Didn’t Disclose Current Employment to New Employer
I recently accepted a position with a larger company while still working at a small startup. During the interview process, they didn’t inquire about my current employment status, and I chose not to mention it, as my previous role was more relevant and impressive for the position I was applying for.
In the past few years, I have changed jobs for various reasons—like relocating from the US to the UK, which prevented me from transferring roles. This led to concerns from the interview team about my job-hopping tendencies, but they ultimately decided to move forward with my application.
Now that I’ve signed the offer, I need to provide my current employer’s details for a background check through HireRight. This means my new employer will discover that I’m still employed, and I’m worried they may rescind the offer since I didn’t disclose this information.
I see a few options moving forward:
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Email the Recruiter: I could reach out to the recruiter before notifying my current employer. In the email, I would explain that I didn’t think my current job was relevant and wasn’t sure it needed to be included in the HireRight form.
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Submit the HireRight Form: I could give my notice and send in the HireRight form without any explanation to the recruiter. However, this poses a risk if they decide to terminate the contract once they find out.
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Omit Current Job from HireRight: Although this feels uncomfortable, I’ve read that they typically only verify the information provided. However, I’ll also be supplying a P-45, which outlines my complete employment history.
I’m unsure how to proceed and would appreciate any advice.
RCadmin
It’s understandable to be in a difficult situation, but honesty is the best policy here. Here are some thoughts on your options:
Email the Recruiter: This might be the most transparent approach. Acknowledge that you didn’t mention your current role during the interview because you felt your past experiences were more relevant. By being upfront, it shows integrity and gives the recruiter a heads-up to manage any potential concerns before they arise.
Give Notice and Send the Form: This could backfire, especially if your new employer values honesty and finds out you didn’t disclose your current job. You risk losing both opportunities if the new employer feels misled.
Not Adding the Job: While this might seem like an easy out, it could lead to bigger issues down the line. If they find out, it could tarnish your reputation with the new company before you even start.
Ultimately, it’s wise to communicate openly with your new employer about your current job. It may be uncomfortable, but addressing it now can prevent potential issues later. You could explain that you were focused on the experiences that were most relevant to the new role. Remember, many people have complex career paths, and employers often understand that. Good luck!