Our office meets a lot of people who are afraid for their job prospects if they file bankruptcy.
It's true that employers are able to disqualify you for a job due to a past bankruptcy; and if an employer runs a credit check on you while doing background checks, they'll probably find out about your bankruptcy. This doesn't mean, however, that you won’t be able to find work.
Usually, it depends on what kind of job you're applying for. If you're looking for jobs where you're required to handle large sums of money, a bankruptcy could look bad. Some employers might think bankruptcy indicates a lack of reliability in this area. Bankruptcy may also disqualify you from certain military or civil service positions as well.
Being upfront about a past bankruptcy may help counteract the negative perceptions of a prospective employer. It shows you're honest and therefore more trustworthy. You might be given a chance to explain your situation and what you learned from it.
Employers may even prefer someone who has gone through bankruptcy and been freed from debt over someone who has burdensome debt. The latter would be more vulnerable to dishonesty, perhaps through embezzlement or bribery, than someone who has had his or her debts cancelled. This is a benefit you might want to point out to your potential employers.
So while bankruptcy might hurt your chances of getting some jobs, you're not outright disqualified from any field due to your bankruptcy. You can still find a job in your field with an employer that's right for you.
Castle Law Office has been handling bankruptcies for Kansas City clients from more than 14 years. If you need the fresh start bankruptcy can provide, call us today at 816-842-6200 to speak with an attorney. Or click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.