it!
And don't forget to put 10% in the tip mug.
Dude... it's so great that this stupid sidebar to your life isn't holding you back. Makes one optimistic for the future!
it sure does. gawd its been long over due. talk about paying your dues!
lmao look at ol' HLJ over there pimpin' da mug!
Major congrats Philthy.
You can't keep a good man down.
(But if he's really good, he'll go down of his own accord)
Dude - I was SO happy for you when I got that text today telling me the news.
I'm really pumped. Hopin I'm next on the get re-employed list!
Do you have time to treat yourself to a vacation before you start back to work, philthy?
:)
Good news!!!!!
and i bet its a load off yer head that they were happy with you comeing forward with this
Hooray! I'm so glad to hear it, Fred. Knock their socks off.
Do you have time to treat yourself to a vacation before you start back to work, philthy?
:)
why? you offerin'? lol!
na, I'm going to jump right in. I am thinking about vegas sometime early in the new year though!
its a huge relief! today has been a great day as well as surreal. drove past the home I grew up in now I'm sitting in a labcorp office for my drug screening. this office is located in my dad's old office bldg. loooots of memories growing up here.
:blush:
No, just meant a mini-getaway to celebrate.
Yeah, you can go to Vegas with a bunch of cash, and make more cash. Or not! Fun, either way.
Memories, or flash backs?
Memories, or flash backs?
lol! both actually. like this one time? I was playing hide n seek and hid in a doctors locker. I guess I was about 5 or so. anyway I couldn't get the door to unlatch and freaked out! I was in there for what seemed like an eternity (or 33 monthsin prison). finally a doctor was passing by the dressing room and heard me through the door. funny as hell now but 36 years ago not so much.
Awesome news plth. :) I'm stoked for you. Here's to a bright new future!
:jig:
Bloody bewdy mate!
Where's that fireworks smiley?
Late to the party as usual sorry about that! :redface: Congrats Philthy! The relief must be grand :)
Great news, plt! I knew you would get one of those fancified enjunirin jobs. :)
Awesome News Fred!
Way to go!
thanks again all and before i sign off on this super moist day i'd like to share what song has been going through my head allllll day!!
[YOUTUBE]g-K_41d7E6M[/YOUTUBE]
tyty Bv n G.
here are some nuts and bolts of what i'm getting into by means of how the office works:
private company. flex hours. full benefits. health, vision, dental, 401k when i go direct in 6 months. did i mention flex hours? oh yeah. i did didn't i? to sleep past 5:15am on a school day? chyah! small private company. you're not a corporate number but a person with ideas and input. 20k end of year bonus' minimum. flex hours. laid back atmosphere. business casual or even jeans and sneakers. how ever you want to dress (within reason y'all! sheesh!) travel. not a lot but i will be in the air and on the road. maybe even nigeria at some point. flex hours. end of year bonus' and flex hours. George, one of my interviewers called me this evening while i was still at the panel shop and re-confirmed my start date of the 28th and mentioned that "hey, did i tell you we have flex hours? show up that monday around 8:30 or so and we'll get you settled in."
well time to go start cleaning up around the track here so i can take my time but still be out of here by 11. oh yeah, almost forgot. i have one more week here at the track and at the panel shop then i'm down to one job. one career. damn what i ride the last 5 years have been.
Does the new job offer flex hours?
So, does that mean you have more than exactly 15 minutes at a certain time to eat lunch? :right:
Congrats and good luck, Pthy!
Every time I see this thread I think you're in a quarry.
I bet they don't have flex time.
So glad to hear of your success with the job hunt. I know that high of getting the kind of job you want with the perks you are hoping for. Congratulations, plt.
So, does that mean you have more than exactly 15 minutes at a certain time to eat lunch? :right:
yes, yes it does!
that is, if they offer flex hours.
hlj i'm in a quarry alright now!
ty storm!
kero, you know it!
classic? i dunno if they offer them or not but i think i might suggest that they do.
yeh dude at those numbers - pshaw!
If they ain't offer flex hours, you might as well stay at the track.
ok here's an update. you're not going to believe this shit. i will tell the story as it unfolded. starting with last wednesday evening. George from the new company calls me to firm up monday the 28th as my start date. no problem. i'll be there. during the conversation i mentioned that i was in the middle of calibrating an ammeter. it was 6:30 in the evening. he made note that i was still working and i told him i had at least another hour to go. he liked that. he could see that by my references that they were indeed true that i put forth my best effort whatever the task is or job calls for.
now thursday night around the same time:
job shop: "hi Plthijinx?"
me: "hey Sana, how are you?"
job shop: "i'm doing well. listen, your background check came back and i'm afraid we can't proceed any further."
small pause.
me: "what do you mean? i told you and your manager everything."
job shop: "yeah i know but i'm afraid we can't take this any further"
me: "this doesn't sound right. I talked to George last night......" she then cut me off
job shop: "you talked to him?!?!"
me: "yes. why don't i call him and find out what's going on?"
job shop: "no. i'm afraid i have to ask you to NOT contact the client."
me: "yyyeeahh. ok. sure. so basically what you're telling me is this: that if "the client" wants me then we will proceed?"
job shop: "something like that, yes."
me: "alright then. let me know what happens tomorrow."
*click*
now at this point i am floored, angry, stunned, you name it. i mulled over not calling George for what seemed like 5 minutes but it was more like 30 seconds. he didn't answer. he was gone for the evening. now i'm really throwed off here (pardon the hood rat speak). i can't concentrate on a skid that i'm testing and finally throw in the towel and clock out for the night. on the drive home i swear to God i almost cried.
