Signing a credit/consumer report when applying for a job.

[ZZTopRN, BSN, RN]

Today I went for an interview and was offered the job pending background and consumer report and credit check. Needless to say, I was shocked at what they check.

"Please be advised that we may also obtain an investigative report including information as to your character, general reputation, persoanl characteristics, and mode of living. This information may be obtained by contacting your previous employers or references supplied by you."

"There are many types of consumer reporting agencies, including credit bureaus and specialty agencies (such as agencies that sell information about check writing histories, medical records, and rental history records).

Is this frightening or not? How far do they dig to get your information as to "character, personal characteristics, mode of living." This seems to go beyond a background check for a criminal record.

What about people that would do you harm? Like I have had to take a couple of landlords to small claims court to get my deposits returned, and you can imagine the way my character would be portrayed.

I had applied one time to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for health insurance. I was turned down because of one small basal cell carcinoma on my face that has never returned. I didn't know at that time that there was a "Medical Business Bureau." What do they DON"T know about you?

I really want this job, but all this privacy invasion upsets me. It seems we have no privacy.

Again, they say we MAY do these kinds of checks. Maybe sometimes they don't go beyond the background check? Anyone have experience with this?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately in an at will state you will be subjected to backround and credit checks to get a job.

They dont want someone who doesnt pay their bills for instance and is turned over to collection agencys because it reflect on how you handle your personal business. How would someone handle business for them? It not only reflects and speaks to your responsiblity but lets them know if it will become a problem with garnishment of wages and calls from collection agencies while you are working. Neither of which employers take kindly to.

I dont think taking someone to small claims would necissarily make an impact, i dont think that is what they are really looking at.

Unfortunately it is becoming a trend that employers feel they should be able to control what you do on your offwork time also. I dont agree with that at all, but i guess they feel it relfects on them if you are an employee of theirs.

Makes ya wonder how much family you have,, big brother watches, uncle sam needs to know, who else? I guess when they say we are one big family at work,, they really mean it huh?