How important is a credit check as a form of pre-employment screening? What do they look for?

About two weeks ago I had an interview for a job as an Office Manager. Everything went really well and I was feeling great about the position until they told me they would have to run my and credit report. Well, I am in my mid 20's and a few years back I defaulted on some credit cards. It's not a real high amount, but it's a default nonetheless. I got married, then pregnant and was laid off while I was pregnant so I haven't been able to pay much of it off yet. So, although I was initially feeling great about the position now I'm really worried. Well, a few days later they called me to come in for a second interview and that went great as well. So well in fact that they told me on the spot that they would be calling me for a third interview. The person told me that my background and credit info had been ran and although he didn't see it there that he was sure it was fine or he would have been informed. So, I'm worried that maybe they ran it but didn't actually get the info back yet. Now, six business days after the 2nd interview I haven't gotten a call for the third interview. I made multiple attempts on Friday and today to call them and have gotten nothing but voice mail. It sounds crazy but I think they are screening my calls. I tried calling them from two other numbers and they answered. But, since I already left a message on their voice mail at the risk of seeming "stalker-like" I hung up the phone. Did I ruin this for myself? Does it sound like I have any chance of getting this job? What exactly are they looking for and do you think this an effective way to screen candidates? Has anything like this happened to you?

1 month ago - 2 answers