Is there something personal in your financial past that you’d rather not explain to a stranger — say bad credit, bankruptcy or a proclivity for spending thousands of dollars on lingerie at Victoria’s Secret? Then applying for a new job or going after a promotion could put you in a tricky spot, because an employer can easily find out about all of these things.
Many companies check job applicants’ credit as part of the background check. Some also check credit histories when employees are considered for promotions, so you can’t assume that because you have a job at the company, your personal information is going to remain personal.
Unless your employer is located in one of the eight states that restrict employer-run credit checks in some way — California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont or Washington — there’s not much you can do about a credit check request other than refuse permission. Employers concerned about federal discrimination law will check credit only when there’s a business need to do so — for example, you handle cash, you have a corporate credit card, you’ll be told corporate secrets.
Your Finances
Before a potential employer can pull your credit history, you must sign a release. The report the company gets will be just like a regular credit report, but some credit services, such as Experian, remove information employers aren’t allowed to consider — such as age and marital status.
What is going to show up? Delinquencies, bankruptcies, judgments, liens and a list of your loans, mortgages and credit-card accounts — this is where your underwear preferences can become fodder for the office gossip hotline. If you open a charge account at Victoria’s Secret and spend $1,000 a year there, that line of credit will appear on your credit report.
Be Prepared
Find out what’s in your credit report before you start your job search. Obtain a copy of your credit report from TransUnion so you’re not blindsided by an inaccurate item that you don’t know about until an interviewer asks.
If there’s a mistake on your report, contact the creditor that made the error, clear it up and ask that agency to report the mistake to the three credit agencies. If there’s adverse information about unpaid student loans, charge-card bills or bankruptcies on your report, don’t waste your time and money on credit repair schemes. You can’t erase the truth from your credit file. But time heals all wounds; most bad credit incidents will disappear from your record after seven years.
Get Your Story Straight
What can you say when you’re asked about poor credit? Your best bet is to keep your answer short, sweet and sincere. Acknowledge the error of your ways. Assure the employer that there was a one-time problem and you’ve changed. For instance, you might say: “I came from humble beginnings, and when I went away to college, I’d never had any experience with credit. I got overextended, and that was wrong, but I learned a lesson and worked hard to pay off all my debts. Since then, I’ve had clean credit and I hope this won’t hold me back, because I really want to work for your company.”
If you are turned down for a job because of credit problems, the employer has to give you a copy of the report and explain your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Don’t Trip Up
There is one other way a credit report can trip you up. When you apply for a new credit card or loan, you provide information about your current employer. That information is passed along to the credit reporting service. If you leave a job off your resume and it appears on your credit report, someone may notice the discrepancy. That’s another good reason to pull your own report from TransUnion before you start interviewing.
Find a job by searching below
- Rental Coordinator
EquipmentShare — Grove City,OHEquipmentShare - 1605 Thrailkill Rd [Retail Sales / Team Member] As a Rental Coordinator at EquipmentShare, you'll: Coordinate rental equipment logistics, ensuring timely delivery and pickup; Manage customer accounts, addressing...
- Housekeeping Aide NEW INCREASED WAGES! PRN
The Laurels of Worthington — Columbus,OHDo you enjoy keeping things neat and tidy? If you have a passion for maintaining a safe, home-like environment for guests, The The Laurels of Worthington has an excellent opportunity...
- FT Data Entry Clerk (Driver Enrollment) - Work From Home
GoShare — Columbus,OH[Administrative Assistant / Fully Remote] - Anywhere in U.S. / Competitive Hourly Pay + Paid Training - As a Data Entry Clerk (Driver Enrollment), you'll: Review applications as well as...
- Warehouse Support
The Home Depot — Grove City,OHJob Description Associates in a Warehouse Support role may perform activities related to scheduling inbound and/or outbound activities in the Distribution Center; ensure inventory accuracy within the processing areas, system...
- Room Attendant
Hampton Inn Suites Columbus Scioto Downs — Lockbourne,OHHampton Inn Suites Columbus Scioto Downs is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled POSITION TITLE: Room Attendant REPORTS TO: Executive Housekeeper / General Manager ABOUT HAMPTON INN & SUITES COLUMBUS SCIOTO...
- Personal Care Assistant
Wallick Communities — Columbus,OHDescription We need you at The Ashford on Broad. Come be a part of the Wallick team - where we are making a difference in residents' lives. Specifics: This position...
- Office Cleaner
Day and Night Building Services, LLC — Columbus,OHDescription PART-TIME AVALIABILITY We're seeking reliable, dedicated, and detail-oriented individuals to join our team at Day & Night Building Services. The team member must be able to work collaboratively with...
- Bank Office Cleaner
B and B Maintenance — Lewis Center,OHJob Type Part-time Description Part Time Evening Cleaning Position Available in Lewis Center, Ohio Evening Hours, Flexible Schedule, Bi-Weekly Pay, 3 Hours per Week The Cleaner is...
- Data Entry Operator - Remote / Work from home
Recruit Monitor — Columbus,OHAbout the job Data Entry Operator - Remote / Work from home As a Data Entry Operator, you will be entering data that is vital to our customer's day to...
- Maintenance Technician I - IV
FedEx — Grove City,OHMINIMUM EDUCATION High School Diploma or GED required Certificates in...
- SBD Pick and Pack Worker Columbus, OH
Kelly Services — Columbus,OH> Hiring Warehouse Pick and Packer in Columbus, Ohio For those who want to keep growing, learning, and evolving. We at Kelly hear you, and were here for you! Were...
- Commit to Serve Your City Year! (Full Pay/Benefits – Academic Mentor)
City Year — Columbus,OHStudent success coach and mentor (entry level, paid,...
- Customer Service Associate - Work from Home
StarTek — Columbus,OHJob Description In this position, you will be working diligently with your customers, providing them with solutions, answering general customer service questions that may include service issues, billing inquires, and...
- Data Entry Operator - Remote / Work from home
Link Up Overseas — Columbus,OHAbout the job Data Entry Operator - Remote / Work from home As a Data Entry Operator, you will be entering data that is vital to our customer's day to...
- Data Center Security Officer
Securitas — Dublin,OHData Center Security Officer Why Join Securitas? Immediate Benefits for Your Security Career! Weekly Pay: Get paid every week! Competitive Benefits: We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan, employer-provided medical insurance, dental...
- WORK FROM HOME - Customer Service Representative - 40 hrs per week
ESC Virtual — Columbus,OHOverview Join ECS as a Virtual Customer Support Agent. Our company is seeking over 2,000 agents. Our agents choose from a number of possible positions where they provide support to...
- Data Center Security Officer
Securitas — Hilliard,OHData Center Security Officer Why Join Securitas? Immediate Benefits for Your Security Career! Weekly Pay: Get paid every week! Competitive Benefits: We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan, employer-provided medical insurance, dental...
- Remote Work From Home Data Entry Jobs
The Job Place — Columbus,OHAbout the job Remote Work From Home Data Entry Jobs Remote Work From Home Data Entry Jobs Description The Data Entry Operator enters data from images into the data capture...
- Package Handler - Part Time (Warehouse like) - Groveport, OH
FedEx — Groveport,OHIMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Come for a job and stay for a career! Federal Express Corporation (FEC) is part of the rapidly growing warehouse and transportation sector that helps keep America, and...
- Warehouse Worker (Days) - Groveport, OH
Cardinal Health — Groveport,OHPay rate: $20.10 per hour. Bonus eligible: No. Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being. Medical, dental and vision coverage. Paid...
- In Home Caregiver
Home Instead — Columbus,OHWhat is Home Instead? Home Instead is a home care company that values passion and rewards caregivers with competitive benefits. Home Instead provides a variety of non-medical services that allow...
- Remote Customer Service - Starts at 19/hour (No Degree Needed)
NoGigiddy — Columbus,OHHiring Now: Virtual Customer Service Agent – Earn $19+/hr, No Degree Necessary Are you passionate about solving problems and providing outstanding customer service? We're looking for motivated individuals to join...
- flex jobs
Amazon — Grove City,OHAmazon needs you as a flex job Representative (Work From Home) to help their mission of making customers lives easier. If you are looking for outstanding pay, flexible part-time, full-time...
- CT Technologist - No Weekends
OhioHealth — Dublin,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Customer Service Representative - Fully Remote
Workoo Technologies — Columbus,OHAbout the job Customer Service Representative - Fully Remote Obligations And Also Obligations Work as very first factor of get in touch with to customer questions, providing thorough info on...
- Technical and Customer Experience Advisor - Work From Home - US
Transcom — Columbus,OHGeneral Information...
- Customer Service Representative (Remote in Texas)
Chewy — Columbus,OHOur Opportunity Do you have a desire to engage in meaningful conversations while helping others? If you answered yes, this might be the purr-fect role for you! Chewy is revolutionizing...
- Work From Home - Customer Service Sales Southaven, MS
HMG Careers — Columbus,OHAbout the job Work From Home - Customer Service Sales Southaven, MS Are you ready to join an exceptional team that offers comprehensive training, benefits, and flexible working hours? Our...
- Warehouse Supervisor
Ace Hardware Corporation — West Jefferson,OHWarehouse Supervisor Multiple shift opportunities available What You'll Do ...
- Data Entry Clerk Work From Home - Part-Time Focus Group Participants ($750/Week)
Apex Focus Group — Columbus,OHSeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Environmental Services Associate (Evenings, Weekends, Part Time 24 Hours)
OhioHealth — Circleville,OHEnvironmental Service Associates are dedicated to cleaning and maintaining defined areas of the organization. Provide customer service to all customers by cleaning and maintaining patient rooms, public areas and service...
- Cleanroom Technician
Battelle Memorial Institute — Columbus,OHWe are seeking a Cleanroom Technician. This position is located in Columbus, OH with the Microfabrication group.u 00 A 0 This is a full-time position. The cleanroom technician is responsible...
- Online Order Filling Team Associate
Walmart — Columbus,OHHourly Wage: **$15 - $28 per/hour***The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location.Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance incentives.Additional compensation...
- Cleanroom Technician
Battelle — Columbus,OHBattelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a...
- Warehouse Associate - Loader/Unloader - 2nd Shift - $20/Hour - Temporary - Columbus, OH
Cintas — Columbus,OHCintas is seeking a Warehouse Associate Loader/ Unloader to support the Rental Division. Loader/ Unloaders are responsible for driving company trucks to designated areas in the facility for unloading of...
- STORE MANAGER in Orient, OH
Dollar General — Orient,OHWork Where You Matter At Dollar General, our mission is Serving Others! We value each and every one of our employees. Whether you are looking to launch a new career...
- Nutrition Educator-Remote
Mom's Meals — Columbus,OHThe Nutrition Educator will provide telephonic nutrition education to members/patients with chronic conditions as they learn to select, prepare and eat foods that are appropriate for their condition(s) as they...
- Facility Security Officer
Franklin County Sheriff's Office — Columbus,OHConduct specialized screening at screening points for all persons and vehicles, packages, and mail entering secured county facilities according to operating procedures. Assist in the placement and removal of items...
- Now Hiring - Remote Customer Service Representative - 19 plus Hourly
NoGigiddy — Columbus,OHRemote Customer Service Representative Needed – Starting from $19/hr, No Degree Required Are you a problem-solver who enjoys helping others? We are seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as...
- customer service work from home
Amazon — Columbus,OHAmazon needs you as a Customer Service Representative (Work From Home) to help their mission of making customers lives easier. If you are looking for outstanding pay, flexible part-time, full-time...