Background Check

• A background check is an employer's first line of defense against theft and fraud. When you complete a job application, there is often a clause on the document requesting your consent to perform a background check. Employer background checks include an investigation of your education, job and criminal history. Some employers also run a credit check to determine whether you can be trusted to handle the responsibilities of the position.
  
  

Credit

• When an employer performs a background check inclusive of a credit check, your credit report and score are pulled. The biggest setback with bankruptcy is the negative impact it has on your credit score. Some consumers suffer as much as a 240 point drop in their credit score following bankruptcy. Also, bankruptcy remains on your credit score for 10 years, which means your ability to apply for certain positions may be sabotaged until the bankruptcy drops off your credit report.
  
  

Forbidden Industries

• Positions that require good credit often have to do with finances or high security. For example, a chief financial officer or bank teller generally must have good credit to get hired. In addition, payroll managers, jewelry resellers and financial planners are all positions that usually require good credit. The employer wants candidates to demonstrate financial responsibility in their personal lives before handling the finances of the business. According to ABC News, candidates who can't manage their credit history may be seen as irresponsible in the eyes of an employer.
  
  

Debt

• Bankruptcy is often equated with debt. Though creditors are not allowed to pester you about making payments, a potential employer can still view the amount of your payment arrangements on your credit report. Too much debt can cost you employment. For example, according to Bankrate, the Transportation Security Administration prohibits airport screener job candidates from having more than $5,000 in debt.
  
  

Considerations

• You credit report and bankruptcy are not factors in states that have ruled against the use of credit scores in background checks. As of 2011, Hawaii and Washington forbid the use of credit information in employment decisions. Members of congress are working to eliminate the use of credit information in other regions through the Equal Employment Act for All (H.R. 3149), an amendment to the Fair Credit Act.