loika61 asked:
Hey there- I am applying for a job and noticing that many companies require you to fill out the credit check application or background check with your application. This requires your date of birth prior to the interview. How does this conflict work with the potential of age discrimination? My prior company did these after offer and results dependent upon actual hire. Any thoughts?
Heather
Hey there- I am applying for a job and noticing that many companies require you to fill out the credit check application or background check with your application. This requires your date of birth prior to the interview. How does this conflict work with the potential of age discrimination? My prior company did these after offer and results dependent upon actual hire. Any thoughts?
Heather
Jamie
Well, no matter where you work you have to be at least a certain age, like 16 I think is the minimum age most place it’s 18. So they do have to verify that you are of age, they can’t hire a 13 year old. Some companies require that you pass a background check before they hire you and it is totally legal.
Comment by Mel — July 29, 2010 @ 12:13 am
Diane
as 4 the age discrimination, u can say that regardless of yer age, yer NEVER 2 old 2 take a leap of Faith. say it w/ STRONG enthusiasm.
if yer really worried about age discrimination, I’d speak w/ an atty B4 filling out anything. if possible, ask if u can fill out the app @ home, then take it 2 let the atty check over 4 U 2 c if there’s any loop holes in it. if there r the atty’ll spot it from several miles away. tell the atty yer concerns about what U shared on here w/ us, & share yer concerns about the potential of age discrimination. tell the atty how u feel about it. IF the comp yer wanting 2 work @ discriminates against U, the atty will tell U 2 report it immediately & 2 call his office. IF the comp DOES discriminate, give the potential employer the atty’s ph #. tell the comp that u’d already spoken w/ yer atty & that yer going back IF & ONLY IF something actually happens. usually if U have RIGHT backing, the comp will back off & u’ll get the respect u deserve.
I wish u the very best, cuz age discrimination is illegal. BEWARE tho, that comps nowadays find ways around this, so tell yer atty about that & get advice on how 2 get around it & that U really need that job & tell the atty yer qualifications. the atty may very well B able 2 guide U & let u know if they recognize a better path 4 U. u just never know w/ the knowledge of attys, they’re smart. U really WOULD have a HUGE lawsuit if age discrimination ever happens. rest EZ.
a final thot, clean up yer debts & pay what U O. B open & honest w/ the employer IF askt, BUT NEVER offer info. follow the military Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell rule; NEVER blab. IF they r doing a credit check, tell the potential employer that yer in the process of paying off some debt, & that U’d had some previous $$$ shortage, bring up the fact U’d struggled like every 1 else due 2 the dying economy (IF the debt/s were recent & they’re past due) assure employer that U WILL B paying these off & that yer working w/ the creditors. Give only the info they ask. say what I suggested in as few words as possible. u have only 1 shot 2 make a 1′st good impression so do yer homework NOW. IF U have ANY debt, clear that up NOW & settle ALL outstanding debt/s. the comp will appreci8 honesty rather than lies. u’ll B MORE likely 2 B given that needed chance. I’m currently working on paying off debt & I’m clearing off that credit report as things get pd. in Dec, I’m gonna have cap 1 pd off.
Comment by saved_astronaut — July 31, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Jamie
Asking age isn’t illegal. Discrimination due to age is what is illegal. Most companies don’t ask to avoid any possible misunderstanding.
Comment by bdancer222 — August 3, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
Kevin
Most employers need your DOB to verify that you are who you say you are. It’s not to discriminate (mostly), it’s just for verification. That’s how it is on just about any application, be credit, employment or anything else.
Comment by noblesusue — August 6, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
Christine
They avoid the subject of age discrimination by initiating the credit/background check after they offer you a job. You can always request their written policy on acceptance levels of the results.
Comment by Vic J — August 8, 2010 @ 1:55 pm