CompensationOct 19, 2017
InteltxUS54

Do background checks show current comp?

When joining a new company, does the background check reveal your current salary? I don't see why it would but one of my friends requested the hard copy of his background check when he joined Apple a few years ago and I saw with my own eyes that it had his current salary written on the background check. I think he had just barely got his green card though so I don't know if the fact that he was fresh off an H1B had anything to do with it. Maybe the government publishes it for people on work visas. I am asking because I have a verbal offer from HR at a different company and I resisted giving her a number so she told she can work on getting me an offer by next week but to kick off the background check in parallel. Is this a trick? I am a citizen by the way.

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IBM jh232 Oct 19, 2017

Your employer(unless they are shady or dumb) will not disclose your salary because it’s illegal. If your new company is invasive and gross they will run a credit check and possible use income you’ve self-reported when applying for credit

LinkedIn vfgh215 Oct 19, 2017

I always lie on those anyway :)

VMware trollbully Oct 22, 2017

Cite the law that says it is illegal.

IBM jh232 Oct 19, 2017

Either way, take the conversation away from past comp to what she can offer. If she’s not okay with that then run away

Intel txUS54 OP Oct 19, 2017

She is ok with that and will get back to me with an offer next week but wants me to initiate the background check in parallel. She sent it to me yesterday but I haven't touched it yet.

Intel txUS54 OP Oct 19, 2017

Ah, that makes sense. He had recently bought a house before landing the new job. Is Apple sleazy enough to run credit checks? That's the company he went to. This was a little under four years ago.

IBM jh232 Oct 19, 2017

In my opinion it’s a sleazy practice and incredible invasive. I wouldn’t give them permission to run my credit

IBM jh232 Oct 19, 2017

Not sure. Wouldn’t surprise me at all. Saves them money

Microsoft snoopcat Oct 19, 2017

yes. They do and my employer did report my salary. It was an exact thought rounded to next 10000$. I know because i requested for a copy of background check report and there it is.

Intel txUS54 OP Oct 19, 2017

Thanks all. You've cast enough doubt in my mind that I'll wait for her to make me an actual offer next week before I kick off the background check online.