Hello, I was just offered a job (this company subs for the DOE). I have to get a "Q" clearance but have had a few credit issues in the past. I only have had 3 or so charge-offs and wonder if this would be a problem? My credit is better now, but I never repaid those debts. I should have no other issues. I just would like to know before I accept this offer. Thanks for your help.
I've never had a "Q", but I'd say be upfront and honest about it and DO NOT try to hide it. Good luck to ya.
It might be worth your while to pay for your own credit report so you don't have any suprises. The most inportant thing is not trying to hide anything. I have had an "L" before and I know one guy I worked with who had 2 bankruptcy cases and he still got his clearance. Good Luck!
Thanks for your responses, is it more difficult to get a Q clearance?
I think they go back and do a 10 year investigation. I am not sure but I would say they are a little stricter due to it being a higher level clearance. The biggest thing they are looking for is trustworthiness. So go ahead and tell all.
For a TOTALLY FREE report (no 30-day trial offer from a company) from all 3 CRA's, go to annualcreditreport.com. This site arose from a new law passed by Congress (they were not totally do-nothing!) which enables everyone in the US to receive one free copy from each CRA every 12 months. I get mine on a 4-month rotating basis, but in your case you should get all 3 at the same time.
BTW, you are not legally required to pay off revolving debts--such as credit cards--after 4 years of non-payments (unless they take you to court before then and get a judgement). However, if you make a payment at any time before or after the 4-year mark, the clock starts all over again. Also, it is required that the CRA's remove ANY negative information after 7 years, starting from the last month/year that you made a payment (this does not include bankruptcies).