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What job seekers should know about employer credit checks
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If you're applying for a job, it's very likely that your potential employer will want to check your credit. More employers than ever are checking job applicants' credit history. Sixty percent of employers now check applicants' credit reports, according to a report in the Washington Times. That percentage has climbed nearly 20 percent in the past five years, according to the report.
Employer credit checks can be problematic for many people in this economy. If you've been out of work for a while, you may have fallen behind on your bills. And if you're a recent college graduate, you probably have little credit history - perhaps a few credit cards with a running balance, but probably not a car or home loan that can help add depth to a credit history.
Reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies before an employer sees it is an important step for job seekers, experts agree. It will also help prepare you to address any credit-related concerns a potential employer might have.
As you're reading want ads and scouring job websites, keep this information in mind:
* Obtaining a report and score, such as the PLUS score offered by CreditReport.com, can help you understand your credit status before a potential employer asks to check your credit. While such a score and report are not necessarily the ones a potential employer will obtain, they can give you a snapshot of your credit status.
* The basics of credit management remain the same, no matter what your situation: pay bills on time, maintain a good ratio of credit used to available credit, show a long history of timely payment, and be smart about the types of credit you use (loans, credit cards, etc.).
* Employers will not be able to check your credit until you give your consent, in writing, for them to do so. While you may expect that an employer would check your credit if you're applying for a job in the financial services industry or another industry in which you'll be directly working with money, be aware that a broad spectrum of employers are now checking credit for applicants at all job levels - even some you may not expect.
* If your credit history has some blemishes, you may want to consider adding a personal statement of explanation to your credit report - the major credit bureaus all allow you to do this. While credit experts agree that such statements usually have little impact on potential lenders, an employer may view your explanation differently.
Finally, hold your head high regardless of what's on your credit report. In this economy, many people are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own. If you're one of them, be honest and open with a potential employer, explaining your challenges and what you are doing to ensure you'll be able to meet your financial responsibilities. If your credit history is good, consider it one more tool to demonstrate to potential employers that you are organized, responsible and a desirable worker.
(ARA) - If you're a recent college graduate or a professional looking for work, you already know you need every advantage to compete for work in a marketplace where there are more applicants than opportunities. It pays to be in control of every variable you can, from picking the right suit and honing your interview skills to making sure you know what's on your credit report before a potential employer looks at it.
How to overcome job interview jitters
Expert advice for new grads and seasoned pros alike on how to ace your next interview
(ARA) - The graduation ceremony is now just a memory, and for many high school and college graduates, that means - gulp - it's time to start pounding the pavement with fellow job seekers.
However, a new poll of young adults conducted by Everest College reveals the job interview itself poses a major challenge for those seeking a new position. Four in 10 respondents (40 percent) said interviewing is the one skill they need to improve most to land a job, and nearly half (45 percent) think speaking skills are one of the most important attributes hiring managers use to judge potential candidates.
"In today's tough economy, the job interview is particularly important for those just starting their careers, and often means the difference between landing a job or going home empty-handed," says Sean Quinn, regional vice president of operations for Everest College, a leading provider of career-oriented diploma programs in health care, skilled trades and accounting.
Quinn and Everest College offer the following tips to ensure that an interview opportunity ends with a job offer.
Practice makes perfect
According to Everest's survey, nearly three of 10 (28 percent) named, "What is your worst quality?" the most difficult interview question to answer. Other tough questions were, "Where would you like to see yourself professionally in five years?" (20 percent) and, "What is your salary requirement?" (19 percent).
Practice answers to these, as well as other common inquiries, including "Tell me about yourself" and, "What skills and experiences do you bring?" Think of actual examples and prepare mini-sound bites to describe your skills.
Be yourself
Although the interview is a great time to sell yourself to a potential employer, be careful not to go overboard. Embellishment may be tempting - particularly for young graduates - but employers want to know what you've really done. Communicate any career training you have and how it relates to the position.
"Employers hiring at the entry level are looking at candidates for potential just as much as experience," Quinn says. "Grandiose claims of skills and qualifications from young candidates are red flags to employers."
Instead, be yourself, and in cases where you lack experience, display a willingness and desire to learn the necessary skills.
Every interaction counts
Anyone you encounter within proximity to the interview setting can have a direct influence on its outcome. Having a positive and respectful attitude creates a more welcoming environment all around you and sets you up for success during the interview.
"Be as courteous as possible to anyone you meet, whether it's the receptionist, security guard or parking attendant," comments Quinn. "And you never know. That stranger you meet on the elevator may turn out to be your interviewer."
Share your past work
A portfolio of past work or testimonials from previous employers or clients speaks volumes for your credibility and dedication to a job. Photography of output in the skilled trades may help illustrate the work you're capable of doing.
Follow-up
Good follow-through is important and shows a potential employer that a candidate cares about the opportunity. Be sure to send a note to everyone who interviewed you thanking them for their time and consideration.
Enhance your skills
Many students say that in this tough job market, their current credentials just aren't passing the test. If you find yourself lacking the necessary skills for employment, it's never too late to consider furthering your education.
Schools like Everest College cater to the demands of non-traditional students by offering fast-track programs, flexible classes and online education programs in high-demand fields, such as health care and accounting, allowing students to work or interview for jobs while enhancing their skills in the meantime.
