I'm not post-discharge yet but wanted to share my story here as it does shed some light and provide some hope to those struggling with the background and credit checks of new employment post bankruptcy.
Let me start by saying I have a job. I was just looking for a better job. My specialty areas are government (federal) and financial (investments, banking, credit). I think we can agree that these are two of the sectors that scrutinize potential associates the deepest.
While going through my bankruptcy, I hit it off with a major national financial corporation for a mid-level management licensed position with a mid to high visibility level. I had my final interviews the week after my 341, at which time I did disclose my going through an active bankruptcy. Nevertheless, I was provided with an application and credit/background authorization forms, as well as proper disclosure that the bk may preclude the issuance of a formal offer, but that HR and legal normally would look at the total package rather than just the one event.
Well, today I got a call from HR offering me the position, written offer will be overnighted tomorrow for Saturday delivery. HR confirmed that they looked closer at derogatory information prior to bk, which there was none (we filed before we were even 30 days late with anything), to detect behavior patterns and what my overall current debt load was, as well as the fact that I disclosed the event when asked if I had any red flags in my background. In addition, they also weighed heavily on the value added components that I brought to the company that, although not job requirements, would make for a more efficient position and department.
So, my goal in sharing this story is that it will bring someone here some hope that, even while going through a BK, one can get a job...even in the highly regulated securities and financial industry.
Let me start by saying I have a job. I was just looking for a better job. My specialty areas are government (federal) and financial (investments, banking, credit). I think we can agree that these are two of the sectors that scrutinize potential associates the deepest.
While going through my bankruptcy, I hit it off with a major national financial corporation for a mid-level management licensed position with a mid to high visibility level. I had my final interviews the week after my 341, at which time I did disclose my going through an active bankruptcy. Nevertheless, I was provided with an application and credit/background authorization forms, as well as proper disclosure that the bk may preclude the issuance of a formal offer, but that HR and legal normally would look at the total package rather than just the one event.
Well, today I got a call from HR offering me the position, written offer will be overnighted tomorrow for Saturday delivery. HR confirmed that they looked closer at derogatory information prior to bk, which there was none (we filed before we were even 30 days late with anything), to detect behavior patterns and what my overall current debt load was, as well as the fact that I disclosed the event when asked if I had any red flags in my background. In addition, they also weighed heavily on the value added components that I brought to the company that, although not job requirements, would make for a more efficient position and department.
So, my goal in sharing this story is that it will bring someone here some hope that, even while going through a BK, one can get a job...even in the highly regulated securities and financial industry.
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