There are a number of issues that can get in your way when you are searching for a new management job. Maybe your resume isn’t detailed enough or your cover letter is really making a big impression on the companies you are looking into. However, what happens when you get the interview and really do a great job and you still get no call? A lot of people might chalk it up to a large applicant pool and reduced odds – while this is certainly a reason in a strained economy, some employers are judging applicants based on their credit history.
According to an article in The Columbus Dispatch, many employers are using credit histories as part and parcel of your character when considering you for a job. Although this is common practice in many places, people aren’t exactly along with the idea:
“The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission held a hearing on the topic in the fall, and in Illinois, as of Jan. 1, it is illegal for most employers to review credit reports when hiring. A telephone poll conducted in January for Credit.com found that 53.5 percent of those responding favored banning the use of credit checks for employment, while 38.3percent approved of their use.”
The EEOC reports that there has been a trend towards using credit checks as part of the job screening process, even if there is little evidence that checks correlate with job performance. The article does however state that the use of credit checks is sparse:
“The human-resource group says the use of credit checks in hiring is limited. Most companies rely on checks primarily for positions that involve handling cash or confidential employee information, or that are senior executive posts. The group says that credit checks generally aren’t done until after a job interview or offer, meaning that most applicants won’t face a review of their credit report. The credit check is part of an overall background check that can include a drug screen and a review of employment history.”
The message here is to be aware of all information about you that can have an effect on your professional life. Draw the boundaries and you’ll do just fine.
