How long did it take to complete the background check? And also sharing my job hunt experience!

[PauPau 71]

Hi all,

Just wanted to check how long did it take to complete your background check? I finally got a job offer and is now waiting for the results of that. My hiring boss seems to really need me to start the work as soon as possible because she asked if I can start the next day after my second interview with the general manager. When I reported to work, she unfortunately sent me home because HR told her I can't start unless I have completed the drug test, background check, submitted the required documents, etc. It seemed that there was a misunderstanding between her and HR but she was apologetic so it was fine with me. However, it has been a week since I completed the info they need regarding the background check and there has been no updates so far. I previously worked in two Asian countries and my hiring boss thinks that might be the reason why it's taking so long 'coz my references are not local. I am personally getting anxious and paranoid. I fear that if this will take so long, they might replace me with another candidate. Is that possible even if I have already accepted the job offer?

Also, just want to share my experience for those who are interested to know. My job hunt took about 5 weeks of non-stop applying online. In the total of 25 applications, it resulted to 2 written exam invitations for 2 different positions which I passed but no interview invitation after.

Then I was called for an interview at this company and was hired on the spot. My hiring boss is very nice and my interview was a pleasant experience. She told me to be honest, when she reviewed my resume and saw that (1) I had no experience in their industry and (2) I had no US experience at all, she immediately turned down my resume and moved on to other candidates, because in reality, US experience really matters. She said that my resume is not good in paper just because of those reasons.

She said she called me after failed interviews with those people who have great resumes, those with skills that really matches the job. She said that over the phone, I have a very pleasant demeanor. After the interview, she said that she is thankful she followed her hunch to call me and give it a try. Modesty aside, I personally think I was hired 100% because of personality and 0% skills set. But like any other determined immigrant, I am highly teachable and very much willing to learn new things!

It's an entry level position with minimum wage but with good benefits. It's an 8am-5pm Mon-Fri office job. She encouraged me to accept it just so I'll have a US experience. Isn't she the nicest hiring manager?! It's as if she's telling me it's okay if I'll want to pursue my career in my industry in the future. She also offered other positions in case I will not be happy with the job.

I used to be in a managerial position with above average pay rate plus great benefits plus substantial bonuses. In the country where I used to work, my tax in 2014 was only 1.08% so I have a higher net income compared here. As others have shared in the past, I have also prepared myself mentally and emotionally that I really need to start from scratch as part of my transition process of migrating here. Even if I'll have a huge pay cut, it's still better than no income at all!

I am also so happy to have found an office job because due to a past surgery, I felt that I have limited my opportunities during my job hunt. I filtered out all the retail / fast food / restaurant job vacancies or any other type of job that requires lifting a minimum amount with no assistance because I cannot do that.

Anyway, thank you for letting me share my experience. The process of job hunt is really exhausting and I can definitely relate with anyone who are having difficulty finding a job. The experience has caused me partial depression, there were days where I have very low self esteem and really starting to lose hope. I live in a rural area with no tall buildings in sight. Going to Target to shop feels like going to town already. So really, most of the time, I felt that finding a decent job where I live was impossible but hard work pays off so don't give up!!

I hope to have the results of the background check as soon as possible! I am beyond excited to start working again. I am positive my background check will not have any problems but I'm just concerned with the time. I really hope it won't take too long!!

[annem 15]

Wow, what an inspiring story. I'm really happy for you!

I have applied for jobs corresponding to my skill set, but you make me want to try and apply for jobs in other fields. Like you, I don't have any American work experience. I think that's why they don't even call me for an interview.

I might have the possibility to be a part-time intern in a local company to get my first American work experience, my husband works there. Hopefully they have enough budget to do it. It's an idea his boss came up with when he heard I couldn't find a job. Really nice person

I'm also starting my own business from home, hoping it will help pay the bills.

Good luck with everything!

[TBoneTX 45,570]

Background checks can take time, which will vary. Keep a positive attitude. The employer wants you.

[Angelthebear 3]

Hi PauPau,

Just for sharing, my background check took about a week time . Once the background pass, HR will follow up with a letter of offer and they will schedule for finger print taking , I did not required to do the drug test , I guess is varies from company to company .

