Drug use on federal job app? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I am wondering how federal agencies handle admission of illegal drug use on their job applications. Just some weed from a few years ago. I currently work for the Courts, but they did not require the same paperwork.

Probably is not a big deal but I am curious what you guys had experience. Job is with a DOJ agency.

[Anonymous User]

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[Anonymous User]

I think you should admit it if you have, in case they actually conduct a test. I don't think weed is going to be a huge deal.

[BVest]

If they do thorough background check (asking friends about you, past drug use, ties to the communist party, etc.), -- which I assume they will for actual jobs, but someone with direct knowledge can attest to it -- it will come out and you'll be dinged for lack of candor. (I've not been subject of such a review, but have seen the interviews from the other side of things when friends were joining foreign service or the White House).

http://www.justice.gov/oarm/background- ... ation.html

OARM reviews the suitability of every attorney and law student who is offered a position at the Department. This suitability determination is based on an applicant's completed security forms, fingerprint and credit checks, as well as a full field FBI background investigation and tax and bar checks for attorney applicants. The background investigation covers a period of seven to ten years depending on the nature of the position. In making a determination regarding suitability for employment, OARM considers a number of factors, including a candidate's tax filing and payment history, credit history, candor, and any history of usage of controlled substances.

[Anonymous User]

Minimal undergraduate use of marijuana is not disqualifying. Lack of candor is (although I do know of people who lied -- not a gamble I thought wise, and they did it on internship applications, not applications for permanent employment, where the background check is significantly more rigorous). Heavy use of marijuana might also be disqualifying, but I'm not sure. The exact degree of your use is probably something that you could get away with describing in a self-serving manner.