There's an increasing likelihood that the next time you apply for a job, your would-be employer will ask to run a credit check. About 35% of companies consider applicants' credit histories, up from 19% in 1996, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, an HR trade group. Why? Companies figure that folks with decent financials are less likely to pilfer and that good management of personal finances translates into responsibility on the job. As security concerns mount and technology makes it easier to run checks, more companies are jumping on board.
But some advocacy groups are wary of the practice,...