Bankruptcy and Getting a Job
- When you are close to being hired by a new employer, the employer may run a background check on you. To run a background check, the company has to have your written permission to do so. As part of a background check, the company will typically receive a copy of your credit report as well.
- Technically, it is against the law for employers to discriminate against you because of a bankruptcy in the past. According to Section 525 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, employers cannot preclude someone from being hired solely because of a past bankruptcy. This factor can be taken into consideration with other factors, however, and can aid in your elimination from the job candidacy.
- Employers who see that you have a bankruptcy on your record may be hesitant to hire you. This is because many employers feel that employees who cannot handle their credit do not make quality employees. This is especially true in jobs that deal with financial matters. For example, you may have trouble getting a job as an accountant or in a bank if you have filed for bankruptcy in the past. Some employers stay away from those who have filed bankruptcy out of fear that they may steal from the company to pay debts in the future.
- In some cases, you may be unable to get a job as a law enforcement officer because of a bankruptcy in your past. For example, the FBI has strict standards about those with credit problems in the past. The logic behind this is that individuals who have filed for bankruptcy and had money problems in the past are more likely to accept bribes. This can compromise the safety and integrity of the law enforcement agency.
