Credit check before interview

[LisaPC]

While I think it's unfair to judge someone's honesty on their ability/willingness to pay bills (mine is littered with rubbish due to not earning enough money in my last permie job - thankfully it's now back under control) I would rather know in advance that I wouldn't get the gig, rather than spend time preparing, attending an interview, being offered the contract, only to have it withdrawn following a credit check.

I know that I wouldn't siphon a shedload of money from a client, but they don't know me, and the only thing they have access to on which to base such a judgment is my credit record and a CRB check. I just don't apply for anything in financial services.

[MaryPoppins]

I'm not sure how far they go for FSA Regulated roles so I could be talking tulip!

No credit check whatsoever, but I can't speak for all in the FCA/PRA obvs.

[MaryPoppins]

I would rather know in advance that I wouldn't get the gig, rather than spend time preparing, attending an interview, being offered the contract, only to have it withdrawn following a credit check.

As far as I understand it, most agencies perform credit checks on contractors. So you should have some idea.

[northernladuk]

While I think it's unfair to judge someone's honesty on their ability/willingness to pay bills (mine is littered with rubbish due to not earning enough money in my last permie job - thankfully it's now back under control) I would rather know in advance that I wouldn't get the gig, rather than spend time preparing, attending an interview, being offered the contract, only to have it withdrawn following a credit check.

I know that I wouldn't siphon a shedload of money from a client, but they don't know me, and the only thing they have access to on which to base such a judgment is my credit record and a CRB check. I just don't apply for anything in financial services.

I don't agree, switch it around. Would you employ someone to look after your finances who has a history of not being able to manage money and is looking for any opportunity to find money to pay their next bill? Desperation can make even decent people go bad.

It shouldn't be the only decision but should be reason enough to not take someone on if clear warning signs are evident.

[LisaPC]

I don't agree, switch it around. Would you employ someone to look after your finances who has a history of not being able to manage money and is looking for any opportunity to find money to pay their next bill? Desperation can make even decent people go bad.

It shouldn't be the only decision but should be reason enough to not take someone on if clear warning signs are evident.

I think you just agreed with me What I was saying was that while I know I'm honest, a prospective client doesn't, therefore has to rely on the information available, that being credit and CRB checks. So if an agent lets me know that a gig is with a financial client, I'll let him/her know that it's pointless going any further as I'd be unlikely to pass a credit check. That way, there's no more time wasted.

[eek]

I don't agree, switch it around. Would you employ someone to look after your finances who has a history of not being able to manage money and is looking for any opportunity to find money to pay their next bill? Desperation can make even decent people go bad.

It shouldn't be the only decision but should be reason enough to not take someone on if clear warning signs are evident.

or would you employ someone to manage / investigate (business analysis) / build a project who wasn't even organised enough to make sure bills were paid on time or committed to do things and then failed to deliver on time.

[tarbera]

Almost forgot a classic

We had a senior Pemie Project Manager 15 years at the bank that nobody liked (one of the chaps we escalated failed contractors credit checks to), always ranting and contractors earn this give nothing back etc, rant rant contractor rant, one day he hands in his notice as he has secured a £850/day (2 year role) to manage a project in another one of the banks divisions (You can swap from permie to contractor is you swap divisions), 3 weeks down the line he failed the credit check and got booted out the door same day.

I sent him a text asking him if he wanted me to escalate

I perhaps should not put 2 smiley faces after the text

[kevpuk]

<snip> one day he hands in his notice as he has secured a £850/day (2 year role) to manage a project in another one of the banks divisions (You can swap from permie to contractor is you swap divisions<snip>

IR35!!!
Still, never came to be an issue - silly man!