How to Overcome a Negative Credit Report for Employment

Employers rely on more than just an interview when considering a new hire. Additional methods of gauging an employee's background include calling references and checking credit reports. If you have a negative credit report, you may need to take extra steps to explain your financial background so your report doesn't cost you the position for which you are vying.

Instructions

1

Inquire as to whether a credit report is used in consideration for the job and for what purpose. The employer needs your written permission to conduct a credit check, according to the Dallas Morning News. Determine why the company you are interviewing with is checking your credit so you can properly mount your defense. Some employers will pull your credit just to verify personal information, while others want to know about your financial history.

2

Don't volunteer more information than necessary. If the company considering you for employment asks about your credit report, explain that there are a few negative items that you are in the process of cleaning up. If no one asks pointed questions, don't volunteer the information. The less you say, the less you can incriminate yourself regarding your negative credit report.

3

Offer clarification on your negative credit report if asked--or if you are vying for a job that deals directly with cash. For example, perhaps some of the negative items are on your report from a divorce or a reckless period in your youth. Clarifying this for a potential employer will help them to see that you are still a fiscally responsible individual and can perform the position's duties.

4

Provide documentation regarding debt repayment. If your credit is negative and a potential position is on the line because of it, show proof that you are trying to pay off your debt. If a hiring manager sees that you are in the process of straightening up your credit, she may be more inclined to give you a chance.

5

Offer to submit to a criminal background check. Being in financial straits is much different than a history of financial crime. A company might be more willing to overlook your credit report if you've never committed a crime--particularly one that was financial in nature. This shows them that you are a trustworthy person who has hit a few financial bumps.