Since when do potential employers check your credit?....?

Question

I have been turned down for too many jobs because I have poor credit. When did this become the norm? Is is just Colorado or all over? I can't understand why credit is now a factor. Should it really matter that I have poor credit for a job at Walmart, or a call center? I am highly experienced and qualify for all positions I apply for, and pass testing with flying colors if required. Its really depressing.
After I was turned down for the first 10 jobs or so because of "a negative consumer report", I found out that the employer who denies you the job because of this reason is required to provide you a copy of the consumer report they used. I have not been successful in obtaining any of these from any of the jobs I applied for.
Does anyone have input on this issue or experienced similar problems? I know cleaning up my credit would help. But how can I do that if I don't have the income because I can't get a job because of my poor credit?

Answer 1

Credit checks for potential candidates is nothing new. It's simply taken a while for it to "catch on" and not every employer requires credit checks.

The reasoning behind it, simplified, of course, is that anyone with credit issues may pose problems in the workplace. Examples: debt collectors may call you at work, financial problems (worries) can lead some employees to be distracted while at work, in a senstive position (one that deals directly with cash and/or information to people's personal information) an employee may be "tempted" so the employer feels a need to minimize the risk.

It doesn't immediately help you in your situation, but don't take it personally if you are. Employers are trying to protect themselves and their customers. Unfortunately, some employers have learned the hard way because of the perverbial "few bad apples."

As for employers being required to provide you with a copy of your credit report(s), it may be true now or in Colorado, but where I live, employers never had to supply you with that information--much like creditors don't supply you with a copy of your credit report(s) if you denied a loan or even a rented apartment. Credit is the responsibility of the individual.

I would first recommend that you obtain your credit reports from the three major reporting bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and ...sorry, drawing a blank on the third. Understand that even if you had excellent credit, not all reporting is accurate, so it's adviseable for all of us to review our credit reports. (Not everyone has to report to all of the credit bureaus, either, to make it even more difficult on the consumer!)

As for not being able to clean up your credit without having a job to begin the process is the same as graduates who can't get a job because they don't have experience but need experience to get a job! There is no pat answer to that question. It's something we just must muddle through...and in the case of poor credit, you simply must use this as a learning experience--but try to keep up your hopes and your spirits. Easier said than done, I know, but somehow find a way.

Wouldn't it be a hoot if you applied for a job (and got) at a debt counseling agency, claiming that because of your personal experience you are committed to learn and rise above--and help others do the same?

Best of luck. Wish I could help.

Answer 2

Normally they only check for jobs that require trust like handling money or bookkeeping. I think it is more common now and will get even more common in the future. Some might let you explain what happened to cause you to get into debt and not pay what you owed on time. Generally it is a sign you aren't careful with money or may be in trouble enough to steal someday. Most people old enough to hire people have been hurt by dead beat tenants, customers or clients and resent them as well as not respect people who don't run their own life well.

Answer 3

It is common practice to check the credit report. However, they don't give a hoot about your FICO score. They are looking at your ethics. Did you steal from a company (refuse to repay money spend/borrowed? That is the sort of thing they are looking at. If you are willing to rip off other businesses you are certainly ethically capable of ripping of an employeer.

Check your credit report, you should see the problem. Look at it unbiased, as if you would looking for docentation if a person was trustworthy or not.

Answer 4

wow... that sucks! ive never heard of that happening before it could just be colorado but i have no idea i live in florida and credit checks arent a norm in the job hunting world.

Answer 5

unfortunately companies feel that if ur responsible to pay ur bills on time then that makes u a responsible person to work for them..good luck