Worried that potential employers will scan your credit report?

When you apply for a job, you likely suspect that any potential employers will research your work history, verify your educational achievements and may even conduct a criminal background check. However, you may not realize that numerous employers seek to review your credit status before granting you an interview or offering you a job. What does your credit have to do with your employability and is it legal for employers to check your credit score? These questions have complex answers.

In many instances, it is not legal for employers to deny you an interview or employment based on your credit report. However, employers continue to check the credit scores of potential employees as a factor to be considered in the hiring process. The reasons that potential employers may research these scores are numerous and may be either legitimate or illegitimate.

The key to navigating the frustrating reality that potential employers may look at your credit report is to understand that this action may occur. If you know that this search may be conducted, you can take proactive steps to ensure that the information contained in your credit report is accurate. It is important not to allow mistakes on your credit report to keep you from securing a position that you sincerely want.

Some states have passed limits on the ways in which employers may use credit score data in the hiring process. If you are concerned that your credit score is leading to unlawful discrimination against you, please do not hesitate to speak with an attorney. But regardless of whether unlawful discrimination is occurring or not, it is important that you review your credit history and check for any errors before you begin searching for employment.

Source: Huffington Post, "7 Steps to Deal With HR Looking at Your Credit Report," Adam Levin, Sep. 19, 2013