Bankruptcy Affecting Future Work Possibilities?

[Referee06]

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not filing for bankruptcy tends to negatively affect a person's chance for future employment? I have just applied for a job and had to sign authorization for the potential employer to do a background checking including my credit. I am sure that the potential employer will see a poor credit history and now maybe be able to see that I have filed for bankruptcy, Chapter 7.

[HHM]

Although filing BK should not effect employment, it can for "certain" jobs. I have never heard of it being a "deciding" factor, i.e. if you have filed BK, you can't get this job...but in some jobs, mainly ones where you will be called upon to handle significant money or deal with confidential information...having filed BK goes in the minus column.

From an employers standpoint (largely unfounded and stereotypical view) a bankruptcy raises questions about your financial decision making and judgment, and worries about theft or embezzlement, and in security related fields, worries that you can become compromised due to your finances.

Also remember, the fact that you filed Bankruptcy is public record.

[Referee06]

HHM, thanks for the reply. I was somewhat concerned that these potential employers would view a bankruptcy as a "character flaw" in a potential employee. There is really nothing that I can do regarding their perceptions regarding a bankruptcy and I if I do not get the job I do not anticipate that they would tell me the reason should it be the bankruptcy.

[lrprn]

HHM, thanks for the reply. I was somewhat concerned that these potential employers would view a bankruptcy as a "character flaw" in a potential employee. There is really nothing that I can do regarding their perceptions regarding a bankruptcy and I if I do not get the job I do not anticipate that they would tell me the reason should it be the bankruptcy.

You're right, Referee06 - the employer will make up another reason to tell you because it's against the law to discriminate against someone solely because they filed bankruptcy and the company doesn't want to be sued.

From http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/h...5----000-.html

[HRx]

Because pre-employment information is confidential (employers aren't required to show employees/applicants this information), it can be difficult to prove discrimination based on BK or bad credit. If you're applying for any sort of finance/accounting based job, you can pretty much count of the employer doing a credit check on you. Credit checks are even becoming more comon for executive/senior management level positions too. If you aren't applying for a position within these capacities...then just ask the employer early on if they run credit checks on applicants, and if it may be a determining factor.

[Referee06]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the info. Would you please view my question in the Chapter 7 Forum, Attend by phone??? I posted this several hours and no one has responded. Also, is anyone aware if it is permissible to leave the state/country after the initial meeting? I really don't want to lose this job because I believe that it can help me get back on my feet again. Thanks in advance.