Searching for a job is easier than ever, thanks to the Internet and its wide selection of job boards and recruitment agencies. However, those searching for suitable candidates must ensure they find the right fit for a job role, meaning a series of background checks will often be needed.

One of the most common checks when applying for a job can be a credit check, but the type of credit search carried out can depend on the role. However, there will be instances when a poor credit score could mean an offer of employment is withdrawn.

Why Do Poor Credit Scores Affect Job Roles?

Many will have had some form of financial distress, which can be stressful and worrying. As such, not being able to work because of past problems can seem unfair, but there is a reason why poor credit scores deter an employer from offering candidates a job role.

Those applying for positions at banks or other financial institutions will often have to pass a credit check, showing the employer that you can manage money and that financial behaviour won’t impact your job role.

In the instances of a poor credit score, this could be seen as a risk to the business. This can be upsetting, but it’s important to remember that employers only see limited information, so it is rarely based on who you are as a character.

What Can Be Done to Improve a Credit Score?

Many will already know that their credit commitments play a big part in calculating their credit score. But other factors contribute, such as paying bills on time and being registered on the electoral roll.

To truly understand why you have a low credit score, you must obtain a copy of your credit record. Three primary agencies are used in the United Kingdom: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

All will use a different form of credit score, but each will contain information about missed payments, defaults and CCJs.

Once you know what information is affecting your credit score, you can then take measures to make improvements. For example, if there are defaulted payments, ensure all bills are paid by their due date. If there are CCJs on your credit file, make sure to pay them as soon as possible.

There will also be instances when credit reference agencies may hold incorrect information about your credit file. In these instances, it is advisable to verify your documents online when trying to improve your credit score, as this tells the credit reference agencies, they receive are genuine.

Although there is no requirement to have documents verified, it can mean mistakes on a credit file are rectified as soon as possible, which will improve your credit score.

Paying bills on time and paying CCJS won’t mean an instant improvement to your credit score. Knowing what to deal with means your credit score will improve over time, along with your job opportunities.