When you apply for a job, you probably know that your potential employer will check your criminal record. But what about your credit history?
Employers in most states, including Wisconsin, are allowed to run background checks that show your debts, available credit and payment history. Wisconsin Watch asked experts what job seekers and employees should know about this process and their rights.
We spoke to:
- Nick Raef, employment attorney at law firm Hawks Quindel.
- Jeff Palkowski, state director of the Wisconsin State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management.
- Adriana Peguero, assistant city attorney for the city of Madison.
What kind of credit information can employers see?
Not all types of background reports show financial information. Those that do typically show your credit accounts, payment history, available credit, bankruptcies, liens and self-reported work history, NerdWallet reports…