Our department requires a pre-employment criminal background check. Is there anything from your background that would give us reason not to hire you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What to Avoid
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

Most fire departments do a pre-employment background check to ensure they hire Firefighters who do not have a criminal history. Firefighters work with the public and must be honest and trustworthy. The department also wants to know that they can trust you with your coworkers' and the department's property.

Some departments might hire Firefighters with a criminal background if the offense was minor, while others will not hire anyone with a mark on their record. Typically, it will be mentioned in the job announcement what the department's policy is regarding criminal history.

The interviewer also wants to determine how honest you are. It takes a strong person to admit to criminal history, and most people are embarrassed to do so. If you have something that will show up during a background check, be straightforward with the interviewer. Describe the offense, what charges were brought against you, what the penalty was, and what you learned from that experience.

If you have a criminal background, avoid being dishonest with the interviewer about it. They will find out during your background check, and they will not hire you if you were dishonest during the interview. If you were not truthful in the interview, they would determine that you cannot be trusted.

If you have something that will show up during the background check, avoid blaming anyone else. The interviewer wants to hear that you own up to your mistakes and take credit for the error.

When someone admits they did something wrong, it shows integrity. If the department is willing to overlook an offense, they want to hire a Firefighter who has morals and is honest about their past faults. When you explain what happened and what you learned from the experience, the interviewer might decide that you made a bad choice but have learned from your mistake.

"No, there is nothing that will show up on my background check. I am an honest, law-abiding citizen and do not have a criminal history."

"I am not sure if it will be an issue, but I do have a class C misdemeanor offense on my record. Three years ago, I was arrested for having an open container while riding in my brother's car as a passenger. I spent the night in jail and was given a fine of $1,000. After I was arrested, I stopped drinking and have been sober for three years. That was a learning experience that I never want to repeat, and I hope it will not keep you from considering me for this position."

Anonymous Answer

"There is nothing in my background that would affect my chances of being hired."

Amanda's Feedback

Background checks are a common requirement for many employers. You've confirmed you don't have a criminal background, which is the best possible response when your background is clear. You can also enhance your answer by affirming that you're ready and willing to comply with a background check.