Hey guys, I just accepted an offer on a prop commodity trading desk for a Canadian bank and I just wanted to get some clarification on the background check process. Everything on my resume is 100% accurate and there are no embellishments, so I am not worried on that front. The only thing I am unsure of is whether I need to provide references from my past job or if they just call the company themselves. I'm asking because my project manager at my first job out of university is no longer at that company and I haven't been able to track him down. I'm sure this isn't unique to my situation, but if HR wanted to verify that my job details at my first job are accurate, he is the only guy who really had a say in it.

I have four years work experience and the offer letter makes no mention of verifying academic credentials (I didn't put my GPA, just that I graduated with honors, not a big deal either way). It just says security, credit and criminal checks as well as employment verification.

Anyway, I'm not too overly worried, but some clarification would help. Thanks guys.