Future Employer wants to run a credit check?!?

Sheri257 · Aug 20, 2004

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?

Credit checks have become standard in a lot of employment applications. From what I understand, you don't have to agree to it, but you also might not get the job if you don't agree to it. Some employers automatically discard applications that don't authorize credit checks.

:uhoh21:

TexasPoodleMix · Aug 21, 2004

I did not know this.

I don't have much credit, just a few credit cards and store cards that are closed. I do have one charge off from around 2000 for $600. All the rest of my crd. is pretty good. The house is in my husbands name. Should I have a problem ?

dazzle256 · Aug 21, 2004

I did not know this.
I don't have much credit, just a few credit cards and store cards that are closed. I do have one charge off from around 2000 for $600. All the rest of my crd. is pretty good. The house is in my husbands name. Should I have a problem ?

That doesn't sound bad. My guess is it won't hurt you at all. I don't know why credit checks are done. Maybe if your in over your head in bills they think you may do something illegal to try and get out or maybe they think your irresponsible........i dunno. But it doesn't look like you have anything to worry about.

ayndim · Aug 21, 2004

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

The credit checks for employment are not looking for the same thing a lender is. Basically, credit checks also show criminal history when they are employment cc (as do the ones apt complexes run). Unless you are going to be handling money or have to have the opportunity to embezzle it is not so much your credit they are interested in as much as the other stuff on your report, such as past addresses, past employers, and past names. It really is a easy way of making sure the person they are hiring is who they say they should be.

Sheri257 · Aug 21, 2004

The credit checks for employment are not looking for the same thing a lender is. Basically, credit checks also show criminal history when they are employment cc (as do the ones apt complexes run). Unless you are going to be handling money or have to have the opportunity to embezzle it is not so much your credit they are interested in as much as the other stuff on your report, such as past addresses, past employers, and past names. It really is a easy way of making sure the person they are hiring is who they say they should be.

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. While employers do use credit reports to verify previous employment, identity, addresses, etc., I do know people who have lost jobs because of bad credit, bankruptcies, etc. And these were not jobs that required finances or handling money.

Some employers do consider your credit as a reflection of character. A lot of people think it's irrelevant, but is it? If someone doesn't fulfill their obligations to creditors, who's to say they won't do the same to their employer? For example, insurance companies have found that people with better credit statistically have less accidents and file less claims. Therefore credit is even checked for insurance applications.

Whatever the case may be, you really can't afford to have bad credit these days, and should keep it as clean as possible.

:uhoh21:

Energizer Bunny · Aug 21, 2004

WEll, I think it is WRONG for an employer to do a credit check. It's none of their business as far as I am concerned (unless I worked in a bank or somewhere like that as stated previously). I don't even like my landlords asking for credit information. I pay my rent. They don't need to know anything else.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2004

We've hit this topic solidly several times.

For those interested, please do a search here.

Energizer Bunny · Aug 21, 2004

Larry, when we do that and then comment on the old thread, we get told to look at how old the thread is. So, why not talk about it again? No one has to respond if they don't want to, right?

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2004

... why not talk about it again? No one has to respond if they don't want to, right?

No reason not to talk about it again, if you want to.

And, on the second point: yes, this is America.

Did you think my post somehow negated both of the above actions? (If so, you must believe I'm truly powerful. :) )

Mentioned the previous thread for two key reasons. Newer folks may not be aware of the wealth of knowledge already readily available. Also, the original posters may not wish to bother to re-keyboard or repeat the points they've previously shared... which would, in essence, deprive the new poster of, perhaps, useful info -- unless s / he is aware of the first point. (Sorta a been "there-done, that-attitude.")

Do you perceive an issue with any of the above? (Thought your last post was kinda redundant.)

Energizer Bunny · Aug 21, 2004

Larry, geez...it was just a casual response. I certainly don't think you are all powerful! LOLOLOL!

All I was thinking is that newer people may have more opinions on the issue and newer threads tend to get more hits than older ones that people will ignore if they are dated last year, etc. KWIM?

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2004

Larry, geez...it was just a casual response...

And my short, two sentence post was even more "casual." :)

Simma, Kimma! :)