{"id":774823,"date":"2019-03-19T00:27:35","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T00:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwill.org\/blog\/general\/how-to-deal-with-your-debt-as-a-job-seeker\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T13:57:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T13:57:34","slug":"how-to-deal-with-your-debt-as-a-job-seeker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwill.org\/blog\/career-and-financial-advice\/how-to-deal-with-your-debt-as-a-job-seeker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal with Your Debt as a Job Seeker"},"content":{"rendered":"\nBy guest blogger Kristin Turner,\u00a0Managing Attorney at\u00a0Upsolve<\/a>, a national legal aid nonprofit. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.<\/em>\n\nMost people are in debt from things like credit cards, medical bills, car payments, and mortgages. Although debt is an expected part of our everyday lives, too much debt can create problems for people seeking jobs.\n\nLet\u2019s take a look at how having a lot of debt can impact your job search.\n\nEmployers may find out about your debt during the background check. <\/strong>\n\nWhen you\u2019re applying for a job, your potential employer might ask to run a background check and learn more about your debt levels.\n\nEven though your finances are very personal, your debt and credit could be important to your employer<\/a><\/u> and it\u2019s accessible to them via background checks. Having a lot of debt might be viewed as a risk to them when they consider hiring you. Why would that be?\n\nMaybe a position involves finances or accounting and your debt calls into question your ability to do the job well. Maybe they\u2019ll have to garnish your wages. On the other hand, they might not say anything at all! It\u2019s very possible that your debt won\u2019t matter to them. Either way, it\u2019s something you should be ready to talk about.\n\nWhen you do sit down to talk about your credit history, there\u2019s no need to be worried or ashamed. Being able to speak candidly about your debt and <\/em>your plan to get out of debt will likely end up making a good impression on your employer.\n\nHow to take steps towards managing your debt<\/strong>\n\nThere are a few different types of debt relief. Many people base their decisions on the amount of debt they\u2019re in and whether they think they can climb out of it.\n\nBelow are a few options that people usually consider when trying to get out of debt. Keep in mind that it will be important to learn about the pros and cons<\/a><\/u> of each in order to make the best decision for yourself.\n\nTypical Debt Relief Options <\/strong>\n\nIf you think you can pay it off<\/u>. . . <\/strong>\n