Congratulation on the job offer !!!

[PauPau 71]

Wow, what an inspiring story. I'm really happy for you!

I have applied for jobs corresponding to my skill set, but you make me want to try and apply for jobs in other fields. Like you, I don't have any American work experience. I think that's why they don't even call me for an interview.

I might have the possibility to be a part-time intern in a local company to get my first American work experience, my husband works there. Hopefully they have enough budget to do it. It's an idea his boss came up with when he heard I couldn't find a job. Really nice person

I'm also starting my own business from home, hoping it will help pay the bills.

Good luck with everything!

Thank you annem and goodluck to you too!! Hopefully your part-time intern job will push through. Yes, I really recommend that you try and look for jobs in other fields as well. My mind set has really shifted to welcoming any opportunity that will open a door for me.

Your husband's boss is so nice to think of you. My hiring boss seems to be super nice too! She told me that she's so excited for me because for my first US job, I'll be part of their company and they have a very fun and friendly culture which is ideal for new immigrants.

Background checks can take time, which will vary. Keep a positive attitude. The employer wants you.

Thank you TBoneTX!! I am really trying to keep a positive attitude. I'm really hoping to start soon and be back working again!

[PauPau 71]

Hi PauPau,

Just for sharing, my background check took about a week time . Once the background pass, HR will follow up with a letter of offer and they will schedule for finger print taking , I did not required to do the drug test , I guess is varies from company to company .

Congratulation on the job offer !!!

Hi Angelthebear! It's been two weeks now and I still got no updates on the background check. I'm really hoping to hear from them anytime soon! Thank you and hope your new job is going well!

[Pythos1 24]

Just a couple things to consider when you're looking for work in the US.

1) The US has a lot of illegal immigrants. Companies have to be careful the immigrants they hire are legal, or they can pay very big penalties.

2) In a lot of work environments, Americans can be very lazy and unthankful for the opportunity. If you work hard and don't complain about having to do something that "you're too good to have to do" -- something lots of Americans can't accomplish -- you will be a very desired employee.

On time every day, take pride in the quality and efficiency of your work, and you can get ahead a lot faster than a lot of "locals". And a US work history, even outside your expertise, can be beneficial later when you try to get a better job.

[sweet01 39]

Hi Kabayan PauPau,

Thank you for sharing your experience, that was very insightful! Anyway, I agree on almost everything that you said regarding the job hunt and struggles and with us having no US experience so we need to adjust on it. Although, I've also worked in 2 U.S. based companies in the Philippines but then again, it is still different when you're physically working here.

Regarding your question, the background check on me lasted for 2 weeks since that's right, our references are not local and mostly in the Philippines so they need to wait for the responses. After that, every companies have their SOP on Occupational Health Screening, which on my end since I'm currently working in the hospital operations (although offsite and office setting) , I still had my 2 step PPD (had negative chest xray anyway after 2nd ppd skin test) and it is around 2 weeks too.

Don't worry kabayan, this shall soon passed, it is a matter of more patience of waiting and I believe, if the work is meant for you, and the hiring manager really wants you, the company could wait.

Regards.

Hi all,

Just wanted to check how long did it take to complete your background check? I finally got a job offer and is now waiting for the results of that. My hiring boss seems to really need me to start the work as soon as possible because she asked if I can start the next day after my second interview with the general manager. When I reported to work, she unfortunately sent me home because HR told her I can't start unless I have completed the drug test, background check, submitted the required documents, etc. It seemed that there was a misunderstanding between her and HR but she was apologetic so it was fine with me. However, it has been a week since I completed the info they need regarding the background check and there has been no updates so far. I previously worked in two Asian countries and my hiring boss thinks that might be the reason why it's taking so long 'coz my references are not local. I am personally getting anxious and paranoid. I fear that if this will take so long, they might replace me with another candidate. Is that possible even if I have already accepted the job offer?

Also, just want to share my experience for those who are interested to know. My job hunt took about 5 weeks of non-stop applying online. In the total of 25 applications, it resulted to 2 written exam invitations for 2 different positions which I passed but no interview invitation after.

