when and if I should disclose past misdemeanor to potential employer

[Beattie]

Originally posted by: bdavid
Wow, that was fast.

They didn't ask that I return the application. I assumed I was just supposed to bring it with me when I show up for my interview. Normally, that would be fine. But since I am flying to another state to interview, that's why I have thought about telling them about it first. I would hate to go through the trouble of flying there only to find out that they won't hire me because of this.

The charge was public indecency. Basically, going a little too far with a gf while hanging out in a public park. It was late at night and nobody was around. Except the cop patrolling the area. Unfortunately, there is no distinction made between this kind of thing and having sex in the middle of a crowded shopping mall.

If the interviewer is a man, you will probably GET the job because of this. Just put it there and let it be.

 

[chrisms]

Always lie to get ahead.

 

[badmouse]

Were you convicted? If so, you know that you can often petition the court to have the conviction removed? A good lawyer can deal with it. As you can see, it would be worth it in case this kind of thing ever comes up again.

Since they're flying you out, I'd vote for telling them beforehand. Strictly speaking, you don't have to, but it's the honorable thing to do if they're spending money on you.

But since it's not murder or anything, you'll have the chance to deal with it at the interview - so, you're not doing anything wrong if you put it on the application form and answer questions then.

Good luck.

 

[Reliant]

Originally posted by: bdavid
You guys don't think I have any obligation to tell them before they've spent a bunch of money on airfare and hotel? Like I said, they didn't ask to have the application sent back to them so I assumed they just wanted me to fill it out and bring it with me to my interview.

Reliant,
Since you are in HR, you wouldn't be upset if you found out about something like this after your company had already paid for airfare and hotel for someone to come to an interview?

I guess I realize I should tell the truth. I really don't want to be get the job then always be paranoid about them finding out I lied.

I just felt weird about not telling them about this before making the trip.

If they didn't require you to turn in an application before you got out there, which is weird, then there is nothing really you can do about it. You aren't obligated to call them up and disclose that information, so that can't be expected.

 

[bdavid]

Thanks for all the advice.
I'm really impressed that there are so many people here willing to help out. It's much different than some of the other forums I'm been at.

badmouse,
I pled guilty so it counts as a conviction. I know that I can petition to have it expunged from my record. I wish I had started that process before now, but unfortunately that won't help me with the current situation. I'll definitely be pursuing that since it would be nice to not have to deal with this issue in the future.

Reliant,
I had sent them a resume initially and they only just now sent me the employment app. Since they didn't ask me to email it back, I assumed they just wanted me to fill it out and bring it with me.

 

[lokiju]

Doesn't matter what it was call a lawyer and ask them for advice, usually this advice would be free, if you need the number to one PM me.

 

[bdavid]

What kind of advice could a lawyer help with?

 

[SuperTool]

It's a no brainer. Put it in the app. Public indescency is nothing compared to lying in your app to the employer. If you lie, and later they find out, you'll get fired, which would make it much harder to find a job later. Also, you'll be worrying about them finding out the whole time you work there.
Also, since you are going to be there when they ask about it, think about what you are going to tell them ahead of time, and also tell them how you have grown as a person since then. Public indescency is kinda like underage drinking. Victimless crime, and not really relevant to an employer in the present.
Basically, if I was an employer, and someone was qualified for a job I wanted to fill, but they said they got a little carried away with their GF 4 years ago in a park and got busted, it wouldn't make much difference to me. But if they lied about it, it would make a lot of difference, because then I am thinking, what else are they lying about?

 

[SuperTool]

Also, no there is nothing wrong about not telling them before they fly you out. If it was important for them to know, it's their job to ask before they invite you, not yours. You don't have to volunteer negative information about yourself unless asked about it. I think I flew on many onsite visits even though the likelyhood of taking any specific position was low. See the USA on your Resume

 

[nick1985]

just be honest about it.

 

[Kraeji]

so can we get some details about that night??? did you score?

 

[MisterMe]

Gawd! Isn't that just the sign of the times that a >>Potential<< employer has to pry into your life enough to know that you got caught on a back road doin' your GF! F that!!!!!! Bad enough they think they are holding the moral high ground checking your pee for everything except your last ham sandwich. Man, I hope that one last time before I die I get the chance to say to these people - "what the F is it to you!! And frankly, if I did have a misdemeanor overdue parking ticket 6 years ago, how does that even concern you and the job that I'm probably getting undepaid for anyway?" If I didn't kill anyone then butt the heck out!!! Thanks Nancy Reagan for all your POS just say no bowlsheet!!

 

[waggy]

hmm they actually asked about a misdemeanor? thats odd. I have never had a prospective employer ask that. Only for felony's.

I wouldn't be to worried about it. heck depending on how long ago it may not even show up. But go ahead and tell them.

I still think its odd that they would even ask for a misdemeanor offense.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Encryptic

Originally posted by: bdavid
Wow, that was fast.

They didn't ask that I return the application. I assumed I was just supposed to bring it with me when I show up for my interview. Normally, that would be fine. But since I am flying to another state to interview, that's why I have thought about telling them about it first. I would hate to go through the trouble of flying there only to find out that they won't hire me because of this.

The charge was public indecency. Basically, going a little too far with a gf while hanging out in a public park. It was late at night and nobody was around. Except the cop patrolling the area. Unfortunately, there is no distinction made between this kind of thing and having sex in the middle of a crowded shopping mall.

As I said before, people make mistakes, myself included. I doubt they're going to hold a public indecency charge against you unless it had something to do with your job directly.

Being up-front about it will be the right thing to do in the long run.

Bah, having sex in a public place isn't a mistake. It's fun!!!

I'd just list it on there and be open about it. It's not like you assaulted someone or stole something. I wouldn't feel at all guilty about them flying you there to interview. This is SOP, especially with high demand jobs, and is a cost of doing business.

 

[AzNmAnJLH]

don't lie

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: MisterMe
Gawd! Isn't that just the sign of the times that a >>Potential<< employer has to pry into your life enough to know that you got caught on a back road doin' your GF! F that!!!!!! Bad enough they think they are holding the moral high ground checking your pee for everything except your last ham sandwich. Man, I hope that one last time before I die I get the chance to say to these people - "what the F is it to you!! And frankly, if I did have a misdemeanor overdue parking ticket 6 years ago, how does that even concern you and the job that I'm probably getting undepaid for anyway?" If I didn't kill anyone then butt the heck out!!! Thanks Nancy Reagan for all your POS just say no bowlsheet!!

Parking ticket? Hm, if you have a driving role the company can possibly be held liable for traffic violations you make in a company vehicle. Drug use? If you're under the influence or lingering influence of narcotics and you screw something up it costs the company money. Hurt yourself or somebody else because of it? Worker's comp.

There are reasons for the stuff HR does. Nobody really cares about your off hours, but when that starts to affect the company, people start caring.