This is a personal anecdote of what happened to someone I wanted to hire. We tell all candidates that there will be a background check and reference check before anyone gets a final offer. At the interview, we even joke about it by saying that "unless you are running from the FBI or you are the Texas Chainsaw massacre person, you probably have nothing to worry about." The good candidates have said "well, you might find a parking ticket in there."

This particular young woman did not say anything. The background check came back with two hits. I was very disappointed in her because she is what we lawyers and judges call "less than forthcoming." If there is something in your background, we will know it. If she was hiding this hoping we won't find out, she's more naive than I suspected.

I am not telling you guys what you should say at your regional interview; I am only telling you what happened in my world.