CareerZone Pennsylvania

Credit Checkers

Description

Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. Telephone or write to credit departments of business and service establishments to obtain information about applicant's credit standing.

Job Zone

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Education Requirements

Short-term on-the-job training - Necessary skills are acquired through on-the-job training lasting no more than 1 month.

Interests

Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Knowledge

Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Economics and Accounting	Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Tasks

• Contact former employers and other acquaintances to verify applicants' references, employment, health history, and social behavior.
• Examine city directories and public records in order to verify residence property ownership, bankruptcies, liens, arrest record, or unpaid taxes of applicants.
• Relay credit report information to subscribers by mail or by telephone.
• Compile and analyze credit information gathered by investigation.
• Obtain information about potential creditors from banks, credit bureaus, and other credit services, and provide reciprocal information if requested.
• Interview credit applicants by telephone or in person in order to obtain personal and financial data needed to complete credit report.
• Prepare reports of findings and recommendations, using typewriters or computers.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $30,620.00. The entry-level wage was $19,410.00 while an experienced worker made $36,220.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 2,430 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 1,410 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about -102 openings due to growth and about 47 replacement openings for approximately -55 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant decline.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Banking and Financial Support ServicesA program that prepares individuals to perform a wide variety of customer services in banks, insurance agencies, savings and loan companies, and related enterprises. Includes instruction in communications and public relations skills, business equipment operation, and technical skills applicable to the methods and operations of specific financial or insurance services.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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