DOJ/FBI background checks Forum

[drew]

Has anyone here been through this process or have any information on it? My interest is being hired-on at the DOJ after graduation and I want to make sure I do everything I can to at least keep myself qualified.

Questions are such:

What are they looking for in your background?

Is there a polygraph? (I've heard conflicting opinions on this)

What are some major DQ'ing factors that come up in these?


TIA.

[iliketothinkiamcool]

Disclose

[DEKOCARDS]

I worked for DOJ for a couple years after UG.

What are they looking for in your background?

They'll talk to friends and family, basically to make sure that you told them the truth on the background forms. For example, they may ask people if you actually live where you say you live.

Is there a polygraph? (I've heard conflicting opinions on this)

I didn't have one, although they mentioned that it was a possibility.

What are some major DQ'ing factors that come up in these?

Drugs (if you've done a lot, or if you done them recently), felony convictions, Affiliation with foreign governments or terrorist organizations

[drew]

Thanks to both of you. So they will ask me flatly if I have done drugs, etc, then corroberate that with friends/family? Maybe a poly if I seem shaky?

Are you required to get classified-info credentials?

[msweenz]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

[DEKOCARDS]

Thanks to both of you. So they will ask me flatly if I have done drugs, etc, then corroberate that with friends/family? Maybe a poly if I seem shaky?

Are you required to get classified-info credentials?

The form (at least at the time I applied) includes several questions regarding using, buying and selling drugs. Admit any drugs you've done. They're fairly lenient if you're honest, but they will corroborate the information, and they will talk to people you haven't listed as references.

I know many people who have admitted to drug use. I think selling drugs may be disqualifying (but I really don't know).

As the poster state above, you definitely want to disclose.

[underdawg]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

what if you're just flaky?

[OperaSoprano]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

Oh my, really?

I have also heard that this is an issue with regard to character and fitness. I am surprised. I did not think mental illness could preclude a successful career as a government attorney.

[underdawg]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

Oh my, really?

I have also heard that this is an issue with regard to character and fitness. I am surprised. I did not think mental illness could preclude a successful career as a government attorney.

you don't have much faith in our government do you?

[cantaboot]

I think it's a bit unethical to ask people other than references.

[underdawg]

how so

[cantaboot]

if the gov asks one of your disgruntled ex/ neighbors/ someone who just don't like you very much ....

[OperaSoprano]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

Oh my, really?

I have also heard that this is an issue with regard to character and fitness. I am surprised. I did not think mental illness could preclude a successful career as a government attorney.

you don't have much faith in our government do you?

Although I LOL'd, this comment was not meant to be sarcastic.

[underdawg]

if the gov asks one of your disgruntled ex/ neighbors/ someone who just don't like you very much ....

that's not unethical, it would just be dumb to take the word of a random biased person

[linquest]

FBI conducts National Security Clearance checks for most federal agencies, including their own employees and the DOJ. The standard application is federal form SF-86 (National Security Questionnaire)- http://www.fbijobs.gov/54.asp I know that the FBI requires extensive polygraph, several hours at least, not sure about the DOJ though.

DOJ resources:
Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management - http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/
Honors Program- http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hp.htm
Unofficial info re: DOJ background check by Yale LS- http://www.law.yale.edu/documents/pdf/C ... curity.pdf

I have also heard that this is an issue with regard to character and fitness. I am surprised. I did not think mental illness could preclude a successful career as a government attorney.

Some states routinely inquire into mental health as part of C&F (ex. VA), some don't (ex. IL). As far as gov't jobs, mental health inquires/reqs depends on the level of gov't, specific agency policies, and the security level required for your specific job title.

[Garinold]

Jesus what a pain in the ass all that crap is to fill out. Do you get to take the forms home, or do they actually expect you to know all that information off hand? If they ask detailed questions about taxes for example there is almost no way I'd know the info off hand.

EDIT: I understand the documents the FBI makes you fill out are the ones for the "intelligence community". Do you have to disclose the same information for the DOJ? Is the process different?

[linquest]

Jesus what a pain in the ass all that crap is to fill out. Do you get to take the forms home, or do they actually expect you to know all that information off hand? If they ask detailed questions about taxes for example there is almost no way I'd know the info off hand.

