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

Does Checking My Score with ClearScore Decrease It?

Does Checking My Score with ClearScore Decrease It?

Today, we will be looking at it and what it can do for your creditworthiness in more detail. 

Can A Medical Account Affect Your Credit Score in South Africa?

Can A Medical Account Affect Your Credit Score in South Africa?

It is important to understand that having a positive credit profile has a significant impact on various aspects of life in South Africa.

How Can I Build My Credit As A Self-Employer?

How Can I Build My Credit As A Self-Employer?

However, self-employed individuals can build a solid credit score with the right strategies. Let’s explore how.

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks in South Africa?

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks in South Africa?

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks. This article explores what employers look for when they do credit evaluations in South Africa

How To Raise Credit Score In South Africa

How To Raise Credit Score In South Africa

In this writing, we'll go over how to boost your credit score in South Africa and why it's a pivotal step.

How to Get Financing Without a Credit Score

How to Get Financing Without a Credit Score

We are here to help you better understand what financial options are open to you if you have no credit score at all. Let’s get started!

How To Check Credit Score On The Absa App

How To Check Credit Score On The Absa App

This article will take you through checking your credit score on ABSA App, delving into the credit rating of ABSA Bank

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Cell Phone Contract?

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Cell Phone Contract?

Today we’ve assembled some things everyone needs to know about credit scores and cell phone contracts in South Africa.

How Long Does it Take for a Credit Score to Update?

How Long Does it Take for a Credit Score to Update?

Today we take a closer look at credit score timelines and when you can expect to see those changes work their magic for you.

How to Check Credit Score Without Signing Up in South Africa?

How to Check Credit Score Without Signing Up in South Africa?

There are different measures you can take to access your credit score explained in detail in this post.    

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 to Increase GCredit Score

How to Increase GCredit Score

This blog post will educate us on how to increase Gcredit scores and a few related questions about Gcash and Gcredit. 

How to Rent an Apartment Without a Credit Score

How to Rent an Apartment Without a Credit Score

You can rent an apartment without a credit score. Here are the guidelines for renting an apartment without a credit score. 

How to Check Your Credit At Ackermans

How to Check Your Credit At Ackermans

If you shop at Ackermans, we are about to share some details with you on how to check your credit.

How to Check My Credit Rating in South Africa

How to Check My Credit Rating in South Africa

In this article, we explore the measures you can take to check your credit rating in South Africa.