Then I was called for an interview at this company and was hired on the spot. My hiring boss is very nice and my interview was a pleasant experience. She told me to be honest, when she reviewed my resume and saw that (1) I had no experience in their industry and (2) I had no US experience at all, she immediately turned down my resume and moved on to other candidates, because in reality, US experience really matters. She said that my resume is not good in paper just because of those reasons.

She said she called me after failed interviews with those people who have great resumes, those with skills that really matches the job. She said that over the phone, I have a very pleasant demeanor. After the interview, she said that she is thankful she followed her hunch to call me and give it a try. Modesty aside, I personally think I was hired 100% because of personality and 0% skills set. But like any other determined immigrant, I am highly teachable and very much willing to learn new things!

It's an entry level position with minimum wage but with good benefits. It's an 8am-5pm Mon-Fri office job. She encouraged me to accept it just so I'll have a US experience. Isn't she the nicest hiring manager?! It's as if she's telling me it's okay if I'll want to pursue my career in my industry in the future. She also offered other positions in case I will not be happy with the job.

I used to be in a managerial position with above average pay rate plus great benefits plus substantial bonuses. In the country where I used to work, my tax in 2014 was only 1.08% so I have a higher net income compared here. As others have shared in the past, I have also prepared myself mentally and emotionally that I really need to start from scratch as part of my transition process of migrating here. Even if I'll have a huge pay cut, it's still better than no income at all!

I am also so happy to have found an office job because due to a past surgery, I felt that I have limited my opportunities during my job hunt. I filtered out all the retail / fast food / restaurant job vacancies or any other type of job that requires lifting a minimum amount with no assistance because I cannot do that.

Anyway, thank you for letting me share my experience. The process of job hunt is really exhausting and I can definitely relate with anyone who are having difficulty finding a job. The experience has caused me partial depression, there were days where I have very low self esteem and really starting to lose hope. I live in a rural area with no tall buildings in sight. Going to Target to shop feels like going to town already. So really, most of the time, I felt that finding a decent job where I live was impossible but hard work pays off so don't give up!!

I hope to have the results of the background check as soon as possible! I am beyond excited to start working again. I am positive my background check will not have any problems but I'm just concerned with the time. I really hope it won't take too long!!

[jjbandero 39]

Congrats on landing your first job! For background checks, it depends on the number of checks they're doing as well, in my case, as I work in what's considered a "sensitive finance role", I had to pass through criminal background check, credit check and educational checks. The job offer is usually contingent on you passing the background check as stated by the prospective employer.

I think it's always a good idea to look broadly across different industries, as many of the skills/experiences people have can be adapted, this is especially true of soft skills such as good communication, ability to work effectively as part of a team.

[PauPau 71]

Just a couple things to consider when you're looking for work in the US.

1) The US has a lot of illegal immigrants. Companies have to be careful the immigrants they hire are legal, or they can pay very big penalties.

2) In a lot of work environments, Americans can be very lazy and unthankful for the opportunity. If you work hard and don't complain about having to do something that "you're too good to have to do" -- something lots of Americans can't accomplish -- you will be a very desired employee.

On time every day, take pride in the quality and efficiency of your work, and you can get ahead a lot faster than a lot of "locals". And a US work history, even outside your expertise, can be beneficial later when you try to get a better job.

Thank you Pythos1 for your advice and will definitely do my best at work!! This job hunt is no joke so I will not mess this up. In general, I feel that when someone is given a chance, no matter if the opportunity is not as good as what one used to do, we should not waste the opportunity. My hiring boss inspired me by sharing that she started out as Cashier/Receptionist but six years later, she's still with the same company, but now managing a department. We shouldn't belittle entry level jobs, it seems that in general, this is the door to success if you are determined to work on it.

Hi Kabayan PauPau,

Thank you for sharing your experience, that was very insightful! Anyway, I agree on almost everything that you said regarding the job hunt and struggles and with us having no US experience so we need to adjust on it. Although, I've also worked in 2 U.S. based companies in the Philippines but then again, it is still different when you're physically working here.

