Will bad credit stop me from getting a job?
Asked by Rachel
I am going to likely work in a social service agency and the manager said prior to hire I will have a background check. She didn't mention credit check, but I have really bad credit and I am afraid if that comes up even though everything else is perfect they won't hire me. I was young and stupid and made mistakes, but without a job I can't pay them off...

Best Answer:
The same thing happened to me. I have bad credit cuz of dumb stuff I did when I was a little younger...I moved states and got a job @ a bank thru a temp agency. I was there for 3 months before I was formally hired. They then told me I would have to have a credit check (even though I work for the President..not directly with the money)...I didn't know that at time of hire..but they had to. Well..needless to say my credit score wasn't the greatest! They gave it to me to review and let me stay..which is good. I dont' know how most places would be..but since you said you were going to be working for asocial service agency, I am sure that the background check they are referring to would be more along the lines of a criminal background check, considering you wouldn't really be working with money.

You should be fine. The only time this could affect you is if you are going for a job where you are exposed to financial stuff and then they could determine that you could be open to brides because of your situation. Don't worry. Should be ok. Cheers!
Answered by wyatt_bellis

Yes, it could. If your credit shows you are a dishonest person you won't get a job that involves trust.
Answered by Janet

Any job where you work with money, or someone elses assets a credit check can get you a turn down on the job! Would you want someone handling your money, that could not handle their own?
Answered by Russ

Some job require you to have good credit. I had bad credit but found these programs that have helped me. Coming Back Strong Financially. They have a website by the same name. They have helped me improve my credit and have helped me save money on a new car. The programs have litterary paid for themselves from the help I have received from them. I would suggest them to anyone. Good or Bad credit.
Answered by epelham54

Something like that is more likely to keep you from getting a job if you are up for a job where you would handle money and have the temptation to pilfer some. For social services, I can't see where it would be a big problem. If you are concerned that it might give an unfavorable impression of you if presented without an explanation, go ahead and bring it up on your own with a brief explanation.
Answered by Rob

Yes, it can. Having bad credit, you would think, has nothing to do with getting a job. But your credit history can show a potential employer you level of responsibility and maturity. I know a guy whos becoming a police officer and they are questioning him regarding a bankruptcy. I once applied for a job with Orchard (hardware store) and got turned down because of my credit.
Answered by JC

Bad Credit shouldn't affect you getting a job, after all you are looking for a job to fix that credit. Don't worry to much about it, but do seem interested in fixing that like opening a savings account or getting professional help so get you out of debt. and your bad credit will only control your life as long as you let it, when you get the job just work at it.
Answered by be55tlloka

They can't run a check without your knowledge. You can't work at a bank or other financial services with bad credit. As long as you are not dealing with anything financial, I don't see where they would check.
Answered by PGR

I would think that a basic background check won't hurt you, in regards to the hiring process, a background check looks for criminal activities more than credit. I know some job placement looks at credit history, but those jobs are more entailed with secret information. (They don't hire poor credit, as it would be a possible means of corporate or governmental espionage)
Answered by wi_saint

According to the position applied for, it is very rare that a company will discriminate on that measure because of the different variables that it can fall under. The company must state the qualifications for the job.
Answered by tkyia11282000

I believe that the background check will be for criminal history. They want to make sure you aren't some kind of sciopath or a mass murderer. If you are not hire because of your credit history then that is discrimination. The only way your credit history might play a factor is if you will be working in some kind of financial capacity.
Answered by Shadow Queen