Thursday, May 5, 2005

What Employment Can a Woman Get After Filing Bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy could affect your ability to find employment, but it is not always a factor. First, as a woman you are entitled to compete for any job that would be offered to a man. A bankruptcy record is a secondary consideration that must be applied equally to men and women.

Government Jobs

    Employment with the federal government could be a viable option. The legal website Nolo reports that government agencies are not allowed to discriminate against people who have declared bankruptcy. That opens the door to thousands of jobs across numerous professions.

Private Sector Jobs

    The law is different for jobs offered by private companies. Nolo reports that private companies are allowed to review your credit as a condition of employment. Private employers are not allowed to fire people because of bankruptcy, but Nolo reports that as of 2011 courts have ruled that private employers can legally refuse to hire someone because of a past bankruptcy. As a result, some companies may not consider people for certain jobs if they have filed for bankruptcy. Generally, jobs in accounting, financial services and related industries are difficult to obtain if you have filed for bankruptcy. However, that still leaves lots of other jobs available. A woman with a bankruptcy could choose jobs in teaching, social work, nonprofit management, food services, medicine and more.

Networking

    Nonprofit credit counselors can help you prepare for life after bankruptcy, including telling you about local and online networking groups for women and others who are recovering from bankruptcy while looking for jobs. The interaction could be valuable as you learn more about the effects of bankruptcy and employment. Credit counselors certified by the U.S. Trustee Program of the U.S. Justice Department are experts in bankruptcy counseling. Initial consultations are usually free, and you can find a counselor in your area by checking the U.S. Trustee Program website.

Telling the Employer

    Bankruptcy information remains on your credit report for at least 10 years, and you should always answer honestly if an employment application asks if you have ever filed for bankruptcy. Before applying for jobs, consult with a credit counselor on the best way to explain your bankruptcy. Your bankruptcy might have been caused by unavoidable circumstances, such as a job loss or illness. The credit counselor can help you write an explanation that you can include with your job explanation. Proactively explaining your bankruptcy could show the employer that you are honest and forthcoming about your background.

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