Will Your Credit Score Harm Your Job Search

Do you wonder if your credit history will effect your chances of landing a job? It could.

If the job you are applying for involves handling money or sensitive financial information, then yes your candidacy for that job could be questionable.

Here's some good advice from Gerri Willis, CNN Money:
"Your credit score won't matter because employers are not allowed to use credit scores as part of employment screening. But, they are allowed to look at your credit reports according to Deanna Templeton of Credit.com.

Employers must tell you if they'll be peeking into your report before they actually do it. Plus, they are not allowed to use that information as the sole reason to disqualify you for a job.

However, if the employer is going to review your credit report then it might not be a bad idea to be able to explain the circumstances behind the collections and any receipts you've got that prove you've been paying them off.

If your job includes you handling money or sensitive financial information then your credit is a bigger deal than if you are not. There's no one answer to whether or not to bring it up beforehand. Feel them out and if you believe it will improve your chances then bring it up says Templeton."

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Bridge the Unemployment Gap In a Resume

As they say, stuff happens. Life happens. So do layoffs, new babies, sick relatives and a host of other occurrences that can result in a gap in your employment. Whatever the case a gap in your resume will draw the attention of an employer. So, how do you explain this in your resume?

First, let’s discuss the dates. There is no hard set rule that says that you have to list mm/yy in your resume. Include years instead of months (2000-2001).

Second, think about what you did during that period of unemployment. Did you freelance or do consulting or contracting work? Did you volunteer or become a mentor? All of these count as work. But what if you decided to stay at home?

I’ve met many men and women who decided to stay at home to raise their children or take care of an aging parent. How do you cover that period in a resume? Well, I read one that I thought was very unique. After her maternity leave ended she decided to stay at home and raise her new born until he was 10 months old. She wanted to return to work in her field (administration) and realized that because of her 10 month absence an employer may be concerned about her ability to do the job. She updated her resume using the date format I had suggested above. Her responsibilities at home were converted into transferable skills. She created a job title (Household Manager) and listed her skills and experience in this manner:

• Performed daily duties in a high pressure environment
• Used time management skills to meet deadlines
• Thoroughly planned and managed workload
• Continually set priorities
• Analyzed and managed budget
• Maintained records
• Researched information on the Web
• Followed through all projects with a viable plan
• Responded to last minute changes
• Often solved complex issues on the spot without step-by-step guidance>

You get the idea.

In that scenario some suggest that you use a cover letter to explain the time you took off to care for an aged parent or raise a child. Because one cover letter and resume does not cover all jobs (read my article “Resume and Cover Letter Blunders I would recommend experimenting by using both methods – explaining in a cover letter and not mentioning it in a cover letter but list that period in the method I listed above. When addressing your gap in a cover letter keep it brief and factual, highlight the positives, and bring the conversation back to your qualifications and interest in the job for which you are interested in.

Next, check the format of your resume. Do not bold your fonts, use italics, or change the font size. Doing so will bring attention. Make sure it is consistent in appearance.

Choose a functional resume instead of a chronological resume (read my article “Resume Format and Overview

Heather Mundell, a co-author of Career Hub, wrote a nice piece on how to explain a resume gap during an interview.

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Telephone Interview - Expectations and Preparation Tips

You have an appealing resume that is posted on the Web. Your circle of friends, family and others in your network are working on your behalf to get the word out that you are looking for a job. You have sent your resume to targeted companies that you want to work for. And now you are waiting for the phone calls. Before that call comes you should know what to expect and how to prepare for the phone interview.

Many Recruiters use the telephone interview to initiate the interview process. I prefer to use it as a screening tool to decide whether or not I want to pursue a face-to-face interview with the candidate. At a minimum I need to know if you have a clear understanding of the position, why you feel your background and experience would be a match for the position that I am trying to fill, and how you are going to add value to the organisation. I also want to know the level of interest the candidatehas in the position. During the phone interview I am also toned into the candidate's verbal communication; clarity, articulation and phone etiquette. Having thoroughly reviewed the resume I will have a couple of questions about information on the resume. My phone interviews normally take 10-20 minutes. I have heard of phone interviews lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour.

A phone interview can benefit you as well. You do not have to dress up and travel anywhere. No worries about the eye-to-eye contact, handshake and posture.

There are two types of phone interviews - expected and unexpected. Some Recruiters call to schedule a phone interview for the near future. But generally speaking, Recruiters will conduct the phone interview when they call. You should expect to engage in the interview when you receive that first call.

