My poor credit history is giving me a problem with a new job offer. I
just received a letter along with a copy of my credit report from an
employee prescreener. I have appoximately $35,000 in debt, all credit
card, from at least 9 unique collectors. I was told to call the
screener to discuss the report. Is there anything specific I should
say to the screener to assist in getting the job? This seems to be the
only hang up with my resume, and definately want this job. Is there
anything specific they want to or don't want to hear? A quick response
would be greatly appreciated. The debts are all at least 3 years old
and are chargeoffs or in judgement.

So, your irresponsible behavior is catching up with you? What a shame.
You bought things you couldn't afford and then responsible consumers
like me have to pay extra to make up for you.  This shows any
prospective employer that you may not be responsible with their
business too.

The above wasn't very helpful.  
I expect that if the company is still interested in talking to you, it
wants to know what you have done to start sttling your credit card
accounts.  IF the very fact of your bad credit status was a problem,
the company could have taken the simpler route of the turning down
your application.

So now your task is to demonstrate that you have addressed the problem
with each of the creditors, and in a way that is realistic and won't
impinge on your work for the company.

Good luck!

research_help-ga, there is no indication that the questioner is behind
in payments, just carrying a lot of debt, much like my own situation. 
So in what way is he/she (and I) making you pay extra?

hey research_help-ga

F U to you and your mother. You have no idea what my circumstances
are. So let me say again FU

RH, I would have taken a stand against your comment and tried to help
poor Pouliot there with some useful advice... but it seems from his
response that you're right about his irresponsibility (ie immaturity).
 That is, if his inability to handle criticism and quick jumping into
cursing your mom is any indication.

RH, despite avoiding saying "FU" did not act much more maturely here.

RH was harsh and unhelpful however he did bring up the good point that
past actions (regardless of circumstances) have consequences and that
Pouliot is not facing those consequences.
And Pouliot did in fact say that he is not current (or atleast will
not be current) on these debts as some of them are chargeoffs--"A loan
or credit card debt written off as uncollectible from the borrower.
The debt, however, remains valid and subject to collection"-- and
credit cards do in fact charge higher rates in general because of
uncollectible loans.... however most of those higher rates are paid by
people with bad credit to begin with.

Pouliot, if your credit file doesn't say that these charges are
chargeoffs and the employer doesn't ask then you should not mention
it.  You want to convey the fact that you made mistakes in the past
with your monetary situation but that now you are working diligently
to pay off your debt and get back on the right track.  If it seems
that you are avoiding paying off the debt (ie chargeoffs) then you
will look irresponsible and not a good candidate for any position.