Employer Background Checks

Anonymous · ‎03-15-2009

If employers do a background check and see that you have about 12K in credit card debt, do you think that would hurt your chances of getting hired?

I am not in danger of defaulting.

Also, when I do pay off the balance at some point, the high balance of 12K will still remain on my credit report. Can simply a high number in the "high balance" field of your credit report hurt you as far as your chances of getting hired?

haulingthescoreup · ‎03-15-2009

I suppose it depends on the employer, and what type of field you're going into.

I don't think the high balance would matter a flip. For instance, I have high balances showing on a couple of cards, but they were for one-time purchases that were immediately paid off.

I would have an explanation ready for your hoped-for employer, though. --One-time purchase at 0%, foolish not to use, etc.

And I hope you're well on top of paying it off OK.

* Credit is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. * Who's the boss --you or your credit?
FICO's: EQ 781 - TU 793 - EX 779 (from PSECU) - Done credit hunting; having fun with credit gardening. - EQ 590 on 5/14/2007

marty56 · ‎03-16-2009

LOL unless the employer was Dave Ramsey.

I work for the governement and they do background checks and they dont care about the CC debt as long as you are current and paying it down.

1/25/2021: FICO 850 EQ 848 TU 847 EX

Donks3369 · ‎03-16-2009

Urgent,

The only way I could see this hurting you is if you are going for a job in the finance field and they see you have $12,000 in CC debt on $8000 in Credit Limits. That might raise a red flag to them. But I don't see it as being a problem as long as you are making payments on time.

Anonymous · ‎03-16-2009

I am applying for some jobs with finance companies, however my situation is more like 12K used out of a 24K limit.

I've been particularly worried because finance and government jobs have been definitely what I've been pursuing.

Kay_Cee · ‎03-16-2009

Is the prospective employer doing a criminal background check or, a credit check, or both? If it is a background check they will simply look at public records and if you've been charged with any misdemeanors or felonies, it could influence their decision to hire you. A credit check is separate and you would have to authorize them to pull your credit, in which case it would be a hard pull.

Good luck with the new job!

Donks3369 · ‎03-16-2009

I wouldn't see much of a problem having a 50% utilization rate. How does the rest of your credit look? If you don't mind me asking what are you scores? Any collections, judgments or late pays?