Nicole Ortizz

Who knew that getting hired for a new position could all come down to your credit history? It’s true. In several states, it’s perfectly legal for employers to pull your credit history during the hiring process. In their opinion, it determines your level of trustworthiness for the position they’d possibly be hiring you for.

Although legal, this isn’t something the majority of employers actually do. According to a 2012 survey from the Society of Human Resource Management, only 13% of respondents said they check all employee’s credit history while 53% say they don’t do it at all.

It’s still better to be safe than sorry, which is why there are proactive steps you can take just in case a hiring manager does decide to consider your credit history. You can be proactive by:

• Checking your credit history for inaccuracies
• Cleaning up where you can
• Having an explanation ready for derogatory marks

If you’re someone who has moved into a full-time remote role or was laid off because of Covid-19, you might considering your options for working remotely. Luckily, there are plenty of full-time jobs that accommodate that.

Early on in the pandemic, major tech companies like Facebook and Google announced that they would make a more concerted effort to hire people who will be full-time remote employees. There are also companies that hire virtual assistants, who are full-time remote executive and office assistants that can manage affairs from the comfort of their homes.

If you’re looking for a new job, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to interview for it on Zoom (or another type of video platform) during the Covid-19 pandemic. With that in mind, here are a few tips for looking as professional as possible:

1. Dress as if you’re going to an in-person interview.
2. Be mindful so you don’t accidentally speak over the interviewer.
3. Don’t have other tabs open or anything distracting because looking at the camera is the new keeping eye contact.
4. Set up a quiet space for yourself where you won’t be disturbed.
5. Make sure to send your resume over digitally beforehand.

Getting an internship can be the first step in kickstarting your career. Here is how you can land the perfect internship to help you get off on the right foot:

1. Network.
2. Use your social media to find opportunities.
3. List your relevant experience.
4. Succeed in your interview.
5. Send a follow up.

When you’re looking for jobs during this stressful time, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:

1. The hiring process will be slower than usual.
2. Apply for way more than you would have pre-Covid.
3. Apply for jobs every day.
4. Be open to taking a temporary job if needed.
5. Set job alerts for yourself.