How to Get a Job With Bad Credit History

Your bad credit history may not become a factor in your job search, but you should be prepared in case it does. According to Microsoft Money, not all employers conduct credit checks. Such screening is most likely when you are seeking jobs with state, local or federal agencies or taking a job at a bank or other financial institution. The good news is that bad credit is considered better than a criminal background, and may not disqualify you from your new job.

Instructions

1

Get a copy of your credit report so that you can answer questions if asked about it, and clean up your report as much as possible before applying for a job. Get your report from the website Annual Credit Report (see Resources). The site was established by the nationwide credit bureaus to offer free reports as required by law. You can view and print your report online.

2

Challenge inaccurate information on the report by writing a letter to the credit bureau pointing out why the information is incorrect. By law, it must be removed within about 30 days of the credit bureau receiving your letter. Send the letter to the address on the credit report.

3

Resolve as many outstanding negative credit issues as you can. Make payments to bring accounts current and try to pay off old debts held by collection agencies.

4

Plan your explanations. Be prepared to answer, clearly and succinctly, why your credit is bad. Employers are human too and understand that people have problems. Long-term unemployment or an extended illness are understandable reasons for falling behind on your bills. Prepare a truthful explanation that you can confidently deliver in 60 seconds or less during a conversation with your potential new employer. Stick to the facts and leave out any bitterness or finger-pointing.

5

Add a statement to your credit report. Federal law gives you the right to place a 100-word statement on your credit report. You can use that to explain why you fell behind on your bills. Your potential employer will see the statement after pulling your report, and that could soften the impact of the bad marks on your credit. Stick to the facts with the statement while keeping it positive and upbeat. Talk about why you had problems in the past and how things are better now. Contact all three credit bureaus to place statements on your reports.

TransUnion Consumer Solutions

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19022-2000

800-916-8800

transunion.com

Equifax Consumer Services

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

800-846-5279

equifax.com

Experian

P.O. Box 2104

Allen, TX, 75013.

888-397-3742

experian.com