Credit report use for checking Human resources

If you are an employer using credit reports for background checks or hiring services from third party agencies that use these procedures, you should make sure that the federal credit report act is being complied fully as otherwise you may face serious legal consequences that may cost you a lot of money on the long run.

Security has become a serious matter and thus most employers want to cover themselves from future difficulties. However, the thin line that separates security from privacy should not be crossed or else, the employer can be liable for violating the mentioned act.

The numbers are amazing, 80% of companies human resource management confess that they run criminal background checks on their candidates due to the security concerns, 10 years ago, that number was only around 50%. The candidate credit standing, credit capacity, and personal characteristics are usually included in investigative consumer reports that can be ordered by employers for the purposes of hiring personnel, promoting personnel, reassigning or retaining personnel.

In order to access and order a consumer report including background criminal, credit and personal checks an employer must make it very clear to the applicant that these investigations will take place. Only then the employer may request a report on the candidate attaching the signed disclosure to the report requirement. However, even with the disclosure, if the information is used in violation of any equal employment opportunity legislation, the consequences of that violation will apply. Credit bureaus are obliged to provide all this information on requirement to any individual that wishes to know what information is included on their databases that may affect job or credit opportunities.

How to Improve Bad Credit with Credit Cards

By James H. Puckett

A habitual delay or missing payment for the money loaned would hurt credit rating badly. This usually happens with people who has committed the mistake in managing their finances.

Having bad credit history would mean keeping you from the ability to make loans for home or car mortgages, rent an apartment and even prevent an individual from getting hired. This is because many employers view of owning a bad credit is the lack of responsibility.

Since credit is an essential part of the general public, it is good news that people with bad credits are given a chance to fix their ratings.

There are TV or ads that promise in helping people to make a credit overhaul. Sometimes, there are telemarketers offering to do the same. Though some of them are vredible, there are still a number of them that are fraudulent.

However, there are a number of things that can be done personally to rebuild credit.

People make a mistake of running away from their creditors. It is a better gesture to be the first one to call the credit card company rather than waiting for them to do the first move. In doing so, creditors would have an idea that there is still a desire to make the payment. Paying no heed to creditors will most likely merit a report to the credit bureau.

A good number of creditors are not as tough as people often think they are. These companies are more than willing to discuss other options for repayment which would fit the budget of cardholders.

Being hesitant in pushing through rebuilding of credit could pose a problem. This is why free credit counseling is made available to be of assistance in working out a strategy and making a financial plan. Certain credit card organization, banks, or even employers offer in providing counseling programs.

Being denied of services such as a credit, any insurance or even employment would entitle a person to get a copy of the credit report for free. This should be asked for during the 60 days of the said denial. Once the credit history report is obtained, the first step for repairing credit is cleared.

Credit is usually denied because of incorrect information or credit information may be incomplete. The company who denied their services holds the responsibility to give the credit bureau's name and location. Should there be any wrong or inaccurate information, a dispute can be made to correct them. Though this appeal is free, a solid proof as to the false information should be produced. Clarifying the credit information will aid with the credit repair.

A regular review of the credit report is encouraged to know whether the credit is improving or not. The significance of this is to ensure that the information is correct, complete and current. This also would determine if one is already eligible to make a loan. Most important is to aid in guarding an individual from an identity theft.

Making moves in repairing a bad credit and ensuring a steady improvement with it is the most important means to guarantee the continuous enjoyment of owning a credit card. It is wise to be a responsible card user, keeping in mind that being able to keep a credit card is a great privilege.

James has written many articles about the benefits of business and college student credit card offers and runs a website on locating the best credit card offers for your lifestyle.

Calhoun to offer history class for college credit at Bob Jones

By GREGG L. PARKER

Dual enrollment to give students head start on next level

Teenagers ready to step into the collegiate realm have had a door open at Bob Jones High School.

Starting in January, Calhoun Community College will offer world history, sometimes called western civilization, on the Bob Jones campus. These dual enrollment classes "allow advanced students to take a college class while still in high school," said Gwen Baker, who is coordinating this program.

Baker, Bob Jones counselors Andrea Jones and Patty Piro and assistant principal Christie Finley collaborated on the idea. Bob Jones seniors completed a survey "to determine their interests for various courses on campus" and "showed an overwhelming response," Finley said. Students' top request was world history.

Finley said many Bob Jones students meet eligibility requirements for dual enrollment but don't have private transportation to Calhoun. "Offering the college course during the regular school day allows students with after-school jobs or athletic (or band) practices to participate."

Students are required to have a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average for high school work, an ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 780 and must have passed all parts of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.

The subsequent course in world history offers the same credits. The class is scheduled during second block.

By completing the first course (HIS 121), a student earns one-half elective of high school credit and three hours of college credit. "Students successfully passing a post-secondary course will receive a 10-point weighted grade recorded on report card, high school official transcript and in the overall GPA calculation," Finley said.

Tuition and fees for each course cost $285. The textbook, "Survey of World Civilization Pre-History to Present," costs $108.75. Students must buy their own books.

The seniors' survey showed interest also in psychology, sociology and speech. "These courses meet most college and university core requirements and do not directly compete with Bob Jones advanced placement courses," she said.

Finley believes the dual enrollment with Calhoun is "a wonderful tool" and hopes students "will consider this opportunity as they begin to make post-secondary decisions."