How much does poor credit hurt a job search?

[deathdog]

I've just learned a potential employer does credit checks. I don't have any major delinquencies or bankruptcies, but a few months where I made late payments. One credit report lists two periods of 90 day late payments a couple of years ago, though I'm not sure that's accurate (otoh, I'm not sure it isn't). Are there any HR people here? How much is this likely to hurt, do you think?

Thanks for any thoughts.

edited for spelling

[Critters2]

1. Damn! I was hoping to see some responses to this.

My own credit is, shall we say, imperfect. And the denomination is now doing background checks. I don't know for sure whether that includes credit, but I'm a bit concerned. I was hoping to see some knowledgeable answers to your question. And thus, a kick!

[libodem]

2. I'm job hunting too

and put in an application today that says they will be doing a credit check. I've been on disability for almost 2 years now and have done my damnest to keep on top of any payments I have. Our family dentist did work on both my son and myself last summer. I had a bill of 214.00 and his was 500+. I checked out on my last visit and requested my total, to pay it off. I got a lecture about my 23 year old sons debt to them. They applied my payment to his bill. Then they rolled my 214.00 into his remaining balance and stared charging 12% interest every month that went by.

I got a call from collections last month. I told them I couldn't have a bill. I'd paid mine off. I hate the sanctimonious receptionist anyway. I was a young divorced mother some 20 years ago when I stated going there with the 3 boys. She was always a little bitchy to me. I won't deal with her so I called the dentist's wife and consequently sent her all the insurance and billing evidence I could copy. I talked to her the end of last month and she said she was going to talk with the staff.

Meanwhile, I talked to a pro-bono paralegal and have some papers sitting on the table from the Atty General's office. If that snotty little snoot, has hurt my credit rating and thus hampered my ability to get a job with the disabilities I have. I've got more than a small heap of righteous indignation. I'll file that report with the Atty General and go from there.

[bluesbassman]

3. The very short answer is...

employers use a to determine reliability. The concept is if one is not capable of managing ones credit, their suitability for some positions is suspect.

I would recommend you have a very clear and SHORT explanation ready as to why there are derogatory statements on your report. It sounds like your issues are not too serious, so a compelling explanation should cover it. Good Luck.

[Fox Mulder]

4. I have less than perfect credit (not very good)...

and I got hired for a retail job a couple of weeks ago and they did a credit check.

I think you may be fine. :shrug: