Disqualifying Job Applicants based on Credit History

eltrip · Dec 20, 2002

No...not fair. There are times when "stuff happens." Regardless of how we plan or how much is in our emergency funds. Sometimes it can totally wreck a credit report...and without a job, how can anyone repair it?

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 20, 2002

Looking at it from the potential employer's point of view, I would say yes it is. It indicates personal responsibility and reliability in many cases. It's is not to say YOU WILL NOT BE HIRED if you have/had credit problems...just something to consider. It can be taken on a case-by-case basis. Having been in debt and trouble before and worked my way out if to a perfect credit record, I say it's ok with me.

2banurse · Dec 20, 2002

I have to be honest with you, if I was an employer I would be concerned BUT I also feel that should not be the only thing looked into. I think it would need to be done on a case by case basis, and I would look into the whys and whens instead of immediately disqualifying especially if there are no other discrepancies and the applicant has a good employment background and is able to handle the position.

eltrip · Dec 20, 2002

But that's the thing. You can be disqualified on the basis of your credit report. I know, because I was. I was perfectly qualified and had quite good references...but didn't get the job...because my ex had really messed me up before our split. Ah, memories...

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 20, 2002

obviously, this is not the ONLY consideration of potential employers. if it IS you may not wish to work there.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2002

Good question. I will have to give it more thought. I have just had mine checked for my new job in sales. I am glad I work so hard to keep it good. Was not always the case though. I have had some tough times.

renerian

mario_ragucci · Dec 20, 2002

Originally posted by eltrip
my ex had really messed me up before our split.

You know what, never having been married at 38 ain't so bad after all, LOL. [my lucky numbers one] [Lena Lovich}

researchrabbit · Dec 20, 2002

Eltrip, you and me both. I am still struggling with the mess he left 6 years later.

Gator,SN · Dec 20, 2002

I know that they check the credit history of any potential employees at the hospital where I work. They did it to me and then refused to let me "have a look" when they had it right in front of me on the desk!! GRR! But I suppose that they may be looking to see if you are responsible and trustworthy.

Personally I think that this a total BS and why should they get away with this invasion of privacy?? WHose business is it how much I spent on my living room furniture or how much student loan debt I have??? If I have credit cards to pay do I get a bigger raise this year???? WHen do I get to see their credit report?? I have thought about this many times over the last year, and personally I think that this should not be allowed to continue.

Sometimes I think that this is just another way to look down their nose at people.......If I am qualified to be a nursing assistant or an RN, and I do a good job, then that is all that matters. If I can't cut it then PA is a voluntary employment state: they can fire me, no questions asked. Maybe if I am heavily in debt, they they will give me a job and expect me to be grateful? Or maybe since my credit is good they think that I will be easy to manipulte in order to protect it?? WHO knows, but their is always an angle.

Gator

Glad2behere · Dec 20, 2002

As I has stated in 2banurse's post, employers must guard themselves against SS fraud, and a credit bureaus will show immediately if the adress you state in the app is accurate. Lot of people out there with multiple SS nos, and a CB will instantly verify this as well. If you are Jane Doe from Idaho and say you have lived there all your life in Boise, what were you doing in Mt Pleasant Texas for the last 3 years with Bo Pike's SS no.? Makes you look a little risky doesn't?

Glad2behere · Dec 20, 2002

And they can't let you see it either...that's the law.