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Anonymous

March 27,2022 at 1:38PM UTC

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Hello! I had the opportunity to have a Phone Interview with a Hiring Manager with a large company in response to my application. This was considered to be Step 1 in the interview and selection process. Towards the end of the conversation and as a next step in the process, I was asked to complete an authorization form for a credit check. It was considered a “soft” credit check. I am fully prepared to participate in a full background check and or drug test via contingent job offer. However, at this step in the process, I feel that I was asked to share too much personal information too soon. So, I withdrew my application.

Furthermore, I have worked as a Talent Acquisition Recruiter for over 10 years with large companies . My experience has always been via contingent job offers. Am I missing something? Is this a growing trend? Or was this an overreach via one company or on individual? Thank you for the feedback!

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AnonymousMarch 27,2022 at 2:10PM UTC
I’m not an expert in this area but I have also withdrawn my application for jobs when asking for too much information. One I spent 2 hours on the application and in the end it said I had to agreed to them checking my employee files from other companies over the last several years…. I didn’t even have an interview yet. I feel some organizations take advantage of people wanting/ needing a job badly enough to comply with the overreach. They do it because they can. We have to collectively say no or this will continue and probably get worse.
KatMarch 27,2022 at 3:17PM UTC
Credit checks are used (very wrongly IMO) by companies to evaluate "character" and "trustworthiness" of a candidate. I feel it's a massive invasion of privacy and should be illegal. Employment should be based on skills and fit, nothing else. There are lots of reasons your credit can be bad that have nothing to do with how well you can do a job. I've encountered this a few times as part of the initial application process where they won't even consider you without it. I did it back then when I really needed a job, but I wouldn't do it now. I wouldn't want to work for a company that requires it- big red flag for me.
AnonymousMarch 27,2022 at 3:56PM UTC
This feels like overreach
Sabrina CortesMarch 27,2022 at 4:26PM UTC
Something seems off here.
TroyMarch 27,2022 at 4:36PM UTC
As I was reading this, I was trying to recall how the process was for me about 3 years ago. I took a drug test and consented to a credit check before I was offered the job. I too was advised that it was the next step in the process, the difference was, they told me that I was a strong candidate and I would hear from them soon, which was the same week. I am curious to hear what others have to say, about this topic.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 12:28PM UTC
it is a good thing you withdrew your application. Companies should not ask for things like a credit check IMO. They are not paying you 24/7 so your credit is YOUR business not theirs. More and more companies are acting like they own you and this is unacceptable. If you can get to work on time, do your job, and be a decent person at work then they need to mind their own business. The company should have safeguards in place to ward off any theft or misuse, that is their responsibility. Way too much over reach.
Sarah StadtherrMarch 28,2022 at 1:21PM UTC
I've just accepted an offer and agreed to a background (and I assume a credit check). But neither was asked for until the offer was in place. They explained this would be the process so no surprises there. This employer is certainly interested in my financial standing as I will be working an a confidential accounting capacity. IMO though, unless a person IS handling company or personal financial matters credit scores should NOT be a factor.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
I was a recruiter/manager for many years at different companies. Offers were contingent on successful background screening. We only did credit checks for financial institutions because of the fiduciary duty required by law (as I recall but don't quote me). Either this person has no idea what they're doing or the company has really bad processes. Either way, probably dodged a bullet. So sorry!
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 5:42PM UTC
I heard "soft credit check" a lot during the process to buy a car or seeing how much house I can qualify for, until I learned that there is no such thing as a "soft" credit check. It is definitely not an appropriate ask in the early stages of the process. Good for you going with your gut!
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
I have seen credit checks as part of background checks in positions with strong financial obligations. If you have cash management responsibility, for instance, the company wants to know that you're not in debt up to your eyeballs and a high risk for funneling some of that cash into your own account.
But in a talent acquisition role? I don't see what purpose that would serve. As you said, you get an offer contingent on passing the background check. I wouldn't expect a reference check unless they were serious, so why a soft credit pull on day 1 of the process?
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 5:51PM UTC
I work in Finance and they do these type of checks only once they know they want you.
Not so early in the process.
GirlBossanova934974March 29,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
One word. Overreach! Product of an HR Department without a lot of training and respect for the company's bottom line. There is no financial sense in running any checks on any applicants unless you are making an offer. Checks cost $. Where else is this company squandering money?
Maggie StoneMarch 29,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
I agree with your call to withdraw your application. It seems very strange and suspicious to ask for this when there is not even a second interview scheduled, much less an offer.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 1:21PM UTC
I’ve had many years in HR and recruiting and have never heard of asking for this before a contingent offer. I agree with you withdrawing, that was out of line for them to ask you as a candidate in the first steps of an interview.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
Check your state’s laws. Where I live use of credit info for employment is restricted except for very specific situations. It seems like a huge invasion of privacy to me.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
You did the right thing withdrawing. A complete invasion of privacy.
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)March 29,2022 at 2:34PM UTC
Unfortunately, I've heard of this before; I know Fed Ex does it as well. I'm completely uncomfortable with this and advised my client against it.
Cathy ScottMarch 29,2022 at 6:03PM UTC
Hello,
Yes, to ensure that all Prospects/Applicants are treated "equally" under Employment Laws, some companies are requiring a "soft" background check, especially, government affiliated companies. The best thing to do is to contact the Hiring Manager to express your concern. They might have a "work around". If there is a strong match and he/she is willing to give you assurance and a second Interview date,then, go ahead and continue the process.
Hope this helps.
DanaMarch 29,2022 at 8:58PM UTC
Perhaps a gentle way to get around this would be to say you would be more than glad to comply once the process moves along. Then try to ascertain what it is they are looking for in that check and provide creative ways to address whatever that may be. Just a thought.
Karen GongawareApril 1,2022 at 8:30PM UTC
Credit checks are ridiculous.
Knew a person with a perfect credit score and they stole over 35000$ in cash and merchandise from their place of employment. A good score doesn't mean you are a honest or good person! There are cities and some States that are making it illegal to run a credit check for a job. I won't even apply to those places that want a score. My score reflects the fact that I haven't made enough at jobs they paid men more for. What is relevant is my education, work experience, and ability. Not some made up man made credit score.
Karen GongawareApril 1,2022 at 8:33PM UTC
No, I agree with Shelley. It is just another way to discriminate against people. What the double hockey sticks does my credit have to do with my ability to do a job? Not a dang thing. It is an invasion. And she did not state she didn't believe in back ground checks, just credit checks.
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)April 4,2022 at 12:17PM UTC
My dearest Christine,
Clearly, that's NOT what I said. I do not believe background checks should be completed BEFORE hire. I have 20+ years of management and HR experience and conducted background checks for every new hire. It is inappropriate to do them BEFORE making the job offer.
Thanks!
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)April 11,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
Reference checks before an offer, yes. Background checks before an offer, absolutely not. Now if it's a position with the FBI or something similar, that's entirely different.