Question About Background Checks

[EyewitnessAction1 1]

Hey guys,

 

I just interviewed for an Associate Producer position yesterday and I feel like it went well. They got me to fill out a form for a background check, though, and I was wondering; what would typically come up on one of these?

 

I barely have so much as a traffic violation, I've never been arrested, etc.... The only thing I'm worried about is that I racked up some credit card debt these past few years of college and consequently damaged my credit score. Is this going to be an issue for the station? Is it gonna show up?

 

Thanks in advance.

[WXmanTim 88]

I believe, though not 100% sure, that unless you are working with money they can't do a credit check on you as part of a background check.

 

If you've never had any criminal problems, then I wouldn't worry about the background check.

[Que 73]

I believe, though not 100% sure, that unless you are working with money they can't do a credit check on you as part of a background check.

 

If you've never had any criminal problems, then I wouldn't worry about the background check.

 

Potential employers are able to access your credit score and history. Considering the type of position you are seeking, I think a credit check will be unlikey, but still is possible.

 

You can always check your credit history, not score, for free each year.

[lazynetjunkie 34]

It really all depends on what background check services, software, systems the employer is using.. I've done these checks numerous times at places I've done hiring for. Typically, I've seen most employers run criminal, driving record, and credit background checks for most or all positions. Some systems even show what past employers have terminated you or if you "volunatarily quit". An employer can say that you were involuntarily terminated from a job in the past so that why they don't hire you. Many times if you apply for a job/position online which asks for you to enter your social security number online during the application process, the check is automatically after the application process and will filter out applications even before they reach human eyes. It's really all dependent on what system(s), services, or software the employer chooses to use.

 

Employers CAN do a credit check and it doesn't matter what type of position you're applying for. Depending on what credit check system they use, they can have access to credit score, history, up-to-date credit activity (what credit bills you've paid, what you're late on, what you owe, etc.). In many states, it is ILLEGAL for an employer to solely use credit background as whether you get a position or not (with the exception of cash handling, financial, etc. related jobs). However, most lawyers will tell you that you will have to actually prove that is what the employer solely used in not hiring you. The employer could really be using your credit as the determining factor but they can still tell you to your face that they didn't hire because "you don't have enough experience", etc.. It's really messed up and there is no way for this to stop unless laws are passed which completely block employers from doing your background check. Don't just base your credit background on your credit score. Alot of credit background checks now show more than just credit score. They show how many other credit background checks have been done to you, your actual creditors, what debts you still owe on, what bills you've paid on time, etc.

[Guest]

Not sure what is up with these windy explanations.

 

No. Don't worry. TV stations do NOT perform credit checks on potential employees. You're FINE.

[Que 73]

Not sure what is up with these windy explanations.

 

Looks to me information on credit checks with employers.

[EyewitnessAction1 1]

Thank you guys for all of the responses. I appreciate the info.