Employment, e-verify and no credit record-can this lower my chances of getting a job?

[Ms C 5]

Hi,

I recently obtained my EAD and I started to apply for various jobs. Yesterday I received a call from someone who wanted to verify my credit information, I explained the lady I don't have any credit record, since I moved over here 4 months ago.

Question, is the fact of me not having a credit record going to affect my chances of obtaining a job? I would like to mention that I applied for a lot of positions in banks. Also reading on various topics here, I understand that employers can check my SSN on E-verify, I did a self check and they said they can't provide any details for me, is this going to be an issue when trying to find a job?

Many thanks for all your answers.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hi,

I recently obtained my EAD and I started to apply for various jobs. Yesterday I received a call from someone who wanted to verify my credit information, I explained the lady I don't have any credit record, since I moved over here 4 months ago.

Question, is the fact of me not having a credit record going to affect my chances of obtaining a job? I would like to mention that I applied for a lot of positions in banks. Also reading on various topics here, I understand that employers can check my SSN on E-verify, I did a self check and they said they can't provide any details for me, is this going to be an issue when trying to find a job?

Many thanks for all your answers.

Any potential employer will not call yo to check your credit history. That is done via the credit report companies. That you don't have credit shouldn't be a problem but since you're applying for jobs in banks they might give it more importance that other places.

Building credit will take time so don't despair.

Good luck!

Edited August 7, 2012 by Gegel

[Ms C 5]

Thank you, it was a credit check company, however this is because I signed the forms authorizing possible employers to check it. Still question remains, no credit record means no job? Any advice on the e-verify problem? Will potential employers refuse me a job because I don't show up in there?

Edited August 7, 2012 by Ms Carter

[kzielu 1,149]

Apparently - as multiple people posted here - employers tend to so so called "background check" (through external companies) which credit check is a part of - regardless of how little sense it makes. Check some of the previous posts - people get denied jobs because of this.

[Oksana & Max 94]

Credit history takes time to build it might be for a while before you credit will start going up. If you have credit cards, it will start building within 6 month from you obtaining one. As far as job is concerned it is really depends on the type of job you are applying for. With the bank they want to make sure that you will not still, which makes sense why they want to check credit history. I had it myself, when I already was a citizen, my credit report was checked to allow me to join the project. It was not perfect and I was questioned about some of the collection things on that, but they were satisfied that it was in arrangement, and I was paying it off. So shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it is good that you adviced them that you only been here for 4 month.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Thank you, it was a credit check company, however this is because I signed the forms authorizing possible employers to check it. Still question remains, no credit record means no job? Any advice on the e-verify problem? Will potential employers refuse me a job because I don't show up in there?

There is a possibility that your credit score will prevent you from getting some jobs. There is no way to prove it though because employers arent calling applicants and disclosing the reasons for their decision.

The e-verify problem is not really a problem. Any employer will require that you produce proof of eligibility to work in the US, namely, your green card and SSN. All you need do is present them when asked or requested.

Good luck!

[Ms C 5]

Apparently - as multiple people posted here - employers tend to so so called "background check" (through external companies) which credit check is a part of - regardless of how little sense it makes. Check some of the previous posts - people get denied jobs because of this.

It sounds like it will be a long and painful journey

[Oksana & Max 94]

Thank you, it was a credit check company, however this is because I signed the forms authorizing possible employers to check it. Still question remains, no credit record means no job? Any advice on the e-verify problem? Will potential employers refuse me a job because I don't show up in there?

E-verify is for the employers to check your eligibility for work. In order to access it you need a proper credentials, you will not be able to check it without them. Employers do have the credentials and they can check your eligibilty for employment, it is a law that each employer is required to conduct a verification for employment eligibility.

[Ms C 5]

There is a possibility that your credit score will prevent you from getting some jobs. There is no way to prove it though because employers arent calling applicants and disclosing the reasons for their decision.

The e-verify problem is not really a problem. Any employer will require that you produce proof of eligibility to work in the US, namely, your green card and SSN. All you need do is present them when asked or requested.

Good luck!

Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

Credit is not required for a job. The employers that check credit do so as a part of a "background check." The point of this check is not to check your credit, it's to make sure you aren't a criminal or a bill-skipping, town-jumping weirdo.

Simply explain to the employer that you are a new immigrant and your credit score will come up blank. Any employer that is really interested in you will have no problem with this.

[God fearing 13]

The financial world checks credit to ensure you do not have uncontrollable dept, which may tempt and has been an issue relating to theft. The background checks screen for criminal records, stability and sometimes drug abuse. Get a prepaid credit card from your current US financial institute which will excellorate obtaining a credit score. Seek job prospects through reputable finance and accounting agencies. Robert Half is a very good one to work with if you have extensive financial/accounting experience and/or a degree/designation. The agencies will make this process much more smooth for you. If you have further questions feel free to inbox me. I'm an accountant and fully understand what you are experiencing. In Canada ALL financial and accounting positions check your credit along with a police screening nowadays.