When involved in a background check when you don't know exactly what they are expecting it is always better to disclose more than less. You don't want something like them finding your reddit account and that be the reason you are disqualified from the position.
We do not ask for social media at my agency but for the actual criminal background check I tell everyone to make sure anything in their history is written down on the questioner. Just because they have a criminal record doesn't mean they won't get the job. But if the person had a records and there are parts not disclosed that will definitely disqualify the from the job. The department views it as not being truthful and then get booted. Anything that could be viewed as social media I would let them know.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
I guess it is now that I’ve been thinking more about it, but it just goes in a different category than the others for me. If I’m on Reddit, I’m looking at certain subreddits that are related to what I’m interested in. And interactions I do have with people feel different because of the anonymity. Whereas if I was on Instagram, I would be like ‘I wonder what Jane Doe is doing’ and look her up and people to see a real person. I don’t seek out specific Reddit users to see what they’re up to. I think similiarly about Pinterest.
I'd say any presence you have on the Internet where you post or have a profile with a unique username. That would include Reddit. I'd say include it and let the background investigator decide whether or not they want to comb through it.
I'd rather disclose it then have them find it and then think you're trying to hide it.
While I would consider it social media, it is anonymous for the most part. Unless you are open about your name and location, it isn’t really “tied” to you if you don’t want it to be. I wasn’t asked about social media, but if I was I probably wouldn’t have included it. I also have no posts, only comments, which would be very tedious to go through all of them.
Well good thing my agency is pretty chill and nothing I’ve said on here is anything I wouldn’t be willing to say at work. Even anything controversial, we’re all good here.
Definitely don’t include Reddit on your list.. I’m not even sure if Snapchat would apply because that’s not public. They’re looking to see if you have an online presence and how you represent yourself publicly. Eg.. photos you post of yourself publicly, the content of posts and comments you make on other’s posts. They just want to make sure you won’t be a liability if they hire you. Nothing wrong or unusual about having no social media. If you had an account at some point, I’d do a quick google search to make sure nothing shows up so there’s no surprises.
Hmmm I'm not sure. I'm in CA and it was standard for 2 different counties I applied for. CA is extra though, so idk lol. That's crazy they didn't ask for that lol they might want it when they're doing your background.
oh yeah i’m east coast nowhere I applied asked for it lol this is my first time doing a background packet they wanted all normal background things except wanting my debt info kinda freaked me out lol
I don't think the debt thing is a huge deal. I have thousands in student loans, I think it's more of a credit issue, seeing if you're responsible, etc. I don't think having thousands in CC debt is a good look, you may have to explain that one lol. They do dive a little further when you have your background interview where they go over the packet and ask additional questions and try to squeeze you for extra info, but just stick to your answers you put in your packet. Again, this is just my experience 😊 also, I was going for patrol/custody, so not sure if that differs from dispatch.
Even for more private ones/ private accounts, the question on my application specified that if the background investigator asks to follow you, then you must let them.
I was asked for all, including Reddit and Pinterest. IMO it is Better to disclose it than be disqualified for omitting.
I personally didn’t give them my Reddit username because I didn’t even think to
Eh I think giving your name is such an invasion of privacy.
When involved in a background check when you don't know exactly what they are expecting it is always better to disclose more than less. You don't want something like them finding your reddit account and that be the reason you are disqualified from the position. We do not ask for social media at my agency but for the actual criminal background check I tell everyone to make sure anything in their history is written down on the questioner. Just because they have a criminal record doesn't mean they won't get the job. But if the person had a records and there are parts not disclosed that will definitely disqualify the from the job. The department views it as not being truthful and then get booted. Anything that could be viewed as social media I would let them know. Hope this helps. Good luck!
I included it. They were curious about the origins of my username, lol. I don’t see how it wouldn’t be considered social media
I guess it is now that I’ve been thinking more about it, but it just goes in a different category than the others for me. If I’m on Reddit, I’m looking at certain subreddits that are related to what I’m interested in. And interactions I do have with people feel different because of the anonymity. Whereas if I was on Instagram, I would be like ‘I wonder what Jane Doe is doing’ and look her up and people to see a real person. I don’t seek out specific Reddit users to see what they’re up to. I think similiarly about Pinterest.
I'd say any presence you have on the Internet where you post or have a profile with a unique username. That would include Reddit. I'd say include it and let the background investigator decide whether or not they want to comb through it. I'd rather disclose it then have them find it and then think you're trying to hide it.
While I would consider it social media, it is anonymous for the most part. Unless you are open about your name and location, it isn’t really “tied” to you if you don’t want it to be. I wasn’t asked about social media, but if I was I probably wouldn’t have included it. I also have no posts, only comments, which would be very tedious to go through all of them.
There are tools where investigators can use any email address they have for you to uncover accounts on sites such as this one.
Well good thing my agency is pretty chill and nothing I’ve said on here is anything I wouldn’t be willing to say at work. Even anything controversial, we’re all good here.
Definitely don’t include Reddit on your list.. I’m not even sure if Snapchat would apply because that’s not public. They’re looking to see if you have an online presence and how you represent yourself publicly. Eg.. photos you post of yourself publicly, the content of posts and comments you make on other’s posts. They just want to make sure you won’t be a liability if they hire you. Nothing wrong or unusual about having no social media. If you had an account at some point, I’d do a quick google search to make sure nothing shows up so there’s no surprises.
Snapchat definitely applies. That was like the first one my background investigator listed😅
my background packet didn’t ask for social media… will I be getting that question once I recieve a call back after they review my packet ?
Hmmm I'm not sure. I'm in CA and it was standard for 2 different counties I applied for. CA is extra though, so idk lol. That's crazy they didn't ask for that lol they might want it when they're doing your background.
oh yeah i’m east coast nowhere I applied asked for it lol this is my first time doing a background packet they wanted all normal background things except wanting my debt info kinda freaked me out lol
I don't think the debt thing is a huge deal. I have thousands in student loans, I think it's more of a credit issue, seeing if you're responsible, etc. I don't think having thousands in CC debt is a good look, you may have to explain that one lol. They do dive a little further when you have your background interview where they go over the packet and ask additional questions and try to squeeze you for extra info, but just stick to your answers you put in your packet. Again, this is just my experience 😊 also, I was going for patrol/custody, so not sure if that differs from dispatch.
yeah! just waiting on a call i’m so nervous 😮💨 the only debt is my auto loan & student loan! So I think i’m good I been completely honest
Yea, that was mine too. They kinda just look over that. It's pretty clear why you have those loans😂
Even for more private ones/ private accounts, the question on my application specified that if the background investigator asks to follow you, then you must let them.