Friday morning rolls around and i wait until around 9:30 to call George. no answer. about 30 minutes later he calls:
Geo: "hey Fred. listen, Ratshit Batshit Chickenshit Engineering doesn't want to hire you. BUT! before you get let down i want to say that right now at this moment we have our lawyers working to find out how we can hire you. we want you. we love your resume and your talents that you have already demonstrated to us. now, there is no way that we can legally hire you direct due to the fact that Ratshit Batshit Chickenshit Engineering submitted your resume over here because that would negate the existing contract that we have with them. However, there is another alternative. Can you come over here under the shop you're with now?"
me:"yeah, need me to call ZA and give him a heads up and your number?"
Geo:"yeah do that and we will know more by lunch or shortly thereafter."
me:"alright then"
so i called za and gave him a heads up. told him i had good news for him that the firm wants to hire me through him. i told him my rate and that he needed to work out the overall rate and come to an agreement with the firm. we talked about a few particulars and what i've just mentioned here then, this is funny, well to me anyway, za said, now about this thirty some odd an hour? how are we spitting this? i said, i don't know what you're going to get, i'm getting thirtysomeodd an hour. that's my rate. whatever you workout with Geo is up to y'all. he hung up and after lunch i got the call. i'm hired onto the firm through the shop i'm with now. za still gets to make money off of me for 6 more months then i go direct with the firm. after that, za will still get job contracts from us to build panels. win win situation. what an emotional roller coaster last week was.
Ratshit Batshit company just lost out on a big opportunity here, and likely many more contracts down the line now that they've got a new relationship going with ZA instead. It must have torn you apart while it was going on, but you came up with your head above water as always. Make sure you have a celebratory dinner tonight! I suggest a giant pile of BBQ ribs.
Oh Gawd!! Well done you for keeping your head. I'll buy George and Za a pint anytime they're in my neighbourhood!!!!!
Ratshit Batshit company just lost out on a big opportunity here, and likely many more contracts down the line now that they've got a new relationship going with ZA instead. It must have torn you apart while it was going on, but you came up with your head above water as always. Make sure you have a celebratory dinner tonight! I suggest a giant pile of BBQ ribs.
it did. like i said, i was damn near crying the whole way down the beltway and 45. and i sure as hell hope that Ratshit Batshit looses their contract. won't be soon but i know plenty of people in my line of work. whatever position we need to fill engineering wise? i know where to go and who to call.
Oh Gawd!! Well done you for keeping your head. I'll buy George and Za a pint anytime they're in my neighbourhood!!!!!
lol i will let them know that limey!
Good for you, man. One way or another...
Deaamn!! Well, I'll be crossing my fingers for ya until you sign that contract!
Let me just add .....
GAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Thank you. Resume breathing.
even crazier was the phone call i got today from ratshitbatshit enjuneerun.
oh of course i sent it to voice mail:
"uh fred? this is Sana with ratshitbatshit and co. ummm yeah the client doesn't want to hire you because of your background report. ummmm i wish i had better news ummmm they said that they have filled the position. if there is anything we can do for you here at ratshitbatshit enjunneerun please let us know. ummm i do have a couple of prospects...." by then i hit 7 to delete. what the fuck ever. i'm still laughing! i'm in! no questions asked this time around bucko! i think she was feeling around to see if i was actually the one that filled the position. i was. but i'm not going to give her that info. fuck her and that company. it's late. i dunno. my feeling is they realized that they fucked up and could have made "said monies" on me job shop wise but by going by a piece of paper they gave themselves an anal enema and shit away a lot of money. their loss. fuck 'em.
:thumb:
This whole adventure should be a big boost in your morale.
That made me smile, plthijinx.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Bearded ones?
i like my clams shaved.
and yesterday to boot i got a letter stating that ratshit batshit enjuneerun won't hire me due to my record. i'm so going to prove them wrong. i'm so thankful for this. words just don't come close.
I literally lol'd thinking about that. I only wish I could see their expressions when they realize the turn of events.
So is the start date still today? If so, good luck with all the paperwork shennanigans etc.
Meh - this is what happens when people tick boxes instead of getting to know people.
It works sometimes, because there are bad guys out there. But sadly the scamsters are the best at hiding their tracks, so they scrape through regardless. It's often the honest person who admits to previous poor decisions that gets walloped.
Sounds like this has a happy ending though.
Happy in that you get to be gainfully employed.
Which should be a curse, but I know personally what a blessing it is.
Just looking back ... aren't you glad you went and told them of your own initiative, putting it in your own words? Damn good move, I think.
Let us know when you've had your first full day at work. This place could use some good news.
Just looking back ... aren't you glad you went and told them of your own initiative, putting it in your own words? Damn good move, I think.
Let us know when you've had your first full day at work. This place could use some good news.
i am. and i tell ya what. flex hours SUCK!!!! :eek::eyebrow: :p: just kiddin!!! it feels so great to be back in the saddle i can't tell ya. oh today? i got my own laptop to do with what i please. my dream engineering job i tell ya! my lead engineer is a motivated brilliant guy. fast paced fast thinking and the first to admit that he forgot something. he's about 10 years younger than me but in this rat race who the fuck cares? lets do what it takes to get the job done! i love it! couldn't be happier!
Awesome stuff.
Being stuck in a job well within your abilities is so frustrating (as well as poorly paid). Humans need to do our thing, whatever it be. Must feel great to be in your field again.
:)
it is. especially after the struggle that i have gone through.
want to know something funny? remember, well some will, that a friend passed away recently. she was a believer in the Lord. i am as well but not as adamant as her. granted she didn't go to church often or anything like that, but since she passed away? weird things have been happening. in a good way mind you but they are happening. coincidence? probably? supernatural? could be. either way i thank my lucky stars that i'm finally back at the desk.
Dude....it seems your flexible hours still doesn't leave you enough time to call me. :rolleyes: