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Getting a Job When You Have Bad Credit

It is not uncommon for employers run credit checks on their job applicants as part of the interview process. If two applicants are equally qualified, the one with the better credit report is more likely to get the job. If you have a tarnished credit report, all is not lost. The following tips will improve your chances of landing a good job.

Employers from all types of industries are running credit checks

If you are applying for a position that deals with handling money or personal and sensitive information, it's obvious why an employer would want to run a credit check. Credit reports say a lot about you when it comes to how you handle money, but they also give indications of your character. If you have a history of paying your bills late, you may be seen as unpunctual. If you have delinquent accounts, you may be seen as irresponsible. If you have public records you may be seen as untrustworthy; like unpaid child support insinuates you do not follow through with your obligations.

You may have good reasons for your negative credit listings, but potential employers are going to be more biased toward someone who has a cleaner record.

Be open about your credit report issues

When you go in for your interview, ask if your credit report will be pulled. If so, be up front and open about any derogatory information on your credit report. This will also give you a chance to explain and give your side of the story. Your interviewer will be much more sympathetic if your negative listings are due to overwhelming medical bills, loss of employment or other affliction that was beyond your control. If you don't have a good story and simply got in over your head, be truthful about that as well; but commit to be more responsible in the future. Being open about credit mistakes, weaknesses and financial difficulties, demonstrates honesty and integrity; qualities that are highly favored when it comes to getting a job.

Demonstrate that you are willing to improve your credit status

Once your credit issues are out in the open, show that you are taking committed action to improve your credit standing; like paying down bills, keeping credit utilization low, etc. You could even be as bold as to bring a copy of your credit report with you to the interview. Highlight the problematic areas and devise a strategy to improve them.

Apply with smaller companies or ones that don't do credit checks

If you really don't want your potential employer to run a credit check, prescreen the company to see if they pull credit reports. Remember, if you are applying for a job in a financial institution, a government position or one that is regulated by the government you can count on a credit, as well as a background, check. That leaves plenty of jobs that don't fall into these categories, but you may want to check before applying.

You have a better chance of not being screened by smaller companies. Often they don't have the resources to purchase credit reports and scores for all of their applicants.

Emphasize your qualifications

A strong resume and solid interview, where you emphasize your skills and qualities, should help downplay any credit issues.


Apply among people you know and who know you. Or where a friend, colleague or former employer can give you a good recommendation. Personal connections will boost your chances of getting the job, and, depending on how close you are to the employer or how good of a recommendation you get, you may not have your credit pulled at all.

Go ahead and apply anyway

If your credit is in bad shape, it's not going to get any better if you don't have a job or a better paying one that makes it possible for you to pay your bills and stay out of debt. You never know how much weight your credit issues will carry from one employer to the next. You landing a job depends on several variables, so take a chance and apply anyway.