Being fired coming up in background check?
Recently let go Associate for underperformance - which was mostly down to my mind being elsewhere (recruiting for several months).
Received an offer at a MM bank which I was interviewing at for months, and they are fine with me being let go as long as nothing 'bad' comes back from the background check. I can get positive references from my old team as I remains close with several of them, but will the background check come back as 'being sacked for underperformance?
My understanding is that here in the UK HR only disclose start and end date of employment, and occasionally position held + salary. Any help appreciated.
Based on the highest ranked content on WSO, it's generally true that in many places, including the UK, HR departments tend to limit the information they disclose about former employees to start and end dates, position held, and sometimes salary. This practice is primarily to avoid potential legal issues that could arise from sharing more detailed opinions or reasons for termination.
However, it's important to note that policies can vary between companies, and there's no absolute guarantee that a company won't disclose the reason for termination if asked directly. That said, it's quite rare for companies to share detailed performance evaluations or the specific reasons for an employee's departure in a background check due to the potential legal risks involved.
Given your situation, where you've been let go due to underperformance but have secured an offer from a MM bank that is aware of your situation, the key will be the references you provide. If you can secure positive references from your old team, as you mentioned, this will likely be more influential than the basic employment data returned in a background check.
It's also worth preparing how you might address questions about your departure if it comes up in conversation, focusing on what you've learned from the experience and how you've grown professionally since then. This proactive approach can help mitigate any concerns a potential employer might have.
Remember, the fact that the MM bank has extended an offer knowing your situation is a positive sign. They're likely more interested in your skills and potential than the circumstances of your departure from your previous role.
Sources: Fired but pretending to be employed - Background check, Mental Illness, Background Checks, Interviews, Being Fired and being upfront about it, Keep Getting Fired, I've been fired - what do I do?
This isn’t an issue. HR can only say your start dates and end dates. If you have your team vouching for you you have nothing to worry about. They can’t legally say why you were fired they just confirm that you worked there.
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