I got a new job. It's been awhile since I've worked for an institution, so it doesn't surprise me that things have changed. I've been filling out forms left, right, and center. Some, like the anti-harassment training, were rather inspiring. Some, like my W-4, were downright thrilling. And then came this one. An outside agency sent me a generic email asking for an electronic signature, so they could do this:

The report may contain information bearing on your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, mode of living and/or credit standing. The information that may be included in your report includes: Experian credit reports (US Credit), social security number trace, criminal records checks, public court records checks, driving records checks, drug tests, educational records checks, verification of employment positions held, personal and professional references checks, and licensing and certification checks. The Company will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which you are applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources, including sources identified by you in your job application or through interviews or correspondence with your past or present coworkers, neighbors, friends, associates, current or former employers, educational institutions or other acquaintances. You have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of this notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report. Please be advised that the nature and scope of the most common form of investigative consumer report obtained with regard to applicants for employment is an investigation into your education and/or employment history.

Now, there is nothing in my credit history or driving record that I am ashamed of, but that's not the point. I am applying for a job teaching English. Ninety-nine percent of this is not relevant to that position, and therefore, none of their business. I accept that they want to contact former employers, guarantee that I actually got the degrees I said I got, and I can even accept the criminal background check, but that's it.

So, I called the organization, Talentwise, and they actually answered and were pleasant. It turns out my institution just wants a criminal record check. But, there is no way to opt out of the general permission form. At least not yet. I've put a call in to Human Resources, and we are going to politely, calmly get them the information they need without giving up my right to privacy.