How far back does the public service check job history?

Jamerican

Only at application stage, but wondering if they will be reaching out to old (10+ years) employers, or if they reach out to those outside of Ireland? I was self employed for a while back, so unsure if that's more reason to contact old employers. I'm not lying about employment history, although my dates could be off at worst, just wondering as I'm not sure if my old jobs would even keep those records.

FunkyChicken24

I doubt they are reaching out to old employers except the ones you give as references, so it is up to you to contact those people in advance to make sure they are ready and able to be a reference.

I guess it would depend somewhat on what grade you were applying for and whether or not the experience for that employment was super important for your candidacy.

I had a long period out of the work force and so I gave a reference that was over 15 yrs old but I know there is still someone there and they still have a record of my employment as I was in contact with them to ask them for a written reference not so long ago and warned them that someone might be calling.

Gumbo

PAS only check current employer based on recent experience.

apkmbarry

I listed everything but they just went back five years.

I am me123

Hi,

Based on experience, does anyone know if for whatever reason, a reference from one past employer is unsatisfactory, but the rest come back fine, does that generally mean you will not be considered?

- bo -

This is something that's been concerning me the past while. I'm in for a couple of Civil Service campaigns at the minute.

I've been self-employed for just over 9 years now. I have put references down on my applications, but I haven't been employed/had a "boss" since mid-2015.

I have put my last boss down as a reference, as well as the head of an organisation I've volunteered with on a part-time basis (in a field related to my work) for the past 16 years.

Will this go against me in any way?

smalltalker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122625061#Comment_122625061

Also interested to know what the approach might be here. I've been self-employed for at least 15 years. I could potentially get references or recommendations from people I have worked with over the years, provided they have enough English. I've asked the PAS to specify the type of references they need (i.e. is it to my character, the fact I have been doing the work I say I've been doing or the actual quality of my work etc.) and that I'll see what I can do. Waiting to hear back.

Quitelife

As long as you never worked hard anywhere they’ll take you on … you can’t be exposing the existing staff

- bo -

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122625903#Comment_122625903

Nice one smalltalker, I'd be interest in what they say to that if you wouldn't mind even sharing the gist of whatever response you get from them.

smalltalker

Will do, mind you, we could be both waiting a while!

smalltalker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122625061#Comment_122625061

I'm sure you've probably found out yourself by now but just in case. For a recent CO job they only wanted to check my work record for the previous 12 months. There was some confusion about how to go about this but ultimately they did not check or look for any references and just required a tax clearance cert.

- bo -

I wasn't any further on, nope! But thanks for the heads up. If that's the case then happy days - I've always been on top of the tax and VAT bills with up to date cert. Cheers 🤝