Wondering about my background...

[bugpilot]

Greetings to everyone, I'm new to these forums, and I know that there are a lot of posts already asking about particular background situations, so please if you can give me any thoughts or comments on my own if you would, I am trying to get a better idea of where I stand in my current hiring process for a Sheriff's Department. I have passed the entrance exam and attended a recruit orientation, and now have a huge background packet to fill out and submit for background eval.

I was in the United States Air Force for 4 years, beginning in 2001, all of those years I had excellent reviews, no disciplinary or reprimand issues, good conduct and war on terrorism medals, & honorable discharge in 2005. I loved the military and have no problems with authority or following orders. I have had 2 jobs since I've been out, no problems. I had bad credit while i was in the AF, mostly because I screwed up and bought dumb stuff on credit and got behind on bills while I was a new airman and had "freedom" to do whatever I wanted. Anyway, as I progressed and got out of the military I began to repair my credit and have now paid off everything, actually did that about a year ago. My wife and I just got approved for a new home with either a CalVet or VA home loan!

Most of my questions arise from my past, before the Air Force. I had a number of jobs, none of which lasted very long, I was never in trouble or anything like that, but most were just "to-pass-the-time" jobs after high school. One job in particular was at a little bagel place that isn't in business anymore, but I was "let-go" from there because the owner thought I may have pocketed a little cash out of the register, even though after i was dismissed they realized i just didnt know how to count out the drawer properly and the money was never actaully "missing." My main concern is that before I was 20, my job history is wishy washy, no serious jobs. I went to a junior college for about a semester, didnt finish, went to an art college for about 3/4 of a year, didnt finish, and also went to a cooking school and almost finished, but didn't because of money issues.

My wife and I both have excellent jobs now, and have for the last few years, we both have strong military families, I have brought my credit up past 650, i have excellent references, and have never, contrary to most, done any illegal drugs, as hard as that might be to believe. Trust me, i like beer and wine! But MJ or anything else just never appealed to me. Would it be safe to assume that in an interview or pysch eval this won't be believed?

So my concerns/questions are these: does this past sound disqualifying in your opinions? Is there anything that puts a red flag up? I don't think I'm leaving anything out...

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.

[bell4fan]

alot of people have alot of jobs in and imidiately after high school. just be honest with everything. the great thing in your favor is you realized you needed to grow up, joined the military and did your honorable service. Your credit won't be a problem. On mine, they only asked for a current credit report. so if it is on the report and is hurting your score, be prepared to answer the circumstances behind it. other than that, get a list of past jobs and supervisors together to the best of your ability becuase they will be needed for the application process.

My B/I didnt really care what I had done pre-military. It was over 8 years ago, and he was more concerned with how I was in the military, than in highschool.

[bugpilot]

thanks for the input, I have a feeling I'll be ok, but I've heard stories of people being dismissed over little things, but then again I guess it varies from agency to agency.

[bell4fan]

well, your not a past cocaine user, you havent had sex with little boys, or dogs, and your not a felon, so compared to others that have posted here, your good 2 go, LOL.

[bugpilot]

lol, thanks. Yeah, i know some agencies are pretty loose as to their requirements..

[ferriscj24]

Nobody expects a robot or Joe Friday. You lie, you die. Plain & Simple. I would say your good to go.

[SnapShawt]

Look like a great candidate to me given what you've told us.

[mcsap]

Teens just out of high school are EXPECTED to have several jobs, move around , even get canned over stupid stuff. Nothing you said seems abnormal to me. You appear to have your act together , which by now is what we EXPECT from someone your age etc.