Has anyone ever been told by a client that a background check would be required? I responded to an ad, but unless some of you tell me that it's pretty normal my first reaction, if this individual does show interest in retaining me, is to tell him or her that as an independent contractor that I am not willing to submit to a background check.
I would of course offer references, but other than that I'm not sure this is too cool.
Your feedback, as always, is so very much appreciated.
I'd say it all depends on what sort of work you'd be doing and the information you'd be handling.
I've consented to background/reference checks etc for clients who have given me all their credit card details etc.
__________________ "Instead of looking for things that have gone wrong and trying to fix them...Look for things that went right and try to build on them" Tom Peters
I agree with MoragB. If it requires sensitive information or financial information then I would agree to it. This is standard for many employeers and while you are not an employee it is hard to break old habits with some clients to move them to the VA phase of their business.
I'd say it all depends on what sort of work you'd be doing and the information you'd be handling.
I've consented to background/reference checks etc for clients who have given me all their credit card details etc.
I was going to say pretty much that. If you're handling sensitive financial or personal information, a background check, even though you're an independent contractor, isn't that uncommon. There are several companies that contract with ICs that require them because of the nature of the work.
Thank you all. That does make sense...but then are any of you at all concerned about your own protection? I mean - with working virtually it's hard to know for sure who you are working with and so should I be concerned with identity theft?
I don't know about anyone else, but as part of my due dilligence when considering working with a potential client, I always take the time to do my own 'background search' on them & their company - the internet is a mine of information
__________________ "Instead of looking for things that have gone wrong and trying to fix them...Look for things that went right and try to build on them" Tom Peters
Thank you all. That does make sense...but then are any of you at all concerned about your own protection? I mean - with working virtually it's hard to know for sure who you are working with and so should I be concerned with identity theft?
I'm soo paranoid. :-O
I have yet to find a case where I'd be giving anymore information to a client than they could possibly find online.
Oh...anisemama (sorry, don't know your real name :-)) I think I was thinking of a background check as including the need to give out a social security number and checking my credit, etc.
Oh...anisemama (sorry, don't know your real name :-)) I think I was thinking of a background check as including the need to give out a social security number and checking my credit, etc.
I think that if they are requesting a background check, they have to make sure that your information is safe and secure.
But if it's something you're worried about, then I'd say don't go through it, because you'd always sort of wonder and feel a bit uncomfortable.
On the lines of background checks, I have a scenario to put out there for some insight. A potential client called me today about my services. The gentleman stated that he deals with confidential information and wanted to have a background check done on me. Not a big deal. The catch is that he wanted it done through a company that he likes and that I am to pay the $100 fee for the background to be done.
He is not willing to reimburse the fee as he said it is my cost of doing business with him. I respectfully declined the job because it wasn't worth me paying $100 for a background check when the job would only return $75 for a net LOSS of $25. The question: When a client requests a background check, whose responsibility is it for covering the fee?
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Melvin D. Gooden
The Essence of Time Business Services
Conducting a Background Check?
Has anyone ever been told by a client that a background check would be required? I responded to an ad, but unless some of you tell me that it's pretty normal my first reaction, if this individual does show interest in retaining me, is to tell him or her that as an independent contractor that I am not willing to submit to a background check. 
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