Worried about getting a new job

[cami22]

Hello,

I was hoping someone could provide some insight. I filed bankruptcy in October of 05. I made a switch to a technology field and am in the process of interviewing for some technology consulting positions. I am extremely nervous about the bankruptcy and my credit being an issue for not getting the job. I know it is illegal to discriminate on someone based on their credit, but lets face it...it happens. Has anyone had any experiences with this?

Thank You

[lrprn]

Cami, we have had several members here who have gotten excellent jobs after they filed bankruptcy. Because your job will be in technology and not in finance or handling money, your bk shouldn't matter. That doesn't mean that an individual company you apply with may have a prejudice against anyone who has a bankruptcy on their credit record as indicating some kind of character deficit (hogwash!! we all know better!!). You won't know until you apply and see if the job comes your way - chances are if you qualify, it will.

During your interview process, don't volunteer you have a bk in your past, but if you are asked, don't lie about it either. Good luck - hope the employment hunt goes well and you land the job of your dreams!

[SinkingFast]

Typically job areas where BK may be a concern are Finance and Security. Jobs where people handle or are in control of company funds. And jobs where people have to maintain company secrets. Proprietary information or technologies.

Honesty is always a good policy. But don't cross any bridges before you get to them.

Go thru the interview process and keep the BK under your hat. If you get to the point where they're asking for your permission to do a background check, maybe tell the hiring manager or Human Resource person you're dealing with at that point.

If you had a life altering event occur prior to the BK, many people will be very understanding. And there are always ways to "buff up" any set of circumstances. Make things sound different or better than they actually were.

Short, sweet, and to the point. 1 sentence. No running on.

Maybe if you tell us briefly what happened, we can help you put together a good sounding statement.

[ilovemycaitybug]

I work in the financial field and was very honest about my credit issues when interviewing for my current job. I knew my bad credit would be an issue (hadn't filed b/k yet) and didn't want to have it bite me in the butt later when I went to get my license for the specific company I work for. My boss is so sweet and nice, and actually suggested bankruptcy would probably be better for us since it shows we're "doing something about the problem". I was hired for the job but have to wait a year or so to be licensed for the specific company... but it my point is, you never know. A lot of jobs don't even check credit (since I work in finance, they do). But, you are right... they can't not hire you due to the b/k but they could find other "things". I really don't understand the credit check process in jobs that don't have to do with finance, though. Just because you had a bad credit score/bankruptcy doesn't make you a bad person or employee. I am great at what I do, just had a bad time of my own personal finances. I wouldn't worry too much. If you are good at what you do, I would suspect they would do the right thing and look past the bankruptcy. Good luck to you!!!

[twuoo]

I haven't filled out a job application in a while, but isn't there a checkbox that asks "have you filed for bankruptcy?"

[lrprn]

I haven't filled out a job application in a while, but isn't there a checkbox that asks "have you filed for bankruptcy?"

If there is, then that company has left themselves wide open for a lawsuit. Why do they need to know if an applicant has filed bk since by law they can't discriminate against you if you answer yes? A Human Resources professional would have a heart attack seeing that on their company's job application!

[gak555]

Thinking of getting my health and life insurance license. Does anyone know how anal the insurance companies are about bankruptcy ?

[poorme]

I don't have any experience with insurance companies as employers, but I would expect everything else mentioned here is true. If you're in an accounting or actuarial position it might matter - but sales, probably not.

[robivi3]

It is on every application for Police Officer, Corrections and nearly all State of Florida and many Miami-Dade County/Broward County government positions. They cannot discriminate based on the BK but can if your credit file has repo's, unpaid debts or an indication that you are in the practice of defrauding people of money through credit. I have been with Dade County for 25 years and credit history and abuse is even included in the Code of Conduct (heck, I can't even purchase a Lottery Ticket off duty while in County Uniform, I can be disciplined for it).

Companies can refuse to hire based on a Credit Report. I know that in afew cases BK has been cited as the reason but that is shaky at best. Most places want to know if you lied or committed fraud or in certain cases if you have actions pending. In finance it will be on the App. Be up front, include a copy of your discharge and letter of explanation, it IS there business if you are involved in security, finance or legal work. ALL SOF, MDC & BC apps. that say "have you ever filed BK?" also say "If so please explain, include any documentation necessary".

Do not get discouraged, my wife recently landed an excellent job in an area dealing with State legal issues, you can pretty well figure out from the Governors Cabinet who she works for. The BK issue had to be addressed. They do a BIG investigation, very lengthy and basically know what kind of gum her third grade teacher chewed.

No fraud, no actions, everything jibes (dates, etc...) you'll do fine. It is in no way illegal or unreasonable to ask the question for some jobs. Not hiring you does not always leave them wide open for a suit either, the law is general and cannot apply to jobs in National Security, Finance (remember in 9/11 they tried to hit us in finance) where temptation may overcome someone. Alot has changed in the last few years but generally being honest you will not have alot of trouble. Not hiring someone because of BK could lead to a suit, yes, but a Judge has to take many things into account. I doubt many lawyers would engage such a suit.