After the grueling years of learning your trade at college or university, you’re finally ready for that first job. You’ve bought an interview suit, practiced your sales pitch and think you’re ready. Sometimes, it’s what you don’t know that can stop you for your goals. When was the last time you checked your personal credit reportfor errors or looked at your score? Most companies will look at your credit to see what your character is before hiring a new graduate or employee. If you have late payments, liens or poor credit, you may not get that dream job.
Credit reports are checked by numerous agencies when you leave college and start a new job. Leasing agencies for your new pad, utility companies, direct.tv service, insurance agents and the telephone company will want to know if you’re credit worthy. When you come up short with bad credit, you’ll pay large deposits. If you plan to buy or rent furniture, you’ll need a good credit report before you furnish your first apartment. A new job may mean a new vehicle, but if your credit score is low, you could pay up to 20%interest for a bank to grant you a car loan.
Checking your personal credit only takes a few minutes, and you’ll have options to correct any mistakes. Start your life after college with the knowledge that everything is in tip-top shape, just like your degree. Don’t stop at one credit report, get all three with each individual score before you interview around town. Read each credit report thoroughly to determine if the credit ratings and score will pass inspection. Be prepared for the really hard questions during an interview with confidence when your credit is in order. Get that new TV and furniture with a gleaming credit report, then sit back with a smile and enjoy your new job.