Regarding your question, the background check on me lasted for 2 weeks since that's right, our references are not local and mostly in the Philippines so they need to wait for the responses. After that, every companies have their SOP on Occupational Health Screening, which on my end since I'm currently working in the hospital operations (although offsite and office setting) , I still had my 2 step PPD (had negative chest xray anyway after 2nd ppd skin test) and it is around 2 weeks too.

Don't worry kabayan, this shall soon passed, it is a matter of more patience of waiting and I believe, if the work is meant for you, and the hiring manager really wants you, the company could wait.

Regards.

Thank you Kabayan!! In the job offer letter, these are the checks they need to do before I can start to work:

• Criminal Background Check
• Motor Vehicle Report

• SSN Trace
• Sex Offender Search

My record is super clean so I have no worries with the results. It is just really the long wait that is making me so anxious and uneasy. But yes, this too shall pass!!! Can't wait to start working!

Congrats on landing your first job! For background checks, it depends on the number of checks they're doing as well, in my case, as I work in what's considered a "sensitive finance role", I had to pass through criminal background check, credit check and educational checks. The job offer is usually contingent on you passing the background check as stated by the prospective employer.

I think it's always a good idea to look broadly across different industries, as many of the skills/experiences people have can be adapted, this is especially true of soft skills such as good communication, ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Thank you jjbandero!! This is also true in my case, I need to satisfy all the pre-employment requirements before I can start.

[PauPau 71]

Just to update you guys on what has happened to me since I posted this.

Firstly, it's been 3 weeks but no results yet on the background check. Now I am paranoid if the Motor Vehicle Report is what's causing the delay. I just received a letter from my auto insurance policy that says:

"The Motor Vehicle Report for XXXX currently indicates a Pending Application license status with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This represents that the DMV may need additional information before the license status is updated to reflect as valid. Please contact your local driver's license office for more details."

I'm imagining that my potential employer may have received the same results. I called DMV and was told that in the system, status says "in process, pending legal presence confirmation" which may take 4-6 MONTHS. I'm advised that if I don't get my ID in the mail before my temporary license expires, I should go back to the DMV a week before expiration to get an extension.

Secondly, I know I have been really anxious to get the results of my background check but while waiting, I got a call from another company that I have been eyeing for since last year!! You may not understand me but I am beyond excited just to be shortlisted. I have a LinkedIn Premium account where it tells me how many applied for the job (a ton!!) and how well I compare to the competition, which to some extent is not good for me. Seeing my rivals' credentials made me lose hope, some of them graduated with Masters from top notch universities like Cambridge so yeah, just seeing that, my dream of working there vanished into thin air. It just really feels like a long shot.

Anyways, they have an opening for the same job that I was doing overseas. They scheduled me for a phone interview which is basically a screening test. I was told of the salary range for people with experience like me and it is actually above the salary expectations I wrote in the application form. Also higher than my last drawn salary. So I passed the phone interview and they scheduled me for a job related online exam which I also passed, so thankful!! They are now scheduling me for a face to face interview with the managers in the next few weeks.

They only need 1 person to fill in the position and if by some miracle, if I am the one they choose to hire, I have to be honest but I will likely get this one over the first opportunity I have I feel bad just saying that, I hope it doesn't sound mean or selfish but this opportunity is related in my field and past work experience. It is the one and only company in that industry in our county so I am really praying and preparing for this!! Please pray along with me, I hope this is the good reason behind all the delays with my first job offer. I will update you guys and I hope I get to share some concrete good news next time!

[TBoneTX 45,570]

Rooting for you!

[PauPau 71]

Rooting for you!

Thank you TBoneTX!! My in-person interview is scheduled next week, sooo nervous now.

Also, my AOS was approved yesterday and current status says they ordered my new card!! Soooo happy, it happens to be my birthday yesterday too so it was an unexpected present!

Would you recommend that I update the first company at this point or should I just wait until I physically have my green card? Thank you in advance!!

[TBoneTX 45,570]

What a great birthday! Sure, let the first company know. It's good news for both of you, after all.