Can Bankruptcy Prevent Me From Getting A Job?

[alex48]

I recently received a discharge from bankruptcy, it has not been a year yet, and I have fallen ill so I have not really tried to re-apply for a job yet. Before that bankruptcy, I had a stable job as lecturer at a community college, and I have gotten in so much personal issues and have fallen into debt, hence the bankruptcy. That was my one and only job after college it was pretty fine until it went wrong, now I'm just concerned about discrimination and prejudices. I am almost afraid to go out and find out for myself. Can somebody give me an advice. Thank you in advance.

[JoshuaHeckathorn]

While it's true some employers will shy away from hiring individuals that have declared bankruptcy, it really all depends on the type of job you're applying for. Want to work as a bank teller? Expect a credit check and a prompt denial if you've had a lot of financial problems. They'll view your bad credit as a sign of financial irresponsibility.

I'm not sure what your lecture on, but a community college might not care at all about your personal finances if you're an elegant lecturer on ancient roman history, photography, or something else completely unrelated to finance. So don't be afraid. Be confident in your skill as a lecturer and make them look past any of your flaws or past mistakes.

[GrimJack]

Hey, you could lecture on finances using yourself as a model. As JH said, your credit history really depends on what sector you are looking for work in. There are employers who use credit checks as lazy way of researching candidates but I think there is a backlash forming against that - I think our state is considering legislation against 'random' use of credit checks.

[Seeker]

Section 525(b) of the US Bankruptcy code prohibits descrimination against hiring solely because of a BK history or a BK claim filing.

You would however have to prove that that one reason was the reason for not hiring you.

I wouldn't recommend applying for any type of position that required the handling of cash, or any type of position that requires you to be "bonded."

[maat55]

Typically(but not in all cases) your credit rating is an reflection of ones personal responsibility.

When I had a lower score, it was due to my responsibility mindset. My advice is: do everything you can not to go bankrupt again. Pay your bills and on time. Build an cushion from hardship, stay out of debt. Save and pay cash.

[agape71]

Since your discharge was so recent, your credit report would be in bad shape, and since you have been ill too, is it right to presume that you haven't yet taken any step to repair your credit yet?And I think that as long as you are honest with your future employers regarding your history, and that you are confident about your teaching competency, the bankruptcy should not be a problem for you.Also I read somewhere that it is against the law for employers to discriminate against someone who's filed bankruptcy.

My new blog.. on trying to get out of debt, making extra money online, just little things I have picked up along the way... debit-free.us/ Updated regularly

[Eric80]

when i worked for a Credit Referencing Agency they asked if they could legally check my credit reference to see how it was and told me alter when i got the job was because if you have a bad credirt rating jobs in the banking and finance sector are hard to get.

it is a reflection on how you deal with your finance and shows if you can be trusted with finance and money.

[Stuartthomas]

reply

after bankruptcy it would be very difficult to get your dream job..but there are things you can do for applying a job..For jobs where you know your credit will be reviewed, be upfront and honest about your bankruptcy, and the circumstances that caused it. Honesty is a powerful tool for getting what you want after bankruptcy.If you're applying for a job that you aren't sure whether or not they will review your credit, make them love you first...then during the second or third interview explain what happened.

[wincrasher]

Probably.

People don't want to hire someone with alot of personal drama if there is another choice.

If they are going to do a credit check, you'll have to sign off on it. Tell them before they find out, but just mention it factually - don't go into all the grimy details. I'd just say it was because of this poor economy - you've got alot of company these days.

[Ashleywatson]

Bankruptcy is a big problem ,you might have to face many problem. you may have problem in applying for loan and there is some employers who use credit checks as lazy way of researching candidates but I think there is a backlash forming against that. But as I know it is against the law for employers to discriminate against someone who's filed bankruptcy.