Junior Summer Background checks/references??

I recently got an offer, but on my resume I didn't update the time correctly. I did an internship for 1 semester, but wrote an extra few months because I forgot to update it. 

Would the fund know through background checks? Also i didn't end up continuing in that 1 sem internship and left rlly early because i had a lot of other things going on, so idk if a reference is possible. what should i do!!!

5 Comments
 

Ah, the classic resume mishap! Don't worry, you're not the first to sail these choppy waters, and based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a treasure map to navigate your way out:

  1. Correct the Mistake ASAP: The first step is to update your resume with the correct dates of your internship. Honesty is the best policy, especially in the finance world where integrity is highly valued.

  2. Communicate Proactively: If you're in the process of onboarding, it might be wise to reach out to HR or your hiring manager to clarify the situation. You could explain that upon reviewing your documents, you noticed an unintentional error regarding the dates of an internship and have since corrected it. This shows integrity and attention to detail.

  3. Reference Concerns: Regarding your worry about references from the short-lived internship, it's understandable. If you left on good terms, you might still reach out to someone from the internship for a reference. If that's not possible or you're concerned about the reception, focus on gathering strong references from other areas of your experience where you've had more significant involvement.

  4. Background Checks: As for background checks, they typically verify the dates of employment you've provided. If you've already corrected your resume and communicated the change, there should be minimal concern. Background checks are more focused on verifying the truthfulness of your provided information rather than penalizing honest mistakes that are promptly corrected.

  5. Future Steps: Use this as a learning experience. Going forward, keep a detailed record of your professional experiences, including exact dates, to avoid similar situations. It's also a good reminder of the importance of reviewing your resume thoroughly before submitting it for any opportunities.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes, but it's how you handle them that truly counts. Good luck, and may your proactive approach smooth out the waves ahead!

Sources: I need your advice, I need your advice, Offer rescinded what can I do now?, What I Learned From Lying On My Resume, What should go on my resume and cover letter in my circumstance for internship applications (RE specific)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Imo, it's a non-factor. If they do a background check, warn them beforehand.

 

Depends on the state. In NY, I think it's required for the company to do a background check before giving the offer letter. If it isn't required by the state, I think they give the letter first. Regardless, you have to sign and agree to allow them to a background check. References unlikely unless they asked in the application.

 
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