We’re living in a different world. Employers are looking for ways to retain people who are honest, with professional integrity. You need to be the kind of person who doesn’t only “talk the talk,” but you “walk the walk” in your personal life. You respect and are accountable in what matters most… YOU! Why would a company want anything less? If your choices don’t matter to you in your personal life, why would it matter to how you conduct yourself with other people or the company you work for?
We all make mistakes and that’s to be expected. And I believe that it is not always your fault. You could be in the wrong place at the wrong time; made some bad choices by surrounding yourself in the wrong element; maybe not having the strength, courage, or self-esteem to stand up for the person you want to be and what you believe in.
There’s a price to pay. This goes for the good and the bad. But the rewards are so much greater and satisfying when the struggle, hardship, determination gradually evolves and defines the person only you can see inside of you. You gain self-respect and you get to do the “happy dance.”
As I put my resume out in the market seeking promotional opportunities that challenge and teach me, employers are either requesting or conducting various background and information checks. I was contacted by a prospective employer to submit a current credit score. It appears they have had issues with fraud and theft in the past. They are taking proactive, legal, steps to minimize a problem that we, as consumers pay for, and could possibly be the downfall of their business. I get it, and I applaud it.
I didn’t have this kind of request 10 and 20 years ago. Unless you drove a company vehicle as part of your job, it was understandable to ask for a driving record. Companies are looking for ways to not only protect themselves, but their clients as well. A company is the people they employ.
I could see this becoming more commonplace in an employment screening process as one method of candidate selection. Background checks, credit checks, driving records, criminal checks, along with the prior employment verification, as well as, for some, even medical records. We are living in a much more transparent society. When you think about it, it’s a courtesy and safety precaution to the people they take responsibility for working for them on company time.
Which begs the question about rights to privacy. If it’s public record, should it be accessible and part of the criteria in candidate selection? Of course, as long as it is not used in a way that discriminates or even abuses privacy. And how is that determined?
So I did the “happy dance” when I got my credit score back and was more than pleased to share the results. Not bragging because it took a lot of work on my part. Not spending can be really hard when we are bombarded with advertisement in everything saying we “really want it” or “need it.” Actually, I don’t keep credit cards. I get asked all the time, but make every effort to live on what I make.
Even during these financially stressful times, it’s the challenges that define us. What are you doing with your challenges? Are you facing them head on? Are you taking the easy way out? Are you procrastinating and avoiding it? Are you fed up and pissed off enough yet to do what it takes to turn it around? Are you ready to do what it takes to do the “happy dance?”
Even if you aren’t, others will hold you accountable. Your choices could affect your livelihood.
