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I recently had an interview and I was asked to sign a consent form
with the following text:
"I hereby authorize XXX and/or any of their authorized agents to
receive any criminal history record information pertaining to me which
may be in the files of any state or local criminal justice agency. I
also hereby give authorization for XXX to request information from
previous employers, educational institutions and all public/private
records, including driving, workers' compensation and credit and any
other pertinent information relating to the successful function of the
job for which I am considered.
I hereby release XXX, former employers, other references and any of
their authorized agents from any liability, and I knowingly understand
and agree that there is no invasion of personal privacy. I understand
that my background verification will be conducted in order to ensure
the business standards and
practices of XXX and will be held strictly confidential. This
authorization, in original or copy form, shall be valid for this and
any future reports or updates that may be requested."
Then they ask about the applicant's age and race and other info.
I have no problem with criminal/educational/driving background checks,
but what I don't understand is the need/relevance for "workers'
compensation and credit" checks and I feel as if I'll be signing away
all my privacy rights when I read "all public/private records" with no
time limits "... valid for this and any future reports or updates that
may be requested."
I was told by their HR department that this was the result of 9/11 and
everybody has to sign it and that all companies these days require
similar agreement. But I know this is not true for fact -- this is the
only company that I've come across, since 9/11, requiring such a broad
authorization.
I'll probably sign the form if they offer me the job, since I have
nothing to hide, but it doesn't feel right. I would be eager to know
if it's legal. Thank you in advance.
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