Background Checks

[gak555]

I declared bankruptcy on July 12, 2007 and my 341 is not until September 26th. Currently I am interviewing for a new job, and most large companies do a background check. Can anyone share experiences (good or bad). Would you tell the potential employer about the bankruptcy up front ?

[whywhywhy]

There is some debate about sharing the information and I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. It really depends on the type of job. If it is anything in the financial industry, then credit is often looked at and relied upon quite a bit. Also, a background check doesn’t necessarily mean anything related to finances is looked at.

When I was hiring for my branch, one of the primary concerns we had with bad credit was theft. Now, I know that not everyone with bad credit is going to steal or be horrible at talking to other people about managing their money. Some of my best employees were people that had many financial problems. And, well, just look at me! However, my HR rep had a different “blanket policy” approach to it – as most tend to be very by the book in this business. All of my potential new hires had to be cleared by them and generally speaking, bad credit doesn’t automatically prevent you from being bonded. Bottom line is that it was easier for me to sell you to HR if I knew about your credit problems in advance vs. them finding out about it in a report.

Like I said, I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, just use your best judgment in your interview process and the type of job you are applyling for.

[HHM]

It depends on the job. Most "background" checks ONLY check for criminal records in the state and national databases. If all they are doing is a background check, the BK will not be noted. If they are also looking at your credit report, then the BK will be there for them to see.

However, my general advice is that you don't need to disclose a BK during an interview, or at any rate, you don't need to volunteer it.

[freshstart06]

only if they ask but if they don't I would just volunteer that info.

[marzipan13]

I've had problems getting jobs because of my bad credit. Mostly at jobs that I applied for at banks. They're reason was that an FDIC insured/regulated bank is unable to hire people with bad credit because it's a risk. They think you have bad character and might end up stealing/embezzling from them!

[DisneyGirl]

There is some info on this site. According to that site bankruptcy may be part of a background check.

[leo_075]

Do management jobs such as retail or grocery stores check your credit as well? My husband is a retail manager and that is one of our concerns. We have been looking at bankruptcy as an option if things continue to fail for us, but he is nervous that he wouldn't be able to get another management position if we were to move out of state and he had to reapply for another position.

[finallyfree!]

Too many collections are bad too. I have been told that at least after a BK you are not as "desperate" as you were before when you had creditors hounding you. So you are not really a "risk" anymore. LOL My lawyer actually warned me not to give in to the new CC offers that are, now, constantly coming in the mail. I guess they want me back in debt!!!!!!

[Minnymouth]

If they ask on your application about bankrutpcy then make a note of it..... otherwise, don't mention it or bring it up unless they ask...

Even then, many employers are not concerned with a person filing bankruptcy BECAUSE of the way financial things are going right now in our nation....with the housing markets, etc. They may ask you WHY you filed or what caused you to file, and let it go at that. Be honest and tell them, don't try to hide it.....

Bankruptcy usually does not affect job employment unless there is a "security clearance" involved - such as high profile govenment jobs... or jobs in the financial markets. Then they seem to get concerned if you have filed......

My opinion - nobody is a "financial risk" AFTER THEY FILE..... it's before they file when they need money......

Keep us posted.