I found something to write about.
I applied for a position within a government housing program. Just as I hit send, I forgot to click the "terms and agreement" box. I never read those things. Especially on a government site. Just as the page was turning over, I saw "agree to a credit check" etc.
Um No.
Why in the world would a government office feel the need to run a credit check on a job application site? My finances have absolutely nothing to do with my qualifications.
I wrote to the site, asking just that. Why?
Not sure how credit scores work in the states, but in Canada, every time you have a credit check done, it's a ding against your name. If it happens often, you look like a credit chaser. Which ultimately lowers your credit score.
Not a good thing for someone like me, who's building credit. And although my score is okay, now, considering I didn't have one at all 3 years ago, I'm not thrilled about anyone other than my bank doing a check. Btw - not having a credit card does more harm than good for your score, than having one. Don't have one, get one. At least then there is something on file on how well you manage having credit.
A co-worker mentioned it might be a general terms and agreement form that covers 'both' job and housing applications. That made me feel a tad better. I understand some landlords wanting to do a credit check on you before renting to you... but then again, that doesn't thrill me either. That is the whole point of calling the previous landlord and asking if you defaulted on any rent.
Now back to your regular scheduled program.
UPDATE: Dec 1/11
After speaking with a few people who work in gov't offices, it turns out that doing a credit check is the BC Government mandate for all applications. The part that still bothers me is this....They will do the check before offering you an interview or a job, That's simply not cool. I can understand if they request one upon offering you a position, but not before.
Learn something everyday.
It's odd and sucky, but not unheard of to me. I guess they figure credit score is a sign of responsibility, the way good students get discounts on their driver's insurance? What really gets me though is if someone has crappy credit because they're broke and are defaulting on their debt, but no one wants to give them a job so they can pay their bills and get a better credit score. (Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of people default of their bills for reasons other than joblessness, but cmon). Self perpetuating cycles, bah!
ReplyDeleteIt just doesn't sound reasonable to me. Like I said, my finances have NOTHING to do with my qualifications for a job. If they decline someone a job based on their credit score, isn't that discrimination? No different than not hiring somone cos of their colour or religion.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know in the US, most states have at-will employment. Meaning they can fire you for any reason at all, EXCEPT for your race, religion, sexual orientation, age, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it sucks. Employers delve waay too far into people's personal backgrounds these days.
Gia's right. A credit check for a JOB that you need to use to pay your bills makes no sense. A credit check doesn't tell you if a person will lie, cheat or steal on the company time.
ReplyDeleteIt's just another way to get into your personal business. I usually skip on jobs that ask for credit checks.
Agreed. Even though it's a reputable government project, I think I'll pass on moving forward with the application.
ReplyDelete