When a work does a credit check? Does your score affect your ability to get the job?

Question

I have nothing in collections, no bankruptcies, and nothing beyond that. However, I had some lates for just a short period of time when I was between job. Everything is fine now. I HEARD THAT BUSINESS DON'T SEE YOUR SCORE ON THE CREDIT BACKGROUND CHECKS. THEY ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR TAX LIENS, LATE CHILD SUPPORT, COLLECTIONS.... EXC. EXC. EXC.. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THEY LOOK AT THE OVERALL SCORE TOO... ??? Because if so than I probably won't get the job...

Answer 1

You should be fine.  MOST potential employers will only look at the "big stuff".  Good luck with your new job!

Answer 2

Depending on the job, it can affect your chances of being hired.  For instance, if it is anything that deals with money, you probably will not be hired.  Most insurance companies, retailers and banks will likely pass on applicants with bad credit, due to the possibility that they may steal in order to pay for things.  Its just too big of a liability for them, other employers look at it as an inability to be responsible, or have follow through with responsibilities.

Answer 3

They SAY it's not supposed to, but the fact of the matter is that they will be taking it into consideration.  If everything is now paid off, though, then they will be more likely to hire you.

Answer 4

Employers may only check your credit with your consent, but they can also demand that consent before they consider you for hire.  They may ask to look at your score or your entire report.

Jobs in casinos or banks would be especially cautious in this area, but many people do not know that the U.S. military routinely pulls credit reports as part of the process in granting someone a security clearance.  Bad credit can cause your clearance to be suspended, as supposedly someone with bad finances may be more susceptible to a bribe.  not sure I agree with the Army's logic or prosepctive employers, but consider that if they look at 1000 applicants with good credit vs 1000 applicants with bad credit, they will probably get a larger number of good employees out of the first batch.  It isn't personal, it's just statistics.

Bottom line:  Pull your own report, and be prepared to discuss any problems with your potential employer.  if you handled it responsibly, you might just get the job anyway.  

Answer 5

Dear Davidmic:  When applying for a job they have the option of running what's called an Equifax report.  This report has all of your credit scores and these scores are based on an "R" rating system.  Example, if you have immaculate credit history you would have R1's across the board - which is excellent.  The Equifax report details every credit card you posess (and loans, lines of credit) and ones you have posessed in the past eg. card paid in full.  You may start to get into trouble if payments are late by a significant amount of time; 3 months or more.  Or, if you have defaulted on a loan altogether you may get a score of R9.  R9 isTHE WORST but it doesn't sound like you're anywhere near there.  Your credit essentially will be toast for 7 years with an R9 rating- no matter what the cause.

Back to your question: yes, potential employers look at your overall score and have the right to deny you the position based on this factor alone (I used to work for a discount brokerage house, and I've even been denied temp work due to a bad credit score).  There's ways around if though Davidmic, for example, are late payments a pattern or was it an isolated incident?  This may be something you might want to explain to your potential employer, but I wouldn't bring the subject up until seeing your Equifax report first.  If you want to be sure, contact Equifax yourself and ask for a copy of your report.  Anything from R1,R2,R3 and R4 is usually fine.  Sorry if this wasn't the answer you hoped for but DON'T WORRY, your situation doesn't sound bad at all - really it doesn't.  P.S  Don't forget to send the person who interviewed you an email thaking them for their time and that you hope to hear from them soon.  This will set you apart from other candidates.  If you haven't heard anything in 2 weeks, it is acceptable to send another email; something like, "you're anxious to start work in this field of business..."  Don't make your emails too long and don't ramble- just be straight to the point an sign, Regards, Davidmic.

Hope this was helpful - stay positive- and check the internet or with your local bank on how to get a copy of your Equifax report.  They have a phone # but I lost it.

Kind Regards,

Mustang

Answer 6

no they can get your entire credit report if you sign a consent form they can see your score what lines you have open and if you have been delinquent on them and to what extent Yes this can prevent you from getting a job and yes it is legal

Answer 7

no i think it helps u