Question: I was laid off from my job selling imaging systems for the health care industry. I got another position, but it isn’t working out, so I’m looking for something new.
In the meantime, my wife racked up $25,000 in debt. The credit card companies threatened to put a lien on our house, so we filed for bankruptcy. My credit score used to be 723. Now I notice that businesses are interested in my resume, but they never call back after the first screening.
Does this bankruptcy hurt my chances of getting a job? My lawyer says companies cannot discriminate. What is your opinion?
J.N., Everett
Answer: Lots of people are struggling with debt and other financial hardships these days. Layoffs, bankruptcies and foreclosures are happening more than ever. Employers know this, and yet some of them continue to check the credit history of job candidates, ruling out individuals based on personal credit information. Their actions are not considered discriminatory, as long as they follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
In order to comply with the FCRA, businesses must have your written permission before running any reports. If their findings lead to negative hiring decisions, they must inform you directly, and send along a copy of your credit report with their notification.
You mentioned that employers aren’t calling back after the initial screening. Are they asking for your resume, and then not contacting you with a response? If so, your credit history is not at fault. Improve your resume. Brush up on your follow-through skills. And remember that job searching takes time.
On the other hand, if you give a business written permission to check your credit, and you don’t receive a reply, something could be wrong. Most likely, the company simply extended their hiring activities over a period of months or longer. Don’t jump the gun. Use the time to contact other employers. If time passes and you never hear back, find an attorney who specializes in employment practices.
Credit checks are common in the biomedical sales field. If you plan to remain in this industry, I suggest that you take a proactive approach in your interviews. When an employer asks for your signature to conduct a credit or “consumer” check, address the subject tactfully. You might mention to the hiring manager that you had excellent credit until very recently when a tough situation forced you and your wife to make a very difficult decision.
Be careful not to offer too many details. Do not blame your wife. The key is to take a personal situation and talk about it with professionalism, saying just enough to let the employer know that you are responsible and reliable, and that you learn from your mistakes.
As soon as you can, shift the discussion to your work ethic and accomplishments. Perhaps try something like this: “Employers have trusted me with multimillion-dollar equipment and high-profile accounts for many years. Please contact them for a reference, and ask about the revenue that I brought in, starting my first day on the job.”
Frame your financial history in a way that employers will understand. And don’t forget that you’re a salesperson. You have plenty of experience and you know how to impress people, cultivate trust and build relationships that lead to prosperity down the road.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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