Hello,

6 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 28,2021 at 3:02PM UTC

   Wow, so awesome that you're following your passion! I would prepare to reframe the narrative around bankruptcy so you can answer any questions that may come up honestly in a way that best suits you.

2. Amanda HintonMay 29,2021 at 12:31PM UTC

   Thanks for your help. Yes I have read on it have different mixed emotions

3. Melanie WilliamsJune 12,2021 at 1:10PM UTC

   I have 30+ years of HR experience, and for the role you are describing, your bankruptcy should NEVER even come up in an interview situation. The job doesn't appear to have fiduciary responsibility (as described by DOL) and even if they run a background check (which they probably will) there is no reason for them to take the extra step and expense of doing a credit check. In most states, this would even be illegal, but I know it may not be the case for all states, however it would still be irrelevant to the job and put them at significant risk of creating adverse impact. Most HR professionals know better and will not even go there, and most Hiring Managers typically leave this stuff to HR and won't venture into that territory.

   My advice, don't bring it up. I can't think of ANY relevant interview questions that would lead to your answer needing to be anything about bankruptcy.
   Worst case scenario, they do a credit check, see the BK, it still doesn't have anything to do with the job. Trust me, if this is their issue and they want to use that as a claim not to hire you...you don't want to work there. Its just the tip of the discriminatory practices you would likely witness, and I assure you, the culture is less than ideal.

   I suspect you feel like this BK is a big pimple out there on the end of your nose where everyone can see it, but I assure you, it is not. Its just a tiny scratch on your heart, where no one but those you love and trust can know about it, and there's no reason it can't stay that way.
   When you go into your interviews, keep it all relevant to the job...they should only be asking questions that are relevant, and if they ask something that seems incredibly personal and/or irrelevant, simply ask, "May I please have an example where this would apply to the job?" Its respectful, fair to ask, and if its truly relevant, they'll have a legit example at the ready.

   You've got this!

4. Amanda HintonJune 12,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

   Thank you very much Melanie, so knowledge from someone who has experience. I think the thing what bothers me more is because being a patient access specialist deals with some finances and revenue cycle like front desk registration, etc. I am an honest person would never take anything from anybody. I just want to be resourceful and help people. Thanks again

5. Melanie WilliamsJune 13,2021 at 2:25PM UTC

   My advice here is to be kind to yourself. I hear a lot of self-judgment and guilt associated with filing BK. Filing a BK doesn’t make you dishonest, in fact, I would argue, it makes you more honest. You chose to handle your situation in a way that gave everyone the best chance for resolution. Sounds like someone taking accountability to better the situation.
   Unless you have info from others in same/similar roles that have experienced pre-employment credit checks in this field, I would not assume a credit check is inevitable. In the off chance they do intend to check credit (you’ll have to consent before they can/do) let them know what they will find on there...but you certainly don’t need to provide any additional personal info (I.e. circumstances around your husband’s situation — they don’t need or want to have all that info), and you don’t need to be embarrassed or apologetic.
   Bottom line, don’t let this blip in life overshadow your skills, knowledge and ability to contribute in a much greater capacity. The BK is a moment in time, and it’s in the PAST, your career aspirations are in the moment and for the future...stay in that space as much as you can!

6. Amanda HintonJune 13,2021 at 10:44PM UTC

   Thanks again Melanie for the advice. I am really motivated and ready to move on.