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Post by ngmpsgt on Apr 27, 2002 21:55:48 GMT -5
I have a very bad past credit history thanks to my now ex-husband. Filed bankruptcy last year. Everything is good now, am on active duty since 9/11 and have finances straightened out. How bad will this hurt me while going through the application process??? I have applied to 5 departments in my home area in VA.
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Post by Charlie on Apr 27, 2002 23:37:23 GMT -5
ngmpsgt--First of all, I would recommend that you perhaps limit yourself to only applying to these 5 agencies for now. Make sure they are departments yu have genuine interest in working for. Why? For two primary reasons: (1) If someone applies to several agencies at one time, they'll possibly think you're not seriously interested in their department. (2) If an agency doesn't hire you, the others will wonder why you weren't hired. It's sort of a good thing/bad thing.  As for your credit history, it will depend upon the department you've applied with. Some departments may view credit history more critically than anothers. Having bad credit doesn't mean you're automatically bad person. I would simply be prepared to have a viable and thorough explanation concerning your past credit woes and how your EX contributed to this problem. If credit is looked at where ever you've applied, the background investigators may want an explanation from you. ;D Bottom line: I can't say for certain HOW BAD, if it will seriously hurt your chances.  Most everyone has credit. Some worse than others. But it is one of those things that is considered with your overall package of qualifications. Just simply explain the circumstances at the appropriate time. Charlie |
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Post by cpl_mike on May 2, 2002 3:43:56 GMT -5
 The credit Demon! Yes it can be a big stumbling block for new applicants- you say that everything is fine now? Check for yourself via equifax, and the other bureaus.Get listings ,write explanations, and stay away from those credit repair experts(unless they are gropus like consumer credit council or credit company recommended agencies) HONEST letters of explanation can go a long way toward helping you, but every thinfg must be paid down or completely off, and a time buffer must be in place.Be truthful and vigorous in your dealings with the agencies you've applied for and ask frankly what they expect in your credit history.A high credit card balance with a few late payments is worlds apart from charge offs and repossessions.Good Luck.
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Post by wannabe on May 15, 2002 18:11:27 GMT -5
I am in the same boat. However, I recently seperated from the military with distinguished service. I now work for the Department of Jusice but I wonder, if my background was good enough to work for DOJ, why not small town america as a police officer? I have bad credit and 1 arrest that I was never charged for. It seems to me that my credit has little bearing on the fact that I have served my country honorably and now work for the government in counter-terrorism. I am also seeking advice on the matter, but am wondering how big of a downfall is it? (credit) |
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Most everyone has credit. Some worse than others. But it is one of those things that is considered with your overall package of qualifications. Just simply explain the circumstances at the appropriate time. 
The credit Demon! Yes it can be a big stumbling block for new applicants- you say that everything is fine now? Check for yourself via equifax, and the other bureaus.Get listings ,write explanations, and stay away from those credit repair experts(unless they are gropus like consumer credit council or credit company recommended agencies) HONEST letters of explanation can go a long way toward helping you, but every thinfg must be paid down or completely off, and a time buffer must be in place.Be truthful and vigorous in your dealings with the agencies you've applied for and ask frankly what they expect in your credit history.A high credit card balance with a few late payments is worlds apart from charge offs and repossessions.Good Luck.