Do employers check employment history before or after the interview?

Question

Im in college and just trying to get a basic low level part time job but I can't even get in the door for an interview. I've applied to several places and I'm very polite and professional and dress nice too. The managers seem very interested at first to almost hire me right on the spot. But after I fill out the application, they give me the runaround- dont return my phone calls/emails, make up lies as to why I havent gotten an interview yet until the position is finally filled, etc. It's all blatently obvious too but I dont understand whats going on. These are simple stupid jobs that anyone off the street could do and I'm a college student about to graduate soon. Im not a criminal, so the only thing I can think of is my past work history I worked a lot of under-the-table positions so they wouldn't show up on an employment check (what a joke, work is work), but I've also worked some valid jobs too. But would they check this before even giving me an interview?

My credit rating is good although I do have a lot of debt from college and credit cards. I made some personal financial mistakes in the past but I've learned and that hasn't and doesn't reflect on what I would do on the job. It's so frustrating because I feel like I could be the CEO of a major company yet I can't even get a job at Radio Shack. I just need someone to give me a chance.

Answer 1

I would run your credit history. Many entry type jobs require working with money. You need to see if there are any black marks on your credit history that makes the employer worry about you having your hands on their cash.
Perhaps they want to hire you, so they run the background check first (even though you see to imply that you have actually already interviewed) and that is what is killing your chances.

Answer 2

Here is how most part-time employers work. I've been in HR for 20 years and have hired a lot of p/t people. The first thing is your age. Make sure there is not an age limitation on the position. A lot of industrial positions require you to be 21, the transportation industry requires age to be 21. Next is your employment history. They look at where you worked, how long you worked there, why you left. Discharges will count against you as well as no work history. Cash under the table jobs do not give the employer anything to look for. References from "cash employers" is considered "hear say". Your best bet is to put "Self employed" and dates you worked. Reference letters from your cash employers, from someone prominent in the community like a lawyer, and a letter from your clergy that states you have worked and dates can be used as employment history. These letters must be on company letter head. Employers are looking for motivated, ambitious people, so be sure to display your strong points. Knowledge in the field you are seeking employment is a plus. A lot of times college students
schedule is not flexible enough for p/t work. Interviews at time of application are designed to "weed out" applicants that would not be a good match for the job. Try practicing with a friend to be sure you are not coming across to strong. Keep trying. Sometimes it takes a lot of interviews to land a job. Good Luck

Answer 3

If these jobs are not in your area of education an employer might be afraid to hire you thinking that as soon as you get your degree you're going to leave for a job in that area. It might have nothing to do with your employment history. Someone who knows someone might have come in off the street and they had to get the job. Often the reason you don't get a job has NOTHING at all to do with you.

Keep your chin up and think positive - you're going to get a job. Don't let these rejections get you down.

Answer 4

They rarely check employment history until after the interview, frequently not until you start work. They may call someone they know at your last employer, and once in awhile your last boss. But they will read your resume. Review it, misspellings or grammar errors will certainly kill your chances.