Employers are always looking for clues which tell them not to hire someone. Personal issues and employment issues cause red flags for employers and you're not getting the job. While many of these issues will not be your fault, or you may not feel they impact the job, employers will want to see how you positively handled these personal issues. There are four categories which most employment issues fall into.

• Health
• Legal
• Financial
• Learning and Behavior

Health Issues

While many health issues can't be considered causes for not getting a job by themselves, they can signal potential problems which employers may not want to face. Such items as the following will most likely be considered:

• Chronic health problems - especially mental problems such as bipolar disorders or depression
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Physical handicap

Legal Issues

One of the many personal issues employers will want to stay clear of are legal troubles. Again, while many legal problems are not directly employment issues, the employer will have concerns about their effect on you and your job performance. Such issues which might cause concern would be:

• Bankruptcy
• Criminal problems
• Recent divorce or custody issues

With current laws many government agencies can take action against you through your employer. Wage garnishment or multiple requests for employment and payroll information become employment issues. Having legal trouble with the court system is another personal issue which may effect employment.

Financial Issues

Learning/Behavior Issues

Some personal issues, such as learning disabilities, can not be explained away. Employers legally can't disqualify an applicant solely on a disability unless it has a direct impact on their ability to perform the job. Other learning or behavior problems can be explained and may become employment issues if not addressed in a positive manner.

• Anger issues
• Abusive personality
• Addictive personality
• Excessive absence
• Insubordination
• Uncooperative
• Lack of motivation

Any of these signs can cause you not to be hired.

While not every personal issue will turn into an employment issue, steps should be taken to show positive action in addressing any issues which an employer may see as a problem. If an employer shows concern about certain areas, be ready and willing to discuss the positive actions you are taking to address the problem. Such things as the following would fall into this category:

Not every issue will be addressed at every interview. You may not know if an employer looks for information, or what information they might want. With this in mind, it is best to have positive solutions and plans in place before the interview process.