Working World

What you do on your own time is your business, not your employer’s, right? Sorry, those days are over. With instant Internet access, there is little that you can conceal.

Take how you pay your bills, for example. Employers can see your credit score, call your landlord and otherwise find out how you handle money. And credit checks come with background investigations.

Drug checks can be enacted at any time and, for some substances, trace back over a considerable period. Legitimate prescriptions show up, too. There is no justification for this secondary intrusion; but, in some cases, it might make sense to let an employer know ahead of time.

DMV records can go back for years, although checking them only occurs if the job requires you to drive. Still, if your employer gets wind of a DUI you can be sure of unfavorable notice, even if you don’t drive for the company,

What about your Facebook and MySpace entries? These are more accessible than you might think, and information from them spreads with amazing ease. Furthermore, what seemed like a bit of high-spirited fun at your graduation party can look unsavory under the gaze of a human resources clerk.

Prior to writing on employment issues, Elizabeth Hanink worked as a telephone operator, library aide and as a nurse.

Some professions, especially those involving licensing, require that you report any arrests, convictions or sanctions by another governmental body. Your credentials are priceless. Don’t jeopardize them or a potential job by carelessness.

Think about all this next time you are tempted to cut loose on the weekend.