Credit checks to obtain jobs?

[KSUViolet06]

I agree with everyone else, there's a reason for it. Companies are just trying to protect their money, and they feel more secure if they hire people with higher credit scores. To them, the higher the credit score, the more financially responsible the employee (and the less likely they will do things like steal).

[Educatingblue]

I can understand companies doing credit checks depending on the position, especially if you are dealing with finances.

For my summer/second job, I am working for a company in the finance department and they told me when they hired me that all employees would have a credit/background check. We handle hundreds of thousands daily, so it's to be expected.

[Lady Pi Phi]

I can understand and appreciate credit checks for certain types of positions.

I was denied a summer job as a file clerk because of previous poor financial decisions which did effect my credit. Sure, I was a little bitter because I didn't see what my credit score had to do with filing.

This year Mr. Pi Phi and I bought a house. When we decided we were ready to start looking at homes, I went into my bank to talk to my financial planner to see how I could improve my credit because I knew it was less then stellar.

I thought we were going to have problems being pre-approved for a decent mortgage because of my credit, but because I had shown the bank that I was committed to improving my credit rating, and all my previous debts were paid off in full, we had no problem being approved for a mortgage (and at a reasonable interest rate too!).

If credit is affecting your ability to find good jobs, get a mortgage, or whatever, than it's up to you to improve it.

You can always ask the interview their reasons for checking credit and you can always refuse a credit check.

[AGDLynn]

Talked with a HR Dir the other day. Her co. does criminal and credit background checks.