Does anybody know the policy on Accenture? Will they hire me with a misdemeanor dui which was 2 years ago? I have a job offer but it is contingent on a background check. I didn’t have to fill out any questions regarding convictions on the online application.
Also, should I disclose this information to HR or just go through with the background check and let them find out?
Your answer in regards to this question will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I don’t work for Accenture but I do work for a similar consulting company. It is always best to disclose those types of things on your own before they find out (and they will find out in this information age). A DUI generally isn’t a disqualification on its own. You won’t be the first consultant or even the 10,000th to have such a thing on their record. Just own up to it say and it was a stupid mistake on your part and you won’t do it again and that should be enough.
It could happen but it is a calculated risk that may not work out. They would always like to hear about it from you first. For some reason, a DUI conviction is held in a separate category from other misdemeanors when it comes to job applications. Some even say that explicitly on the application.
I know that I, as a hiring manager wouldn’t bat much of an eye over it whereas other misdemeanors like petty theft would get someone shit-canned instantly no matter how long ago it was. I don’t think it is that big of a deal in the consulting world. It is a hard drinking and partying lifestyle after hours partially by design. I have never had a DUI conviction myself but, if companies decided fire or not hire anyone with a DUI conviction, you would hear little but crickets in short order.
Thanks for the reply…Like I said i didn’t have a chance to disclose it on an application. But I will disclose it on the background check form if they ask.
No, I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression. Only disclose what is necessary when asked. That both covers you and them. HR is never your friend no matter how they like to pretend otherwise sometimes. Only answer direct questions and then be as honest as possible. I meant that, even if it comes up, a DUI isn’t likely to be a disqualifier but there is no need to beat them to the punch.
According to guidance from the EEOC, criminal record can only be disqualifying if it pertains to the job. So if you want to be a delivery driver, DUI is a huge deal. If you want to work in a cubicle, it’s probably not disqualifying.
I did background checks as a hiring manager myself, and the main things that were disqualifying were violence and/or theft. Or a pattern of really poor judgement. One DUI wouldn’t have been disqualifying where I worked, but multiple DUIs would be.
If I were HR and this was my call, I would look at your age when you had the DUI.
A DUI at age 25 gets canceled as “youthful misadventure”.
A dui at age 45 might indicate a longterm drinking habit that could be a problem.
If you drink alcohol every day, you are an alcoholic.
A DUI conviction is usually not a big deal, since (unlike a theft conviction) it does not question the person’s trust. I work in a government lab, where each employee must get a security clearance, and (as far as I know) a DUI conviction hasn’t been an issue.
The position is an analyst position. It happened when I was 20. I have certainly learned my lesson and will never put myself in that situation again.
I was just trying to decide if I should talk to HR after I fill out my background check form, since they are going to find out anyways.
Don’t assume it’ll turn up in their search.
If it isn’t a felony, there won’t be a mention in any federal database.
If it’s more than 7 years old, it may not show up in a motor vehicle records search.
The local computer systems that local law enforcement agencies hit can be split up across different courts, city/county, etc.
It’s perfectly possible that they’ll miss a non-felony, even though they think they searched everywhere you’ve ever lived, worked or visited.
None of the above is to say that you should be anything besides wholly truthful, but heads-up… background checks always finding everything is like the surveillance image enhancements on those CSI shows: it works better on paper than in real life.
I think Ill run a background check on myself and see what comes up. Then I will know for sure. Plus I really want to be honest and show I learned my lesson. It is my PAST and I learned from it.
When I signed on with Accenture in 2005, during orientation they said that there would be parties, and at the parties there would be alcohol, and anybody drinking would be expected to imbibe responsibly. If they ask, tell them what you told us, it was a one-time mistake, years ago, and you’re never going to put yourself in that position again. If they don’t ask, don’t offer the info.
If they don’t even get to the interview, you’ll never know why–it’s not like they’re going to call you and say “We’d love to interview you for the position, but you have a DUI, so forget it.” So, if it’s a deal-breaker, you’ll never hear from them again. If it isn’t, it isn’t.