What Credit Score Will Prevent You From Getting A Job

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/12/24 •  5 min read

Credit ratings have a huge impact on career opportunities within South Africa. Probable firms often consider an applicant’s credit history, especially when the position involves financial management or accessing certain records. This writing looks at the effects of credit grades on job positions, what is deemed a bad credit grade, how companies see loan checks, and whether jobs may be gotten with a bad credit rating. It also discusses whether one can be denied employment because of a poor credit grade.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Credit Score Will Prevent You From Getting A Job

In South Africa, your credit score is a silent character reference. It whispers tales of your financial responsibility, or lack thereof, to potential employers. Scores from 700-850 or 680-699 praise your reliability, giving you an edge in the job market, especially in finance or senior roles. They also unlock favorable credit terms. An average score of 620-679 indicates moderate responsibility, leaving your employment fate to other factors. However, scores of 500-619 or 300-499 scream financial irresponsibility, potentially hindering your job prospects and access to credit. So, aim for a good or excellent score, but remember, it’s not the only factor in job hunting.

Can Credit Score Affect Employment In South Africa?

Your credit score is a silent interviewee. It speaks volumes about your financial habits to potential employers. Jobs requiring trust and financial acumen, like banking or senior roles, might peek into your credit history. A good score whispers tales of financial discipline, making you a desirable candidate. However, a poor rating displays monetary irresponsibility, probably impacting your picture. But fear not; not all careers demand a credit assessment, and even if they have, your credit grade isn’t the only determining factor. Your prowess, achievements, and experience also occupy the core position. So, while keeping a good credit rating is advantageous, remember, it’s only a section of the employment paradox.

What Is Viewed As A Bad Credit Rating?

A credit rating below five hundred (bad) is like a monetary shadow, creating doubts about your dependability. It displays you as a high-risk loanee, likely to default on loans. This shadow can darken your financial and employment prospects. Credit products like loans or mortgages might become elusive, with providers offering unfavorable terms. Services like cell phone contracts or insurance might require higher rates or deposits. Career opportunities, mainly in finance or senior positions, may slip away, with companies providing lower wages or perks. Saving cash, investing, or obtaining financial objectives may become challenging, with more coins utilized on interest, charges, and fines.

What Do Companies Assess In Credit Checks in South Africa?

Firms peering into your credit records are like detectives piecing together traces about your monetary habits. They scrutinize your credit score, a numerical testament to your reliability. A high score sings praises of your financial discipline, while a low one raises red flags. They delve into your credit history, a chronicle of your financial habits. Timely payments and diverse credit types earn you brownie points, while late payments or defaults tarnish your image. Lastly, they analyze your loan profile, a mirror of your fiscal obligations. A low loan-to-income percentage indicates fiscal stability, while a top-level one hints at potential budgetary challenges.

Can I Secure A Job With Bad Credit?

A bad rating below five hundred might hinder your employment search in SA. It might limit your options, especially for roles requiring financial acumen. Employers might offer lower pay or benefits, using your score as leverage. The competition might be stiffer, with candidates boasting good scores having an edge. But don’t lose heart. There are paths to explore this fiscal maze. Apply for roles that don’t require credit checks, like teaching or engineering. Work on improving your score by paying off debts and using credit responsibly. Highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications, showing you’re more than just a credit score. Be honest about the circumstances leading to your score, assuring employers of your potential. Remember, a bad credit score is a challenge, not a career death sentence.

Can You Be Denied A Job Because Of Bad Credit In South Africa?

A bad credit score can be a stumbling block in your career path, but only under specific conditions. Jobs requiring financial trust, like those in the financial sector or senior roles, might consider your credit score. But they can only do so with your written consent and must inform you about the purpose of the credit check and its results. They must also consider other factors like your qualifications and experience. If you’re denied employment because of bad credit, note that you have rights. You may request a copy of your credit statement and assess for errors. You could ask the company why they denied you the position and how your credit rating impacted their decision. If you feel discriminated against, you may question the verdict and seek legal assistance. So, a bad credit rating is an obstacle, not a deadlock.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Can Affect My Credit Score?

What Can Affect My Credit Score?

Today we will look at some of the common factors that affect your credit score, and how to pep up yours. 

How to Refresh Credit Score on Transunion

How to Refresh Credit Score on Transunion

To ensure that you do not miss any update that can affect your credit score. Here are the guidelines on how to refresh your credit score on TransUnion.

Loans For Low Credit Scores

Loans For Low Credit Scores

The limitation on low credit can disqualify you from certain benefits. Learn more about the possibilities of securing a loan with a bad credit score in South Africa. 

How to Make Money With Your Credit Score

How to Make Money With Your Credit Score

Make Money With Your Credit Score. This article explains how you can make money with your credit score. 

Which Credit Score Is Better FICO or Transunion?

Which Credit Score Is Better FICO or Transunion?

This article explores the key differences in credit scoring systems offered by FICO and Transunion. 

How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Interest Rate?

How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Interest Rate?

How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Interest Rate?. Read on to learn how your credit score affects your interest rate.

How Long Does A Credit Check Take in South Africa

How Long Does A Credit Check Take in South Africa

Let us find out more about how long it takes to check credit for a car, job, mortgage, phone etc. 

What Day Of The Month Does Credit Score Update

What Day Of The Month Does Credit Score Update

We are about to find out more. In this blog post, we will talk more about credit score updates and the day of the month the update may occur. 

How to Get Vehicle Finance with a Low Credit Score

How to Get Vehicle Finance with a Low Credit Score

Now is not the time to find out you have a low credit score! We’re here today to help you figure out what to do.

Does Credit Score Affect Your Car Insurance Rate?

Does Credit Score Affect Your Car Insurance Rate?

This article explains all the important aspects of credit scores and how they affect your car insurance rate. 

What Credit Scoring Is Needed For Apartment Renting?

What Credit Scoring Is Needed For Apartment Renting?

What Credit Scoring Is Needed For Apartment Renting?. In this writing, we will answer both queries and share tricks and details for tenants and landlords.

How to Check Credit Score on the Standard Bank App

How to Check Credit Score on the Standard Bank App

Today we are looking at one convenient way to monitor your credit score offered by a leading South African bank, and how to do it. Let’s get started!

How to Temporarily Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report?

How to Temporarily Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report?

Today we will look at how to deal with this circumstance, using TransUnion as an example. 

How Much Do Estate Agents Charge For A Credit Check

How Much Do Estate Agents Charge For A Credit Check

This piece will provide some information that tends to address how much an estate agent can charge for a credit check

How to Buy A House With No Credit Check

How to Buy A House With No Credit Check

Let us take you through buying a house with no credit check and other series of questions pertaining acquiring a house connected to credit.