Background Check and Credit check???

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 25, 2008

Prospective employers do credit checks all the time. It's another factor in how potentially successful you will be on the job. I think it's a little silly, but as long as your credit is decent it shouldn't be an issue.

Thornbird · Oct 25, 2008

I worked for a Home Health Agency that asked for my signature for a criminal background check permission and credit check. These forms were mixed in with the whole ton of forms they required. I refused to sign the credit report one and told them it was none of their business. Got the job anyway. Doesn't matter whether your credit is good or bad, employers have no right to this information. Nursing license discipline, criminal background, child abuse registry - all of these are checks that they are entitled to because they affect the job. Driving history if they provide vehicle or you will transport clients.

I wonder if it's the same agency or more are doing it? It's the only time I've been asked for this. I'm not sure it's legal to obtain a credit report without the individual's permission.

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

I was hired for HH agency last Jan, had to sign for a criminal background check and credit check, I agree its none of anyone's business, maybe if you give me the job, I can pay the bills.... :lol2:

Altra, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

If this is your first full-time job I can understand that this was unexpected for you. However, credit checks as part of the hiring process are common all industries now - have been for about a decade. Take note of the fact that one of the pieces of paper you signed when completing an application was permission for the employer to conduct a background check. Obtaining a credit report is a relatively efficient, inexpensive way for an employer to verify other information that you have provided re: former employers, addresses, etc.

Also, please note that the employer requested and obtained a report, presumably from one or more of the 3 major credit reporting agencies (EquiFax, TransUnion & Experian). This is not at all the same as having access to your financial accounts.

This may help you understand credit reports, credit scoring, and how these are used for more than just obtaining credit from a financial institution.

http://www.experian.com/credit_report_basics/

Thornbird · Oct 25, 2008

Doesn't matter what the employers excuse is, it's still none of their business and I refuse to give my permission. Never got turned down for a job because of it. I'm a huge believer in personal privacy whether it's my medical, financial or any other personal information. In the past decade credit reports have become so mis-used it's ridiculous.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

Have you ever looked at your credit report? I review mine at least once per year.

Employers review credit reports because they often contain information on workplaces where you've been employed in the past. My three major credit reports contain various workplaces dating back to 1995. If I am being deceptive by leaving a recent workplace off my resume or job application, the hiring manager will immediately know about my deception after reading my credit report.

In addition, some employers do not want to be saddled with telephone calls from collection agencies regarding your old debts, so they may not want to hire someone with massive amounts of defaulted bills. Moreover, other employers feel that a person with fair to good credit has a higher likelihood of being responsible and fulfilling obligations.

life_aknew · Oct 25, 2008

this has always been a big concern with me and i can't tell you the countless times my sister and i have debated about this same issue.

i feel it's unfair for potential employers to hold credit score against applicants or even be swayed by it one way or the other just by looking at someones credit report.

i understand that it is something that is being done more often, but unless you're going to work with an extreme amount of money( and even that can be iffy), i see no cause for it. there are so many things to take into account. say someone who was married and then divorced and became bankrupt in the process or a young college student who was tempted by the loads and loads of unsolicited pre approved credit cards, or just by going to school itself and racking up some serious student loans-all of these things affect your credit and if you can't get a job how can you clean your credit up? how can one right their wrongs, if you can't get hired because of past difficulties or mistakes?

....idk-just doesn't seem right. i think it might be time to update that eoe guideline.

:twocents:

bethin · Oct 25, 2008

Have you ever looked at your credit report? I review mine at least once per year.
Employers review credit reports because they often contain information on workplaces where you've been employed in the past. My three major credit reports contain various workplaces dating back to 1995. If I am being deceptive by leaving a recent workplace off my resume or job application, the hiring manager will immediately know about my deception after reading my credit report.
In addition, some employers do not want to be saddled with telephone calls from collection agencies regarding your old debts, so they may not want to hire someone with massive amounts of defaulted bills. Moreover, other employers feel that a person with fair to good credit has a higher likelihood of being responsible and fulfilling obligations.

I check mine once a year and I've never had my employment history on it. Strange that it showed up on yours.

It's a catch 22 - you need a job to pay your debts but you can't get hired if you have bad credit. Thankfully, the only debt I have is school loans and medical bills and I still don't like the intrusiveness.

cheshirecat · Oct 25, 2008

Criminal records bureau check = Yes

NMC check = Yes

Credit check = No way. Why would a prospective employer need this information to give someone a job? It is an invasion of privacy. I have never been asked for this information in all the jobs I have had. But I live in the UK, so maybe over here it is different.

soulofme · Oct 25, 2008

With the way the economy is now, will anyone be able to get a job if they check on everyone's credit?

rn4babies63 · Oct 25, 2008

I was hired for HH agency last Jan, had to sign for a criminal background check and credit check, I agree its none of anyone's business, maybe if you give me the job, I can pay the bills....

I agree. My husband lost his job due to the work being moved to a foreign country and has been unable to find suitable employment thus far. I've been working two jobs just to make ends meet (I also have a son in college). Things are looking pretty bleak for us right now but I'm paying the bills. I'm afraid that if I'm late on any or if something happens to sink us, he'll never get a decent job if they pull our credit report. However, it is no reflection whatsoever on what type of employee he is.. He's a hard worker that always had good attendance who would never steal just because we couldn't pay the bills at one time. I don't think it's fair at all!!!