I've sent out resumes and clips recently, and though it's still too soon for any callbacks, I'm wondering if the sad and sorry state of my personal finances is going to derail my entire career.
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A recent post on your blog referenced a candidate filling out background-check paperwork, and I wanted to ask you if credit checks are commonplace at newspapers. I've been through the mill in the past four years with an employer who has failed to generate payroll checks on time, and a layoff.
These things caused defaults of all sorts and have resulted in a game of catch-up for about two years. I'm making headway, but I really feel that the practice of looking at personal finances would cast me in a negative light despite my abilities, which is not fair.
My current employer certainly didn't let me peruse the books before I agreed to accept their job, and I've showed loyalty to them despite their financial condition. I'd like to see a prospective employer do the same for me.
If I were asked to explain my finances, I would feel uncomfortable mentioning the financial difficulties at my current company because a recruiter may frown on those comments. Still, I would feel the need to defend myself because I have been, on several occasions, placed in difficult financial situations due to payless paydays.
My questions for you are: Do major newspapers require background checks (credit and criminal -- though I have no criminal record) or just reference checks with past employers? And, if they do, how much weight is put on those findings versus good employer references and well-written clips?
Emily
Relax. This is unlikely to come up.
Newsrooms are most likely to check your academic credentials, your criminal record, your Social Security number and to ask for a drug test.
A credit check is not likely.
Each of these steps costs companies money, so they try to do only those that are most relevant to the job. Lying would be bad, of course, and a bad driving record could be alarming if you're going to be driving in the course of doing your work.
But as journalists rarely are asked to handle money, a credit check is not a standard part of most screenings.
If they go further than a check of your academic credentials, work history, Social Security number and drug test, they might check your arrest record. A credit check would be the last thing they might do.
Coming Thursday: Still new in her job as a TV reporter, she is trying to overcome feelings of discouragement, stress and danger. Three TV veterans respond.
