I am a consultant and have a job interview tomorrow at a banking
trust/life insurance company. I had an interview a few months back at
a bank and they wanted to do a full credit check.  I decided to be up
front and tell them I had a bankruptcy eight years ago due to illness.
My credit is much better now, although not perfect. I was told they
couldn't discriminate but I didn't get the job. (may have been
irrelevant, many applicants)  I assume these people will also do a
credit check.  Is it best for me to be up front again? What are the
laws here --can they hire someone who has my history?  What about
discrimination?  I need thsi answer by 8 AM tomorrow.   Extra tip if I
get an answer very quickly.  Thanks!!

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Clarification of Question by rara11-ga on 18 Aug 2005 09:13 PDT

I meant to say that I will not be working with finances directly.  I
would be a consultant for their sales people.

I've applied for many jobs, including being hired by a bank and
dealing with large amounts of cash, and I have never had an employer
ask to run my credit report.  The only time an employer has had to run
a credit report was when I was being issued a corporate credit card.

I had always heard seven years in relation to bankruptcy and staying
on your record. I wonder if you need to even worry about it - since
you state its been eight years?

Thanks so much for your comments.  I was pretty shocked myself when
they wanted a credit report.  I wasn't sure if that was now standard. 
I hope not!

As far as the years, bankruptcy stays on your record for 10 years,
although after 7 I guess looks better.

I just hope that checking credit is not going to become common.  Pretty scary.

I would not be upfront with a backround check... many employers now
run such a check to determine worthiness of an individual. By stating
things upfront, you run a big risk of being counted out before things
get rolling. Some checks are looked over and some are not. Fiscal
responsibility is now being taken into account as to the work ethic of
a viable prospect. By having issues with your credit 8 or so years ago
is not a big deal to people that look over backround checks as a
job... but stating the issue to the interviewer that is normally the
person you will be working for or with directly is a reason for that
person to exclude you in their mind before running the check.

I have often asked the question of my employees just to find out if
they have something to hide, or are an extreme credit risk showing
lack of follow-through and inability to adhere to rules... but to be
honest, I have never actually run one :o)

Hope this helps!