AUGUSTA, Ga. - You know you need a standout resume, but there's something else that could be a factor in whether or not you get the job: your credit.

Debbie from Aiken wants to know, 'Why do some employers check your credit?'

Robert Kelly is a career matchmaker for employers and job seekers at Augusta Staffing Associates.

He says a positive attitude and a good credit report can be just as important as an impressive resume in today's tight job market.

"It has become quite common lately for companies to require you to present and release information of your credit history," Kelly said.

Kelly says banks, financial companies, groups handling personal information or valuables often use credit history to evaluate a potential employee's risk.

"A lot of how you manage your finances at home is going to come through with how you manage a company's finances at work," he said.

Here's what you should know about credit history while job hunting:

-You must sign a consent form before a company can check your credit.

-You have the right to ask why a potential employer wants to check it.

-You can say 'no,' but it may hurt your chance of getting the job.

-Know your history and be upfront if you have some negative marks in your report.

-By law, companies must notify you if your credit knocked you out of getting the job.

-By law, you cannot be discriminated against for bankruptcy.

Kelly says it's not a good idea to have your history pulled unless you're strongly interested in a position. He says too many credit checks within a short time span can hurt your score.

NBC Augusta 26 News brings you straight to the point news, weather, and sports from Augusta and the CSRA. Meet our NBC Augusta 26 News staff!