DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in the hopes that you might answer the following question for both myself and other readers who may be in a similar situation.
When one is filling out the section on a job application regarding criminal history, how many years back should we go? I do have an arrest record but they were all misdemeanors, and I have never been in jail.
My last offense was 13 years ago, and I find it rather embarrassing to discuss with potential employers. I have heard that going back 10 years is plenty but do not want to give the impression of hiding something.
With the job market being the way it is, it seems that putting any unnecessary information is just a way of saying “don’t hire me.” Any information you might be able to provide would be appreciated. Thank you. — Joe, Auburn
ANSWER: In many ways this is an ethical question rather than one of the technical issues in which Sun Spots specializes. But it is an interesting dilemma.
For an example of what a company might do, Sun Spots asked Cathy in the Sun Journal’s Human Resources Department about SJ procedures. Cathy said that the question on the SJ application does not indicate any time limit to crimes but asks simply whether you have a criminal record (this would not include things such as traffic tickets). If so, you are given a space to explain.
Then, Cathy said, if the Sun Journal decides it’s interested in hiring someone, it uses the firm ADP to run a background check. Cathy said she did not know what records might show up on that check; they rely on ADP.
So Sun Spots then once again pestered Auburn police Deputy Chief Jason Moen, who said “criminal records are permanent and do not expire.”
Sun Spots thinks it would be far worse to be revealed as a liar than to have to explain a very old crime, especially a misdemeanor you may have committed when you were young and foolish.
Not all companies do background checks, of course, and the nature of the crime might also affect how you choose to answer questions about a criminal record. But Sun Spots imagines that if you were caught in a lie it would pretty much guarantee future unemployment.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need knobs for my electric stove. It is a Jenn-Air c203. Thank you. — No Name via email
ANSWER: One good thing about the Internet is that you can find parts for just about any old appliance. In this case, the manufacturer has a website, jenn-air.partselect.com, in addition to the usual suspects such as eBay.com and repairclinic.com.
You probably won’t much like the price. A set of four was slightly cheaper ($50.80) on repairclinic.com than on the Jenn-Air site $52.87. If you are patient and check eBay each week, you can probably get them cheaper.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am trying to respond to the March 13 letter about photos of trains. Do you have a phone number please?
I tried sending an email to them, but it did not go through. I am very interested in the photos of all the trains as I used to play in the old Rigby railroad in South Portland. I hope I am not too late. Thank you. — Frank, fpippin@roadrunner.com, 786-3412, cell 212-840
ANSWER: Sun Spots was not sure whether Al Struck (aljean@roadrunner.com), who made the offer wanted his phone number published or not. Sun Spots always tries to err on the side of caution, so people won’t yell at her!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am on the Recreation Committee in Litchfield, and we are looking for someone to donate a freezer for our snack shack. Donors can call Tiffany Caton, recreation director, at 268-4721. Thanks for your help! — Michelle Pushard via email
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