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Dealing with Employers Who Perform Credit Checks?

Posted by Cliff on from the none-of-their-business...or-is-it? dept.

Rick asks: "I recently accepted a Director level position at a small, 40 person, technology company. On my first day, I was provided with all of the standard employment paperwork such as the W2, NDA, healthcare, etc., as well as a document that is to provide my permission for the Company to do a comprehensive background check on me, including a credit history check. I am now in a stalemate position with my employer in regards to this background check document. I have refused to sign on the grounds that my personal credit information is of no business to the company and that they have no basis of need. The company argument (COO level so far, CEO is next) is that the company instituted this policy over a year ago for all existing employees and new hires, and to maintain consistency, every employee must comply. The company also maintains that the information allows them to identify potential problems with candidates or employees, in that people who cannot manage their own finances may not be good employees, or that those with troublesome credit may be more likely to steal from the company. The COO used less direct terms, but ultimately that was the argument. Have Slashdot readers successfully negotiated out of a mandatory employee credit check in the past? What arguments did you use?"

2 of 1,149 comments (clear)

  1. Guaranteed way to pass a credit check by scotay · · Score: 5, Funny

    I heard on the web that this works:

    1. Go for as long as you can without using your credit card before the interview.

    2. Drink lots of water(1 gal) on the day of the credit check.

    3. Never give them the first credit report of the morning.

    4. Take B vitamins. An overly-clear credit report may set off some red flags at the lab.

    ** Golden Seal and Visine are said to improve your chances of passing.

    I'm not sure how they expect these to work. I would think the guy that runs the reporting terminal is gonna notice you putting the drops in his eyes, but you might be able to spike his coffee cup with the golden seal

  2. are you kidding? by brer_rabbit · · Score: 5, Funny
    ...people who cannot manage their own finances may not be good employees, or that those with troublesome credit may be more likely to steal from the company...

    Are you kidding? The only reason I've got good credit / finances is because I steal from the company.