Someone please shed some light!!!!!

[lonesrch13]

As some of you may know, I am in the BI phase of a PD in southern CA. I was told that the BI would take approx. one month and that I should be looking at a start date of early in the new year. I was pretty excited to say the least. Especially considering that I had already gone through the difficult phases of the hiring process and was now down to formalities. It has been a month now since my BI was started, and silly me, I called my assigned investigator to see where I stand in the process. I had not heard anything from him since the process began and figured that no news was good news. When I spoke withhim he informed me that he has not received any of the "flyers" back that were sent out. He has also been having difficulty getting ahold of previous employers. Now, I don't want to sound ungrateful but, it has been a month, I haven;t heard a single word from him and I used to do BI's for the Gov't and know that if I had a problem where I couldn't get ahold of ANYONE I would certainly get in touch with my subject to get more info from them.

I called my most recent employer today and spoke to the supervisor. No mail (flyer) was received and no phone calls either (inquiring about me).

What can I do? Suddenly I am looking at a (possible) start date of mid '03! That's an extra six months! This would not have been such a shock but I am not in the position where I can afford, or even kid myself into believing I can afford to wait that long. I just don't understand what's going on..........


Frustrated in CA

[Drakor]

I wouldn't worry Bi's only take a matter of days. Your investigator has more then one person to investigate. What they told you is a generic answer to a time problem. They tell you this when they haven't gotten to your folder. If you think you'll start near the first of the year you still have plenty of time. Most employer checks are via the telephone, most reference checks are via the mail, like your friends and associates. Even if they don't get all the information they need, they may proceed on what they have, hiring you anyway.
I would lose patience and harass your invesigator and there is nothing to do but wait it out. Be patient Gook LUck KUP

[Romano]

Listen to Drakor's advice and just be patient. The more you bother your recruiter the more irritated they will get with you and perhaps not be willing to keep as close an eye on your file.

[lonesrch13]

Thanks to the both of you for your advice. And I think you are right. I'll wait for a while and just pursue other options for now. One person told me to call the BI guy and tell him that my previous employer did not receive any flyers etc. What do you think of that? I appreciated the advice, but I think it could backfire and get him upset with me.


Lonesrch13

[Porl]

Lonesrch13

I definately would not call again, yet. However, I would call back in 2 weeks and use the approach: I was curious if you needed anything else from me. Is there anything I can do to help the process along. And Not: I want to know when you will be finished with my BI.

Be paitent. I am in the same situation as you. If they don't finish mine on time, I have to wait until Jan 2004 as they only have one academy a year! YIKES!

Porl

[lonesrch13]

thanks for the message. I can hold off for a couple of weeks. I think I will go about it that way. Good luck to you and your situation as well. It seems that there are a lot of folks in limbo right now.....

Lonesrch13

[Charlie]

lonesrch13--You need to chill out and relax as best you can! Calling the B.I. and making yourself a pain-in-the-butt is NOT going to speed up the process.

Depending on the PD you've applied with and how many B.I.'s they have working and processing both your file or anyone else's is a big factor. AND, most likely, even if they got the goods on you from your former employers, they're not going to tell you anything anyways! It's confidential!

Backgrounds take time and the length of time it takes to get the information takes time as well. It may likely take a month or more to process everyone depending upon the department and how that department does their processing.

Depending upon the department, from start to finish, processing someone completely can take a matter of months or a year or more! Departments can vary greatly on their hiring process!

I would also caution you as well that it is common for people to apply more than once AND, completely process BEFORE someone may be extended a job offer! SO, if by chance you don't get hired the first time through, (which does not necessarily equate to you being a "bad" applicant), you may have to apply again!

Depending upon the department and the number of applicants for the number of positions available, it CAN be a competitive process.

Again, be patient and don't be a pain-in-the-butt! Calling the B.I. after a significant period of time MAY be in order but don't make yourself out to be a nuisance.

Charlie