Probity Check

The way recruitment is moving now and in to the future is more heavily structured around contracts. An extra requirement becoming more common is a probity check as part of the recruitment process. The probity check was initiated from banking and high security agencies wanting to ensure the integrity of new employees prior to employment. Other companies are now coming on board with the probity check to ensure they know who they are accepting into the firm.

For anyone not familiar with it it can be quite a daunting process. The probity documents once completed are contracted out to an agency who specializes in accessing personal information such as tax file number declarations, credit records and licensing and residential information.

First of all ensure your resume is in good standing. Particularly with regard to dates moving from one employer to the next and duties or responsibilities conducted. If you cannot remember exact dates when writing your resume, then only add years so more information can be sought upon request if needed. The reason for this is because the information you provide in the probity documents will be cross checked against your resume and legal records. Another minor but important point is to be careful not to add a position as contract on your resume if it was actually part time, casual or full time as this will also be transparent after the investigation.

With regards to residential background, it will be much easier if you have not moved around much. The residential records need to go back over 10 years. The employment history will be covered over 5 years.

The first section to complete is basic information such as name, address, phone, date of birth, place of birth and tax file number. This information should not require much time as it is fairly common to you.

The next section is residency for the past 10 years. If you have moved several time then you will need to seek out old documents such as rental/board/lodging receipts, tenancy contracts or utility bills to obtain the dates to and from places of residence. This may take some time to complete.

The employment section is next. They will be confirming these dates with HR at each company so I think it best for you to simply call any previous firms and speak to HR yourself to get the dates for commencing, ending and any promotions. They will ask you to provide three referees to vouch for your work ethic who have been direct managers preferably. Again, make sure you contact these people to get permission and provide warning to expect a call.

You could also refer to Tax File Declarations if you have kept copies for commencing employment and bank records for payment dates.You will be required to state who your direct manager was, a contact number for them and a box to tick whether they can contact your previous direct manager to discuss your work history. Tick this as yes if there is no cause to suspect the reference wont be positive. Make sure in this case you call them to ask permission and so they are not surprised to receive the call. The responsibilities section will be discussed with them so make sure this is an accurate reflection of your duties and responsibility.

The final section is a legal/police section to declare important information such as if you have every been bankrupt or convicted of an offense. Apparently even traffic infringements are considered an offense (I called the probity firm to check this) so be honest and provide as much detail as possible.

The whole purpose of this check is to be honest and show integrity so don’t try to trick the process.

Obviously, a good question to consider is “Do I want this position enough to provide all this information” as many people see this as an invasion into their private information. Especially if it is for a short term contract the process may not be viable due to the level of intrusion required.

One important thing to consider if asked to do a probity check is job security because the probity can take up to six weeks to complete however, the employers expect you to resign if needed to commence work while the probity is still being conducted under the understanding that the position is dependent on passing the probity. This means if anything under your probity is not cleared and you have left a good job for this one, they have reason to dismiss you immediately. Ensure you feel the position is worth the time, and risk, your references are in good standing and your details are accurate.

In summary as long as you adhere to the advise here, you can be confident that your application will go through without any stumbling blocks and before long you will be working in your great new position.