Pre-Employment Check HELP?

Question

I just came back from an interview at Weis Markets to work as a Pharmacy Tech - the pharmacist who interveiwed me really liked me (said so), and said that she was very intersted in hiring me pending my background check.

I don't have any criminal records or driving records, and didn't list any false infomation on my application...but, I've heard that employers sometimes do credit reports.

I had to be taken to the Emergency Room a few months ago, and the total bill was close to 900 dollars (I don't have insurance, nor do I currently have a job, and the hospital wasn't willing to work out a payment plan - they immediately sent it to the credit agency after 60 days). It has yet to be paid because I don't have the money, but I have recieved letters saying that my debt to the hospital could effect my credit score.

Do you think that I might not get this job because of this? It's not as though it's thousands of dollars.

Now I'm nervous...I really want this job...

Answer 1

Even with that $900 medical bill in collections, that shouldn't hurt your score so badly that you won't be hired.

When you do get ready to pay off that debt, send the collection agency a letter asking for a delete for pay.  Offer 50% "to expedite removal of the item" from your credit report.  They may accept that or make a counter offer.  You can probably settle for less than 75% and get it removed, if you have a lump sum.

Be sure to get any settlement agreement in writing and keep it, along with your payment proof, forever.  Do not give the collection agency direct access to your bank account.

Congratulations on your new job -- you will get hired.

Answer 2

I seriously doubt that that would even come close to stop them from hiring you. Hospital bills is one of the main items credit lenders even tend to overlook even when extending credit out.

As long as you criminal history is good I'm sure the job is yours.

Answer 3

You have to sign a paper allowing you them to do the check. Same with the backround. If you did not sign a release paper they can't do a credit check.