Do you think employers should be able to look at your credit report before they hire you?

Answer 1

no, your credit report has nothing to do with your productivity as an employee

Answer 2

I'm a bit torn on the privacy issue, but I can see how it could be relevant. If I was an employer who was considering out of all the applicants who was the most responsible and could be relied upon to get the job done (much less show up on time if at all) I would choose the person who takes their financial responsibiities seriously versus the person who is consistantly irresponsible.

In my experience it has always been the person who was always out of smokes & beggin' (way back when I did) who was always the screw up. Also the person bumming a $5 here or a $20 there who was constantly late to school & work. Or sometimes the person who was always bouncing checks somehow always managed to screw a project up & everyone else would have to pitch in to fix it. Am I the only one who has seen this pattern???

So, I guess if an employer is looking at credit info, they should allow an applicant the chance to explain why their credit is so screwwy. If it's a case of medical, divorce or another out of control hardship befalling the person it shouldn't be held against them. But if they are just plain irresponsible, it's a good way of finding out early.

Answer 3

I think a credit report should only be looked at by companies that you are seeking a loan or credit. Employers should not be able to stick their nose in, or insurance companies or landlords etc. Some people have medical bills that have ruined their credit report and it was beyond their control(having cancer can cause you to go bankrupt etc). My credit report is good but I still don't agree that just anyone can see it, only the people who I am seeking a loan or credit from.

Answer 4

Credit checks are almost routine in the hiring process, especially
if your job has direct access to cash, credit, inventory, or
confidential information, or if the job requires you to be bonded
or specially insured, or needs a license or certification.
Employers also look to see if you are in debt to THEM, or in some
type of legal action that may involve them. It protects you as well
as them from conflict of interests and normal mistakes. It is usually not an issue as long as the information you put on the job application and resume are correct. Most employers still
work under the rule that an employee with problems becomes a
problem employee.

Answer 5

It becomes a circular situation: if they see that you have some credit problems, they refuse to hire you, which just makes your credit problems worse because you have no job, and therefore no money to pay off your debts.
I think it should be just the opposite: the person with more money problems should be hired before the guy with sterling credit.
Doing these credit checks, and refusing to hire those with credit problems, or debts, is just another way in which America's middle class is being eroded away.

Answer 6

Depends on the job, in my opinion. For a construction worker or blue collar job, I'd say it's not necessary. However, for a person working in finance or a bank, I'd say they should be able to look at it... if a person has a bad credit report, does that mean the person has trouble with money? Maybe or maybe not.

Answer 7

NO! It shouldn't matter what your credit rating is. I can understand what other people are saying that why would a bank hire someone in debit...but does that automatically mean they are thieves? They could have just lost their jobs and been unable to pay their bills....now they are trying to get a good job to be able to pay them and they would be penalized by that...no that is absolutely wrong.

Answer 8

well fook me, i would never get no job then! i must say, i'm a very responsible person, i just had some bad experiences as a teacher, quit, then missed one or 2 payments on my mortgage cause it was a bit hard to keep up without full time work! i put tenants in there, being the responsible person i am, but i get judged not on my having been shortchanged at school (having taken them through the union and got compensation) but rather by my having missed 2 payments on mortgage...so, i disagree, its no true reflection of responsibility! if anything i live very virtuously and my friends and relatives know me to be the epitome of responsiblity (my opening and closing line was said in jest only)

Answer 9

Would you hire on an employee at a bank that is 50,000 in debt and about to lose his house? For insurance,moral,peace of mind some companies have to check. With a few other checks, you can start to tell what kind of a person you are about to hire. Knowing that you are late 156 times a year to pay your cable bill might let them know that there could be mornings that you kinda "sleep in".

Answer 10

Yes, your credit report give an indication of your responsbility and ability to organize your life.