Q. I understand the need for employers to do criminal background checks and drug tests. I do not, however, understand the need to check my credit. I’m not asking them for a loan, nor am I trying to buy a car or a house. Even if I were to be handling money, a criminal background check would be enough. Why do they check credit too?

A. Hiring officers tell me that personal financial problems might adversely affect your productivity. Also, it’s a way of eliminating people who don’t show fiscal responsibility. Of course, many neglect to run their own CEOs past that checkpoint, don’t they?

Q. I was asked by my present boss to do a specific job and promised a promotion when I learned the skills, which I have. But now he says he wants to see how I do on another project. Is he stonewalling me? Should I just grin and bear it?

A. Well, you don’t have to grin, but it might be a good idea to bear it. But make sure in advance that a promotion is yours at the end of the project.

Q. I’ve been battling breast cancer, which requires me to receive chemotherapy on a weekly basis. In my current job search, I’m extremely concerned about how to approach this with a potential employer.

The job market is competitive enough for healthy candidates who are willing to work all hours. I fear I’m at a major disadvantage and don’t have much hope for landing a job when an employer learns that I’m not a “whole” person.

A. Absolutely do not mention anything about your health until you have a written job offer. At that time, say you will need one day off a week for a certain period of time but will make up the work evenings and weekends.

You are protected from saying anything in advance – because some employers would not hire you – by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Certainly, having to be absent one day a week is not a difficult accommodation. And I want to assure you that I consider you a “whole” person.

Q. I am a temporary employee working at a large corporation. I noticed a full-time opening on the firm’s employee Web site but was not allowed to apply for it internally. I can apply externally – and compete with the entire public.

To me, the company is saying my time spent here means nothing.

I equate it to a starving person’s being invited to the dinner table, and then told you can’t eat. It feels like a slap in the face. Do you agree?

A. I know that you feel cheated and I’m sorry you’re so disappointed, but temporary work is not the same as being an employee: You work for an agency, and the company would have to deal with it to hire you.

You might do better by focusing on getting a full-time job somewhere else not connected with your temporary employment.

Externally.

Carol Kleiman is a syndicated columnist.

Q. My daughter will be graduating from college this spring and is looking for a job. She’s been told to start sending out resumes right now, but I think it’s way too early to do so. She’d be wasting her time and also the time of prospective employers. What do you think?

A. I think it definitely is not too early. Many students who will graduate this year already have jobs – the few that are available. In fact, I always advise college students to go to their school’s career guidance center the very first week of their freshman year and start asking what the job possibilities are. Steer her toward the guidance center. Right away!

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(Carol Kleiman is the author of “Winning the Job Game: The New Rules for Finding and Keeping the Job You Want” (Wiley, $16.95). Send e-mail to ckleimantribune.com.)

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(c) 2004, Chicago Tribune.

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