Future Employer wants to run a credit check?!?

[hospicenurse]

I haven't been job hunting for almost twenty years, so this is really a shock to me. I received a whole packet of information today with a job offer that I really want to accept. Lord knows how I will find documentation of my measles and rubella from 1960, but I guess I'll manage. And I understand the criminal background check and health screening - but a credit check? Is this standard procedure for employers these days? It seems very invasive of my privacy even though my credit is fine. Actually I can even understand why it would be interesting info for the employer to have - but do I have to agree to it?

Gail

[steve0123]

Why is it that employers are increasingly having so much influence/control/input/etc over our lives? What ever happened to the notion of turning up, doing your job, and going home? Work is work, home is home, and never the two shall meet (or at least in my own idealistic opinion).

Doing credit checks on potential employees in just so intrusive. What next? Are they going to want to know what food you keep in the kitchen cupboard, or what brand of underwear you purchase, or a list of your phone calls for the months March through to September, all under the guise of "choosing the most appropriate person for the job"? I know that people have posted about junkies selling Rx for extra cash, but the weight of that argument/excuse doesn't hold up against the intrusion and contempt for privacy that results from these policies. Sure, if you're applying for an executive position I can understand having your finances scrutinised, but why should that extend to the rest of the workforce? Shouldn't they be basing their decision on your qualifications, experiences, references, and ability to execute the neccessary duties?

[Sheri257]

What ever happened to the notion of turning up, doing your job, and going home? Work is work, home is home, and never the two shall meet (or at least in my own idealistic opinion).

I've been a creditor, a landlord and an employer. And, quite frankly, I would use any tool I could to screen people I don't know ... including credit, because there are too many people out there who are looking to take advantage. It's too much of a pain dealing with bad employees after you've hired them. You've got to use every tool available to avoid hiring them in the first place before the damage is done.

If someone has a couple of marks on their credit report, but everything else is clean, that's one thing. But if they haven't paid anybody and have a ton of bad credit, I wouldn't hire them. If someone consistantly screws their creditors, I personally think there's a good chance they'll probably screw me.

So, I personally don't blame employers for doing this. I would do the same.

[TexasPoodleMix]

So, we are filing bankruptcy next month. Are you guys telling me that I will have a hard time getting a job when I graduate or if I try to get a job during school?

bk is so common now. I think more people understand thanyou realize that families tend to get in over their heads, etc.

[TexasPoodleMix]

well seeing as how the average credit rating in the us is in the 670's i think it won't matter too much if you have damaged credit.

:rotfl:

haha that is funny !