You know that filing for bankruptcy will affect your credit score, but can it also affect your job prospects? For the most part, no, but your filing might come up. It’s important to know what to expect during a post-bankruptcy job hunt, so let a Bergen County Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer let you know more about how your bankruptcy can become an issue and when you are being treated unfairly.
Can a Government Employer Deny Me a Job Due to My Bankruptcy?
Government agencies are not allowed to discriminate against a job applicant just because they have filed for bankruptcy. This applies to employers at the federal, state, and local levels. So if you are applying for a government job, your filing might come up but it should not interfere with your ability to secure the position you have applied for. The hiring process is going to be all about your credentials, skills, and experience, or at least it should be.
Public sector employers also cannot discriminate against you if you file for bankruptcy while you are already employed. You cannot be fired or demoted due to your bankruptcy filing, so do what is best for you financially and do not worry about workplace consequences.
Can I Get a Job That Requires Security Clearance After Filing?
One thing that some bankruptcy filers worry about is whether they will be able to get a job with security clearance once someone looks into their background. Actually, you might be an even better candidate for such a job now! People who hire for positions like this do not want an employee who can be compromised, and someone with a lot of debt could potentially be extorted. If you have taken steps to manage your debt, then this kind of thing would not be a worry for you.
Can a Private Employer Deny Me a Job Due to Bankruptcy?
Now a private employer is not subject to all of the same rules as a government employer is. These employers cannot discriminate against you when you are an employee who files for bankruptcy, but your filing can come up during the job application process.
Fortunately, it’s not a certainty that your bankruptcy will prevent you from getting a job. It might be considered if the position requires handling a lot of money, but your filing is unlikely to be the only factor that matters.
What Happens If I Don’t Consent to a Background Check?
An employer can find your bankruptcy filing if they do a background check, so what happens if you just don’t consent to one? We don’t recommend this. An employer is not supposed to reject you for a job because you filed for bankruptcy, but choosing not to hire someone who won’t consent to a background check is something completely different. Employers can do that.
Meet With Our Legal Team
If you are stressed out because of debt and high monthly payments, it may be time to consider filing for bankruptcy. Make an appointment with the legal team here at the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri today. We’ll help you decide on the best way to chart out a new financial future.
