Stop the practice of employers checking credit reports and criminal background checks. Only a few high security jobs should require this. This in an intrusion into your right to privacy. If you have been unemployed for awhile, it may be impossible to pay all of your bills and therefore, have a low credit score. Should you be discriminated against for this? If you committed a crime, but did your time, should you be discriminated against for this? If you do not hire someone because of their past, then you are punishing them for something they "might" do in the future.
The employer should check your past job references and make his decision based on that.
This practice fuels discrimination in minorities and increases the number of unemployables.