Those are the expectations. Let's talk about how to prepare.
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• Make a list of positions you applied for. A good practice is to create an Excel spreadsheet that contains the date you applied, the name of the position, company name and brief description of duties, responsibilites and job requirements. I have interviewed candidates who could not remember which positions they applied to. They tell me, "I have applied to so many positions..." That would indicate the level of interest that the candidate has in my position. You can also use this phone log. <

<Company Name:
Contact Person:
Position Applied for:
Date Applied:
Position Requirements:
My Key Qualifications:
Company Name:
Contact Person:
Position Applied for:
Date Applied:
Position Requirements:
My Key Qualifications:

• Write down your "Wow" statement. This is a 60-second introduction. which should include your skills, why you are interested in the position and how your experience and background can add value to the organisation. Rehearse your introduction so it doesn't sound like you are reading but sounds natural and sincere.
• Have a copy of your resume handy. Your resume is your "talking points". It will keep you on track as you discuss your background and help you answer questions about your past experience.
• Have a short list of accomplishments available for review. Specify and quantify your accomplishments (e.g. 'increased sales by 35%" or "reduced overheads by 27%").
• Prepare and write down your questions.
• Have a notepad and pen that works close by. Take notes so you can be better prepared for your first face-to-face interview. It is not a good sign of preparedness when you have to place the phone down so you can find a pen or find one that works.
• If your home phone number is listed on your resume coach your roommate, spouse, children and any other members of your household on how to answer the phone and take a message if you are not home. And remember to give you the message. I have had candidates tell me that they never knew I had called. Once I called a candidate who was leaving with her parents. One of the parents answered the phone and asked me how much the position paid, if there were benefits, when the position started, etc. A spouse of a candidate told me that if the salary was less than what the candidate was making the candidate was not interested.
• Think about your home's answering machine or cell phone message. A trend I noticed is voicemails/answering machines that treat incoming callers to a snippet of music from the resident's favorite singer. As a Recruiter, I am a bit annoyed if I have to listen to a song go on too long before I can leave a message.

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Your Body Language Can "Say" Alot

The moment you enter the interview room, your body language clearly depicts your mental attitude. A person walking in with their head down, stooping shoulders, or heavy steps gives an immediate impression of a depressed/dejected and a non-confident person. When I was laid off ( "How to Survive a Layoff" ) I was angry, felt rejected and was disappointed in myself. There were all types of emotions running through me. I wore those emotions on my sleeve and I'm sure they were on display when I started interviewing.

When I interview job seekers I like to observe their body language. You can show me through words that you know what you're talking about and you can answer my questions to clarify matters. At the same time however, your body language will also give out a lot more information. Based on your body language it can be seen if you come across as insecure or self-assured. It can also show if you are a busy or a quiet type and it helps give an impression of whether you are speaking truthfully or not. Body language can show if you not prone to stress. It can show how enthusiastic you are and if you are a friendly person, someone who will take his work serious, but also someone who has a sense of humour. Interviewers are taught to recognize body language. Everyone uses body language, but it takes place mostly at a subconscious level. Here are some of the most common body languages I've noticed:

• Looking down when asked a question. This tells me that the question I asked could present the interviewee some level of difficulty to answer.
  
• Folding arms across the body or crossing legs. A defensive posture.
  
• Slouching or hanging sideways in the chair would give me the impression that the job seeker is not interested in the job. However, sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being a little tense and might give the impression that you feel uncomfortable.
  
• Movement of your hands might indicate that you feel at ease quickly. To much hand movement can be distracting. Pay attention to the actions of the interviewer. If they use their hands a lot to make things clear, you can definitely do this as well.
  
• Drumming with your fingers, clicking with a pen, shuffling with your feet, or kicking your feet the leg of the table can be very irritating and show signs of nervousness.

Slapping of the head indicates forgetfulness. To sit with one's hands behind the head shows superiority. If it is supported by crossed leg (or leg lock), it indicates that the person is ready to argue or compete.
Resting the elbow on the table or the arm of the chair with the chin or cheek resting on the palm indicates boredom, casualness and disinterest. Any movement where head rests on the hand, suggests the same.
Open palm, facing the other person is an indication of honesty. Closed fist with thumb hidden in it indicates difficulty in analysing a problem while clenched fists gives an impression of aggressiveness and threat. Pointing your index finger at someone signifies dominance, aggression and authority. During an interview, keep your palm open and always gesture with your complete hand and never point a finger to suggest something.


Steepling the fingertips and thumbs signals a sense of superiority and confidence, signifying a point well made. Hand pressed together with fingers of both hands aligned together indicate a desire to persuade and to mark a point.
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First impressions are crucial. An interview may last for 30 minutes or more but studies have shown that someone forms judgements about you within four minutes of meeting you and that these judgments affect their subsequent impressions.

• 55% visual impact, i.e. dress, facial expressions and body language
  
• 38% tone of voice
  
• 7% from what you actually say

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