Jobs That Bankruptcy May Prevent You From Getting

A bankruptcy filing alone is not a legal reason for an employer to dismiss a job candidate, but a low credit score or nonexistent credit history due to a bankruptcy may prevent you from getting some types of jobs. Employers routinely require credit checks for some positions and your failure to pass the check is a valid reason for the employer to pass on hiring you.

Most types of bank positions involve being directly or indirectly in contact with money and sensitive account information. Financial institutions typically require passing credit checks and positive credit history reviews from potential employees. Candidates who are flagged as credit risks may be denied employment due to the nature of the work and the perceived increased theft risk.

An accounts payable job or any position that directly involves dealing with the employer's bills or main revenue stream may be hard for you to get due to your having been through bankruptcy. Employers who are looking for someone to handle expense payments, payroll and other financial aspects typically use credit checks to weed out candidates who pose a theft risk to the company.

Credit card companies regularly conduct credit checks on potential and current employees because of the amount of money or personal information the employee sees in the course of employment. A prior or current bankruptcy may affect or prevent your employment with a credit card company if your credit history hasn't been re-established and your credit score is low.

Careers in law enforcement, such as an FBI police officer, require passing criminal, civil and credit checks. A bankruptcy may prevent you from qualifying for a position in law enforcement. An officer of the law who is perceived as a credit risk is sometimes believed to be more susceptible to bribes and other illegal offers encountered on the job.