Competitions/Conferences in Background Check

Hi,

Since I have relatively little experience on my resume when I first applied to a bank, I used some conferences/competitions to show I had some finance/business knowledge. For instance, I did a 6 month regional investing competition that took place online and where the finals took place at a live event in a different state.

-How would HR verify these in the background check form?
-What location would I use? The company's location?
-I could include a phone number for the companies, however it would be much easier for me to verify everything based on certificates/placings/trophies since I don't have a direct reference
-What would be the position title for the competition/conferences I attended?

Ever since I got my internship in December, I've now worked 1 finance job during winter break and 1 job part time now. So would it just be best to include these on the background check form and leave the competitions/conferences? or would that not be a good idea since I did not apply with those on my resume.

Thanks,

Charles

4 Comments
 
Best Response

So this is how it works.

If you competed in a case competition such as "on campus lazard M&A competition" and got placed just out of the running you're still fine you can put it on there.

Now with regard to your situation and answering your questions 1) 99.99999999% HR is not going to care to ever do a background check. HR is expensive and they are only really required to check if you were employed where you said you were, if your degree is real and if you have had any illegal activities 2. Use the location of the place the competition was held. If competition was 6 weeks in NYC, use NYC. 3. If they actually do ask for it (they won't) a phone number would work just fine 4. Either place this under a separate category (under skills while in college) or you'd just use the word participant

Also, yes absolutely include the competitions if you are lacking for space its better than putting non-finance related items on there.

 

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