Background Checks in the Bank

Equanimity

HI all, I'd hugely appreciate your advice

I've been self employed for five years now and before that have many years experience working with companies in a similar discipline (I'm 48!).

Recently I was asked to do an interview with a bank for a role based on my area of expertise - not financial but more service training etc.

I was offered the job and I know I can/will do it well. I have worked for medium sized organisations in the past so this whole process is very new to me.

The job is mine subject to a background check. This is where I am anxious. In my past and due to a back family breakup I left school after my inter cert. It's always been something I've been conscious of - in every company I worked in, i worked much harder than anyone as I felt I had to prove myself. I later studied as a mature student and did a Diploma but that was it. All regretful as I'm actually quite smart and have been really successful at what I do - not enough to make a million of course!😀

Anyway I was called for this interview at short notice and I fired my CV which I'd previously prepared for a client who wanted it along with a propisal. I was conscious of the whole education issue so put in that I had a degree. Yes a big lie, but becuase i though they'd judge me. This was the CV I sent for this job unfortunately.

Does anyone know what the background checks entail? I have no issue with any previous employment/clients checks or Garda vetting etc. but the education would be a big issue. I am torn between seeing what happens or pulling out with an excuse which I'd be devastated to have to do.

Your advice is hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey op, others may have had a different experience but I had a check done years back for a financial services role and I was asked to provide a copy of my degree as part of the process. It's so long ago that I'm not 100% sure if this was before or after I'd accepted and joined.

Anyway, I'd say maybe let this one go and update your cv with the diploma details and wait for the next opportunity. Best of luck.

Equanimity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236007#Comment_119236007

Thank you! I have a feeling I'll have to. My heart really wants it but my head says run! I'd never apply for a job like this because of this problem but they approached me so it's such a pity! Thanks anyway!

Mrs OBumble

What the last poster said.

Large organisations will check.

In finance, some smaller ones will too.

Never lie about actual quals on your CV.

Equanimity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236164#Comment_119236164

I know! I've managed to avoid this situation till now and don't plan to go there again! Thanks so much!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236130#Comment_119236130

Yeah, it's a box-ticking exercise for HR. But they will make sure that box gets ticked. Run:-)

Equanimity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236297#Comment_119236297

Will do!

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236297#Comment_119236297

In the financial world, it is very rarely a box-ticking exercise by HR. There are specialist firms that will provide the necessary background checks required by law, central bank requirements and so on.

Silverdream

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058251323/background-checks-in-the-bank

If you have a diploma this is a level 7. A level 7 is also know as an Ordinary Degree. (A level 8 is an Honors Degree) If it comes up just brush it aside by pointing out that your education route was as a mature Student and that a level 7 Diploma/Ordinary Degree was the most sensible option for you as you already had many of the soft skills taught in the Honors degree.

...Ghost...

Why on earth would you pull out of the application? Nothing to lose by leaving it in, but be sure to correct your CV. Maybe send in the updated version and cite that there were a couple of errors corrected on the updated version and leave it at that. If your “diploma” is level 7, then it’s a degree. But I get the impression you have a level 5/6 diploma. Fix the mistake rather than running from it.

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119238529#Comment_119238529

That might have worked - if the op had not already said that s/he has a degree.

It's too late for that now - but can be the strategy in future.

(Though I'm not sure that a 1 year diploma is equivalent to a 3 year ordinary level degree.)

Equanimity

Thanks all for your feedback which helped me realise it would come out at some stage so today I rang the guy who interviewed me and explained exactly what had happened in my past and told him the truth. I just didn't want him to think I was declining the job because I wasn't interested in it. It was mortifying to do and so humiliating. He completely surprised me and said he was offering me the job based on my experience and he felt I was still 100% right for the position. He will talk to HR to see if there's any wiggle room but flagged that process may not allow me to be hired. I don't mind if I don't get it now because it will be based on all the cards being on the table and no more lies which is such a relief I can tell you!

Thank you again for your comments!