Unverifiable employment? Forum

[Anonymous User]

So I've read on here that potential employers, including law firms, conduct extensive employment background checks. What if immediately after graduating from college you worked for a while as an unofficial employee, meaning you provided labor but weren't paid, by your family's start-up company? I'm inclined to not include that information in my employment history since it isn't official 'employment' and is hard to verify unless I give phone numbers of family involved in the business, but that just seems shady? But then again, if I leave it out there would be a gap in my employment which may raise red flags. Ugh. I don't know what to do. My experience in the business is personally important to me, both in my personal and professional development, but I don't know how to present it. Any advice?

[ben4847]

So I've read on here that potential employers, including law firms, conduct extensive employment background checks. What if immediately after graduating from college you worked for a while as an unofficial employee, meaning you provided labor but weren't paid, by your family's start-up company? I'm inclined to not include that information in my employment history since it isn't official 'employment' and is hard to verify unless I give phone numbers of family involved in the business, but that just seems shady? But then again, if I leave it out there would be a gap in my employment which may raise red flags. Ugh. I don't know what to do. My experience in the business is personally important to me, both in my personal and professional development, but I don't know how to present it. Any advice?

just put it on.
Also, I don't think any law firm called any former employer of mine. Nor did any law school, as i know.

[09042014]

So I've read on here that potential employers, including law firms, conduct extensive employment background checks. What if immediately after graduating from college you worked for a while as an unofficial employee, meaning you provided labor but weren't paid, by your family's start-up company? I'm inclined to not include that information in my employment history since it isn't official 'employment' and is hard to verify unless I give phone numbers of family involved in the business, but that just seems shady? But then again, if I leave it out there would be a gap in my employment which may raise red flags. Ugh. I don't know what to do. My experience in the business is personally important to me, both in my personal and professional development, but I don't know how to present it. Any advice?

just put it on.
Also, I don't think any law firm called any former employer of mine. Nor did any law school, as i know.

Law firms don't conduct extensive employment background checks, at least not generally.

Law firms do shockingly little to check their employees. A basic, did you get convicted of a felony, background test. No drug, no references, not even checking employment dates.

I assume it's because the Bar does a lot of it for them.

[Anonymous User]

Law firms don't conduct extensive employment background checks, at least not generally.

Law firms do shockingly little to check their employees. A basic, did you get convicted of a felony, background test. No drug, no references, not even checking employment dates.

I assume it's because the Bar does a lot of it for them.

Yes, it is usually a $15 name and birthdate background search. I did one of these for my 1L summer.

For my 2L summer I literally could not been a law student and used a fake name and fake resume and still got an offer. Absolutely ZERO checking of my transcript, identification, background. This is a biglaw firm.

I suppose bar admission will do some of the job for them as noted above, but I am not even sure they will check that.

[Anonymous User]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

[Anonymous User]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

[Anonymous User]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

They called 3/5 employers. Just be honest. It's still part of your work history.

[ph14]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

They called 3/5 employers. Just be honest. It's still part of your work history.

My firm did as well -- all my listed past employers. And a basic criminal and financial check.

[Anonymous User]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

They called 3/5 employers. Just be honest. It's still part of your work history.

Is it though? I mean, I wasn't on a salary and consequently it's not like it's gonna show up on any official record. Whose contact information would I give? I just want to present it in a way that doesn't come off as dishonest/detrimental to myself. That's my main worry.

[Anonymous User]

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

They called 3/5 employers. Just be honest. It's still part of your work history.

Is it though? I mean, I wasn't on a salary and consequently it's not like it's gonna show up on any official record. Whose contact information would I give? I just want to present it in a way that doesn't come off as dishonest/detrimental to myself. That's my main worry.

My firm conducted an extensive background check (including a financial check).

Depends on firm.

Including an employment history check? If so, what did that entail and what would you advise with regards to the OP?

They called 3/5 employers. Just be honest. It's still part of your work history.

Is it though? I mean, I wasn't on a salary and consequently it's not like it's gonna show up on any official record. Whose contact information would I give? I just want to present it in a way that doesn't come off as dishonest/detrimental to myself. That's my main worry.

Were you under the table or something? Do you not have anyone to list who can vouch for you?

I was under the table/on call/seasonal for about a year at one job in UG before being added to the payroll. I have it listed on my resume and it probably comes across as if I was full-time the entire time, even though i may have only worked once a week/every other week. The owner of the store didn't even know who I was until added to the payroll but the manager said it was cool to do and would vouch for me being there if anyone questioned.

I'm sure that if you list it, and they run a check and don't find anything to verify it, they will ask you to explain before running you out to dry. I'm sure firms/the bar understand that lot's of people work under the table.

[gyarados]

I really don't think that if you did something illegal, like working under the table, you want to disclose that.

That said, it sounds like you just worked for the family business. Totally normal, put the best contact down whether that's your dad or not, and tell him/her what you'd like the firm to hear if they call.