First time OE – 5-month contract opportunity, background check concerns + potential conflict of interest question
Hey everyone!!! long-time lurker, first-time poster. I finally have my first real OE opportunity and I have a few concerns I’d love some input on.
My situation:
I currently work full-time for a large, globally recognized tech company (J1). I just landed an interview for a 5-month contract role (J2). This would be my first time OE.
Concern #1 – Background Check
When asked about my current employment during the intake process, I told them my current role is a “contract” that’s ending in mid-May. My question is — how deep do background checks typically go for contract roles? Are they usually just verifying employment dates and title, or do they actually dig into employment type/status? I want to make sure I’m not tripping any wires before I even get started.
Concern #2 – Conflict of Interest
Here’s the interesting wrinkle: the company I’d be contracting with actually uses a product that my J1 sells. However, they’re currently in an evaluation phase deciding whether to stay on that platform or migrate to a competitor. So it’s not like I’d be directly influencing a sale or actively working against my J1’s interests. Does this still count as a conflict of interest in your opinion? Or is it more of a gray area given that the decision is essentially already in motion without my involvement?
Any advice from people who’ve navigated similar situations would be really appreciated. Trying to go in with eyes wide open on my first rodeo. 😭😭😭😭