Declaring bankruptcy can be a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders - but you must be extremely careful not to fall into debt again in the months and years after you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. One of the best moves you can make after declaring bankruptcy is to make sure that you have a steady and predictable income. The best way to achieve that is through getting a job with a regular paycheck.

But is it more difficult to get a job after you have declared bankruptcy? Not really. Although it is becoming more and more common for potential employers to do credit checks on potential employees, your credit score would still have been quite low if you did not declare bankruptcy. Also, there are a few simple steps you can take in order to minimize the effect that your bankruptcy will have on possible employers.

First and foremost, be honest with your employer if they ask about your credit score or let you know that they will be pulling your credit records. In many cases, bankruptcies are due to a lay off, a medical emergency, a death in the family, or some other catastrophic event - if this is the case, let your interview know. If you bankruptcy was not due to an unforeseeable life event, explain that you have taken measure to reclaim your life and rebuild your credit. Especially with the recent financial crisis, employers will often understand that you have seen hard times and that hiring you would not be a risk.