Low credit scores result from irresponsibly handling credit over long periods of time, meaning there are no quick fixes for poor credit. However, if your credit score is on the low side, don’t despair; by using credit with care, you can nurse a low score back to health over time.

You’ll remember from last month’s credit score article that a credit score is a number from 300 to 850 that creditors, including banks, landlords and utility providers, look at to determine whether or not they’ll give you credit or service. In addition, more and more employers are using credit scores to determine who gets the job, making a good credit score imperative for those who are searching for employment.

While there is no defined range for “bad” credit, the higher your credit score, the better. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, scores of 700 and above suggest good credit.

One of the first steps in rebuilding poor credit is paying off past bills. But once you do that, don’t expect your credit score to increase immediately. Your low credit score will continue to follow you until you’ve established a history of handling credit responsibly, which will take time. During that period, be extra attentive to actions that could affect your credit score, and follow these steps to ensure your credit score will continue to rise:

DO Make bill payments on time. This is the single most important factor in rebuilding your credit, Experian reported. If you struggle with due dates, consider signing up for automatic bill payments.

DO Pay off outstanding balances instead of moving debt around.

DO Keep credit balances low, as coming close to your credit max can lower scores. A Business Week article advises limiting spending to 30 percent of your credit limit.

DO Build your credit history by keeping accounts open for long periods of time. Lenders look for consumers with long credit histories who have managed their credit well.

DO Open new credit accounts to re-establish your credit history. Equifax, another of the major credit bureaus, states that starting over with new accounts and managing them responsibly from the beginning can improve your score. An MSN article suggests starting with gas company and department store credit cards since getting approved for them is relatively easy.

DON’T Close unused credit accounts. An open account counts as part of your overall credit limit. Close an account that you owe no money on, and you lower that number. That means that your total debt balance will be a higher percentage of your credit limit, and that gives you a lower credit score.

DON’T Apply for unnecessary credit. Applications for credit show up on your credit report as inquiries, indicating that you’re taking on new debt. Too many inquiries at once can lower scores.

DON’T Believe organizations that claim they can completely erase bad credit; only time can accomplish that.

According to Experian, delinquencies and most public record items remain in your credit report for seven years, thus affecting your score for that period of time. In addition, some bankruptcies remain on your report for 10 years, unpaid tax liens for 15 years and inquiries for two years. If these elements are on your credit report, the best thing you can do is continue to handle credit responsibly and wait until these negative factors fade away from your report. Remember, time is on your side when it comes to improving your credit score.

Want to know more about how your credit score is determined? Read part one of this story: Know Your Numbers: Solving the Credit Score Mystery.