I applied for a seasonal part-time job for a retail company, and was stunned to learn I’d been rejected due to a red flag on my credit report, which came up during a background check. I filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and it is currently being paid. I can understand if I were applying for a job in finance — but a seasonal job in retail?

Do you know what one of the biggest costs is for retail companies? Theft. So if you accept that it’s appropriate to consider financial history when hiring for a finance job, then the same rationale applies for retailers. And when you consider that seasonal workers may have less loyalty to their employers than a full-timer, it isn’t unreasonable (or unlawful) for an employer to make that decision.

Next time a job requires a credit check, I’d suggest getting ahead of the problem by explaining what they’ll find, so it isn’t a surprise. Explain that like millions of others, you ran into difficulty during the economic crisis of 2008, but that you have since sorted out your affairs and that you have been a financially responsible person your entire life. Good luck, and just fyi, I’m a 42 regular, partial to Italian designers and always looking for a good deal. (But, to be clear, NOT the five-finger-discount kind!)

I’m in a difficult personal relationship and my partner is calling and harassing me at work. My performance is suffering and I fear I may lose my job. Should I tell my employer, or will my personal problems spilling over into work just make things worse?

Under normal circumstances I believe that one should avoid bringing personal problems to work, but what you describe is not a normal circumstance. Your employer may be more understanding than you expect and offer some flexibility and/or assistance. You might be able to take a leave of absence to resolve your problems at home. And your benefits plan may well offer an Employee Assistance Plan, giving you free access to counselors who can help you confidentially.

Finally, you should know that in New York you are eligible to collect unemployment if you lose or quit your job because of domestic violence, which doesn’t have to be physical in nature. Do something, say something. Get help. Good luck.

Gregory Giangrande is chief human resources officer for Dow Jones. Send questions to gotogreg@nypost.com.