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debtstinker · #1 10-08-2007, 05:57 PM

Hi all,
I'm very new to the forum and i've been looking at the posts and hope that i'm not starting a new 'old' topic. I was wondering if anyone has been denied work because of bad credit? I recently had an interview at a law firm (for a data entry position, entry level). About a week after my first interview i got a notice in the mail saying that the firm is doing a credit/background check and emphasized that they are looking into my consumer credit history. interestingly enough, an hour after my first interview the firm called me for my 2nd interview (to schedule). the 2nd interview occurred three weeks after my first. so having my 2nd interview scheduled already, they proceeded to do a credit check.
How long does a credit check take to complete?
Unfortunately, after my 2nd interview I did not get the job and I never inquired how much of an impact my poor credit history had on their decision. I went through credit counseling and after 4 years paid all that off but still have a couple of charge offs on my report. any info will help. curious and thanks to all

finsfan13 · #2 10-08-2007, 06:00 PM

Hi!

This is so crummy! I am an HR rep for a large national utility company. We don't do credit checks for laborers, but anyone on a management level is subject to one. Basically, it's to determine an applicant's level of responsibility. At my company, it's not necessarily the amount of bad credit, but the age of it. Also, in many management positions the employee has access to company funds, and we need to check for potential money mis-handling.

It's something I hate..I think it's awful. Unfortunately it's a growing trend.

#3 10-08-2007, 06:14 PM

Heavens finsfan13! first of all thanks so much for your reply, i've always wanted some insight into that. really that's the first company that's ever done a true consumer credit check. now that i think about it, the position i applied for could easily have access to information on company funds...
I'm 28 so my credit history is relatively short but not great

am trying to repair

Lukeskywalker · #4 10-08-2007, 06:17 PM

Sometimes we look back at what we wanted and realize if we got what we wanted then, we would not have what we have now. Your young, donkt worry so much, it will all work out, I know so.

lawn1016 · #5 10-08-2007, 07:18 PM

I agree with Luke. It will work out.

Perhaps next interview you go to you could explain to them that you were young & made some money mistakes. Point out that you did finish credit counseling & that you are trying to improve yourself.

Not sure it will help, but I don't think it can hurt either.

eleroo · #6 10-08-2007, 07:54 PM

I'm really sorry that happened to you. :-( It seems so unfair. They probably missed out on an excellent employee.

lawn1016 · #7 10-08-2007, 07:56 PM

I agree. I can see the point about working with money & having access to funds. It makes me sad that a persons actual work history & work ethnic means so little these days.

sdchargers_63 · #8 10-08-2007, 09:17 PM

i don't think that was fair, either. I know some VERY responsible people, who just came out of divorces,etc., and their CR's ARE messed up from that. How can you REALLY tell anyone, from a CR? I can understand the position of the company...however, obviously you 'climbed the ladder ( with responsibilities with it) to get to the 'position' for that interview. Hope this makes sense.

Morningstar · #9 10-09-2007, 05:52 AM

If the credit report was the reason you were not offered the job, you are entitled to a copy of it.

If you only have a couple of charge offs that are 4 years old, I don't think that would be the reason for not being hired. In the future, when a prospective employer wants to do a credit check, be up front with them about your past issues.

volleyballmom · #10 10-09-2007, 06:01 AM

I was just going to say what Morningstar did there...very good point. Did they tell you that was the reason you didnt get the job?

#11 10-11-2007, 09:40 AM

Hi All, no they did not tell me that was the reason. I am going to ask the firm but I wrote to see if anyone ou there had a situation where they were not hired because of a bad report and was also wondering how long a credit report takes to come back on a person. I appreciate all the support! I was really wowed when i came back to this thread, thanks so much to all of you. So many folks out there just had bad breaks and are great workers! If and when i hear from the firm i'll repost and let all of you know. thanks again

debtstinker · #12 10-11-2007, 09:42 AM

K guys, i have to apologize the last response was from me and i'm still learning how to use this forum.

JEN5276 · #13 10-12-2007, 01:46 PM

I think this whole practice is just ridiculous. I can understand if you are going to be in some sort of position where you are handling money, but for an admin position??? It's crazy what people are getting away with now. Life used to be so much easier. Now companies feel they have the right to dig into all sorts of personal information about you for some job that pays $10 an hour. Give me a break.

Sorry for the vent, but I have seen this type of situation before and it makes me SO MAD!

#14 10-12-2007, 07:50 PM

A credit report can be gained instantaneously. How it works is a company has an account with one of the credit bureaus. They can connect to the agency and instantaneously get your credit report.

I used to work in the banking industry, so running CRs on applicants was normal.

puddlejmpr · #15 10-12-2007, 10:10 PM

I know that some companies use a third party to look over the info, but that is for a complete background check.Hubby had to fill out those papers to give the third party the ok to get the info. So I was a bit concerned because we have 2 paid judgments on our record and a credit report that sucks big time. But hubby explained the situation then they said ok, got the report and he still got the job. So I don't know if him telling them had anything to do with it or it really didn't matter much as long as he didn't come up as a killer or something.

cajunbulldog · #16 10-13-2007, 04:35 AM

I have been checked on for jobs before and they always are required to make you sign a release.On this paper it will list who you are authorizing to run a credit check.I think it is a load of pure bull to base a job on credit except in certain jobs where someone has access to money or private personal information.