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March 18, 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - With a record number of people looking for jobs, potential employers have found a new way to check up on applicants.
More and more employers are running credit checks on potential workers.
"They're using credit to determine character," said Charisma Jones, a credit counselor.
She says employers used to run checks for people working in certain fields. Now, they're using your credit history to see what type of person you are.
"If you're paying your bills on time it's going to say you're going to come to work on time, you're honest, you're going to be a good person," Jones said.
Some worry if you're out of work there's a higher chance of falling behind on your bills. But Jones says employers are looking more at the bigger picture.
"They're looking for major things like bankruptcies, foreclosures," Jones said. "Those things tell them a little bit about your character."
Jones says it's not a big deal if you get a few people running credit checks. It only takes a few points off your credit score each time.
Jones offered this advice: If you get laid off, call the people you owe. See if you can work out a payment plan that won't affect your credit. Also, talk with a potential employer about any problems you've had and explain them upfront. And, make sure you have good references in place. They can attest to your reliability.
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