Hello!

Background checks are nothing to be worried about, as long as you haven´t lied (e.g., saying that you graduated from Uni X when you didn´t, or that you worked in Company Y 2 years instead of 6 months). Minor things, such as 1 month differences, etc. don´t matter. 

Most of the times, they are done by 3rd party companies to which the job is externalized. If they find any discrepancy, they contact you first and clarify it with you. 

For instance, with the MIT background check I had the issue that the external name of my Amazon job is not the same as the one Amazon uses internally -and that was the name given in the certificated that Amazon gives oficially-. It was easily solved by an HR doc that explained that both were the same thing. 

In terms of originals vs. copies, I only shared copies and it was fine (you only have one original!)

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hey there,

Can just speak about McK:

1. I had to send scans of my high school diploma.

2. I am pretty sure that they do not call high schools…

3. After the contract was issued. Usually, you receive the contract right after you have received the offer and they want you to sign asap. Once done, they will request further documents.

All the best,

Florian

Hi there,

Let me get straight to the point:

• Does one have to hand in the original high school diploma? Copies are required (never originals) - which makes Germany the only country I know of to ask for this as far as MBB and Tier 2 firms.
• Do MBB call/mail high schools for verification? No, that would be too much - even for my fellow Germans…
• Do background checks happen before or after a contract was issued? Signature and acceptance of the offer triggers the process. Final contract is signed once everything is complete.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Hi there,

Here is the rule: If you need to do something, they will tell you. If they tell you to do something, do it.

But, it's unlikely you'll need to do anything additional. Additionally, don't worry about things you can't control! Whether they call, email, or send a courier by horse, just know that they check with your previous work/education - it's as simple as that!

As long as you didn't lie, you will be fine.

(edited)

What do you have to hide??? It's always very peculiar when people show such high interest in the background check process at MBBs…