Job Hunting? How Bankruptcy Can Help

If you’ve been searching for a job, while also worrying about financial issues, you are not alone. Whether a job loss triggered your financial woes or just added to them, things might seem bleak if your struggles just continue to worsen. And if things are dire enough to consider bankruptcy, you are likely wondering how filing could affect your chances of being hired.

The truth is, filing for bankruptcy in Tampa could actually improve your chances for employment. This varies from job to job, so it’s important to consider the field in which you are applying for employment, but for many, filing for bankruptcy is going to provide a number of positive benefits, including the likelihood of finding a new job.

What do you need to know about bankruptcy and your job hunt?

Wage Garnishment

One of the most embarrassing aspects of struggling with debt is the risk you face for wage garnishment. In some cases, your creditors will have the ability to garnish your earnings, which means your employer will know you are struggling financially.

By filing for bankruptcy, you are limiting the ability of creditors to access your paycheck to collect their money. By preventing your wages from being garnished, your new employer might not ever know you are facing financial difficulties.

For more information on wage garnishment, check out the US Department of Labor’s website.

Proves You Have Control of the Situation

Though it might seem as if bankruptcy is an indication your life is out of control financially, the opposite is actually true. Bankruptcy is an action step. It shows everyone aware of your financial struggles that you have taken control of the situation, and that if things aren’t perfect right now, you are working your way toward making them better. If a prospective employer becomes aware of your bankruptcy, he or she will likely view you as someone willing to face a problem head on and do what is necessary to solve that problem.

Create a Sense of Trustworthiness

Applying for jobs overwhelmed by debt can leave prospective employers with the sense you are desperate – and potentially a security risk. Some people, faced with frightening financial problem, will make unethical choice. Even if you are not the type to sacrifice your values to resolve your financial situation, a potential employer cannot determine that in advance, so they’ll pass on your candidacy for employment. By filing for bankruptcy, you are making yourself a less risky employee.

Dealing with Your Interview

So how should you handle a job interview if you are asked about bankruptcy? The best thing to do is to be honest.

Share some details about what led to your bankruptcy – job loss, relationship status change, medical bills – and be clear that you did what you could to resolve the problem. Make sure whatever debts are left after your bankruptcy are paid on time and meet the other obligations of your bankruptcy. In most cases, prospective employers are willing to overlook bankruptcy, provided the applicant shows responsibility and is otherwise qualified for the job.

Are you concerned about finding employment because of money issues? Do you have questions about bankruptcy and job hunting? We can help. Contact the Law Offices of Robert M. Geller at 813.254.5696.