Oh, don't worry, they won't ask you to fill it out on the spot! Also, if you know which forms are required (note: some agencies require ADDITIONAL security clearance info), most are available online for you to download. It's a good idea to start collecting the info ASAP-- it'll also help you fill out your C&F app!

[Garinold]

Jesus what a pain in the ass all that crap is to fill out. Do you get to take the forms home, or do they actually expect you to know all that information off hand? If they ask detailed questions about taxes for example there is almost no way I'd know the info off hand.

Oh, don't worry, they won't ask you to fill it out on the spot! Also, if you know which forms are required (note: some agencies require ADDITIONAL security clearance info), most are available online for you to download. It's a good idea to start collecting the info ASAP-- it'll also help you fill out your C&F app!

I don't know man. I have always wanted to be an AUSA, and the lust for the job increased after reading Convictions: A Prosecutor's Battles Against Mafia Killers, Drug Kingpins, and Enron Thieves. But if the forms to fill out are like the FAFSA docs, and then some, I'm gonna need to have my accountant present.

I'm just letting off some steam though, I'll apply anyhow even though with a process like this I think even someone with a law degree could easily botch the opportunity. Does anyone know if local DA's offices, major Cities especially, have an equally nasty hiring process?

[AllAmericanGirl]

If you are a trustworthy, upstanding citizen and pay your taxes, have decent credit, mentally sounds, don't do drugs and have no criminal record, you shouldn't worry.

They are looking for anything that A) shows you are untrusthworthy or of bad character, or B) you have something in your past that you could be blackmailed with (gambling debt/sketchy past/etc).

The poly depends what level clearance you are applying for, which depends on the position.

[Garinold]

If you are a trustworthy, upstanding citizen and pay your taxes, have decent credit, mentally sounds, don't do drugs and have no criminal record, you shouldn't worry.

They are looking for anything that A) shows you are untrusthworthy or of bad character, or B) you have something in your past that you could be blackmailed with (gambling debt/sketchy past/etc).

The poly depends what level clearance you are applying for, which depends on the position.

None of those issues will be a problem with me. I'm only worried about the whole process of filling out a 50+ page document detailing every aspect of my entire life, with a career of my dreams hanging in the balance, and I make a mistake regarding detail XYZ and get screwed. Whatever the case is going to be, I have to go for the job anyhow.

Does anyone know anything about the hiring process and the competitiveness of attorney jobs at the SEC?

[linquest]

None of those issues will be a problem with me. I'm only worried about the whole process of filling out a 50+ page document detailing every aspect of my entire life, with a career of my dreams hanging in the balance, and I make a mistake regarding detail XYZ and get screwed. Whatever the case is going to be, I have to go for the job anyhow.

Does anyone know anything about the hiring process and the competitiveness of attorney jobs at the SEC?

Actually, I found the C&F screening part of the bar (at least for my state) to be more arduous than the SF-86. Most agencies will give you notice and opportunity to respond for discrepancies on your applications.

SEC's equivalent to the "Honors Program" at other Exec agencies is the "Advanced Commitment Program." It's extremely competitive because it's one of the more prestigious agencies, has high marketability as a private sector credential, and their unique pay scale is higher than most other federal agencies-- --LinkRemoved--

[badlydrawn]

Define "gambling problem."

[A'nold]

Not sure if they're the same thing but I've had a DoD background check in the past. They ask friends, family, neighbors, etc. whether or not they have any reason to believe you're not worthy of the government's trust, whether you're mentally secure, whether you've had a gambling problem before, things along that line. They're just looking for people with solid character as long as you're not a convicted felon with a substance habit you'll probably be alright.

Oh my, really?

I have also heard that this is an issue with regard to character and fitness. I am surprised. I did not think mental illness could preclude a successful career as a government attorney.

I think it is outright discrimination.

[jmk261]

They will also do a credit check.

I am not an attorney but I had one done for my position here.

[otnemem]

Admit any drugs you've done. They're fairly lenient if you're honest

For clarity, fairly lenient meaning occasional drug use beyond marijuana in the past would be acceptable at a federal agency like the SEC, assuming drug use was not recent?