Did you know that bad credit could decrease your odds of getting hired for a job?

Which, if you think about it, is a double-ended sword for the pink-slipped, down-on-their-luck chum, who has amounting bills to pay but no money to pay for it and no employer who will hire them.

So what's a jobless person with a poor credit history to do in order to land a new job? In a recent interview with wowOwow.com, Tory Johnson, the author of "Fired to Hired: Bouncing Back From Job Loss to Get to Work Right Now" provides job seekers with non-stellar credit these simple steps.

First, get a current copy of your credit report so you know what's on it. Don't wait to be rejected.

Once an employer says they'd like to extend an offer to you "contingent on a background check" (that includes prior employment verification, criminal history and, in many cases, your credit), speak up. Ask what's included in that check.

If you completed an official employment application, you likely signed the fine print that included authorization to explore your credit history.

If credit is included, be clear that you're thrilled to receive the offer and concisely explain that your credit has taken a hit. Say, "I want to be up front with you about my credit because I don't want that to be held against me." By offering a simple explanation, you may save the job.

If it's due to divorce, don't say you were left with all the bills. Just say the circumstances surrounding your divorce, unfortunately, left you with less-than-stellar credit that you're on track to repair.

Maybe it's an illness that left you with enormous bills (this is very common). Whatever the reason, be confident in your delivery -- and concise in the details you provide.

Tell us: Has a bad history with credit hindered you from landing a job? Do you think it's fair for a company to judge a candidate based on their spending habits?

wowOwow.com is a Web site aimed at influential women over 40, much like its distinguished founders and contributors, which include Marlo Thomas, Lesley Stahl, Candice Bergen, Liz Smith, Joni Evans, Mary Wells and Whoopi Goldberg.