Getting a New Job With Bad Credit

C.J.,

I retired from a major NYC bank in 2001 and proceeded to open a small business close to my home. After six years, I was forced to close the business because of the bad economy. As a result, I have been looking for a new job for the past seven months. I have submitted more than 100 applications on-line to no avail. Because I have no income, my credit has taken a serious hit. My credit history (36 years) was excellent up until the past 8 months. What can I tell a potential employer if they use a credit report to determine if they will hire me? Do I bring it up during an interview or do I wait to see if they order a credit report?

Thanks,
Jim

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Jim,

The typical recruiter screens through 100’s of resumes that they filter to perhaps 15-20 potential folks to interview through a quick call or face-to-face. It’s doubtful that they would ask you about your credit during this part of the interview process. I don’t know enough about banks and what they do with respect to employee credit checks. I found this article online that offers one perspective on the legality and requirements of employment credit checks. In most cases, I recommend that clients wait till they are asked about a thorny issue.

The most attractive qualities to the interviewer are confidence, passion and an upbeat attitude. The credit report will likely shift your energy to a downward place. I wouldn’t offer it unless the interviewer asks. Remember the interview is not a confessional and you should not cede power to the interviewer and let them stand in judgment of your actions or you. As you said, this is a bad economy and you are human. Many people, including those from banking, are having issues with their credit and money. The best thing you can do right now is to forgive yourself so you can move on from any guilt or shame you feel and focus your energy on finding employment.

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C.J. Liu is a Seattle-based career coach with over 15 years experience in helping people achieve happiness at work. She takes a holistic view of her clients needs and seeks to ensure they feel good physically, mentally and spiritually in their work. Check out her site, to learn more about C.J. Liu.

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