Potential Employer Soft or Hard Credit Pull (credit report, range, accept)

[johnfrisco]

I don't want to sign the form to check my credit for a job I may or may not accept. They want to run a credit report--so is it a soft or hard pull? If it's a hard pull I definitely need to be sure that I will accept this job before signing.

Thanks!

[thatguydownsouth]

It never even showed up on my credit report. I think youll be fine.

[Lowexpectations]

It's a soft pull and you can decline but I'd bet they pull their offer as well

[Mack Knife]

Why not decide if you'll accept the offer or not and then decide? Seems you're putting the carriage before the horse.

Why do you object to the credit inquiry? That should drive your decision. If you are concerned about the effect on your credit score, decide on that basis. If you don't really have a concern other than that, time for a reality check, many employer want to run a credit check.

If you really feel that strongly about it, then negotiate a conditional credit check. No problems on the credit - you get the job. Then you'll know that they will actually hire you or you can look away to some other opportunity.

[jghorton]

Interesting question. I was not previously aware of the distinction between a 'soft' or 'hard' credit pull and did not realize that a hard-pull would show-up on your credit report and would likely cause some damage your credit rating. (I just found-out that I've got a 'hard pull' on my Credit Report for a retail card that I applied for a couple of years ago ... but, never used).

Here is a pretty good article about the subject: https://www.creditkarma.com/article/...soft_inquiries
I think that I would approach the potential employer with this article and advise that you have excellent credit and do not wish to see it damaged ... and thus, would like to arrange an alternative to a 'hard pull', such as you providing them with a copy of your credit score, which you would pull.