In terms of employment, your past does not always have a bearing on your future prospects.
You should not be discouraged from pursuing a job because of a criminal record. Job searching is difficult enough without having to worry about whether or not your history will negatively impact your chances to be hired, which is especially true if you have a criminal record. However, you should not let this deter you from finding meaningful work. You should be aware of the following when looking for work despite having a criminal record.
Why do employers conduct criminal background checks?
Who can blame companies for wanting to know if they are about to recruit a convicted fraudster as their next chief financial officer? As a result, employers who do not perform thorough screenings may be held responsible in the event that their employees engage in violent behavior, steal from their business partners, or sexually harass their co-workers. In other words, firms that do not do background checks on potential employees are putting themselves in a vulnerable position.
In some cases, depending on the nature of your offense and when it occurred, and the nature of the job that you are seeking, there may be mitigating considerations that employers will take into account. For example, there is a significant difference between a single case of personal drug use when you were back in college and a recent history of international drug smuggling.
In the majority of circumstances, if your prior criminal record is connected to the employment you are pursuing, it can, and most likely will be used against you in the hiring process. In the case of a fraud conviction, for example, your chances of being hired as an accountant are pretty much nonexistent.
Carry out your own checks first
What information will be revealed by your background check? We recommend that you take an active approach to job hunting by conducting a criminal background check on yourself prior to seeking employment.
Make sure there are no mistakes on your report because background check companies frequently make mistakes such as mismatching people with similar names, reporting an arrest without disclosing that no charges were filed, revealing sealed or expunged information, listing single charges multiple times, or misidentifying misdemeanors as criminal convictions.
Things like what you have done since your conviction and the rehabilitation you have received may also be taken into consideration in your case. Nonetheless, we advise that you prepare a concise explanation of what happened and what you learned as a result of the experience before going into job interviews. In your cover letter, emphasize that you are devoted to making a meaningful contribution to society and that you see this job as an excellent opportunity to do so.
Be proactive about revealing your past
When applying for jobs and interviewing for them, it is highly encouraged that you take the initiative and reveal any criminal convictions you may have, even if the company does not specifically request this information. Being forthright about previous criminal conduct demonstrates accountability on your behalf, which may be noticed by potential employers as an asset.
Incorporate a positive spin into your criminal history, and talk about what you learned from the event, as well as how you have evolved as a person after the offense occurred. People with criminal convictions frequently find themselves in greater difficulties when they attempt to conceal their convictions during job hunting than when they are found to have the convictions on their records.
Ask a professional for help
During your transition back into the workforce, your probation officer can be a valuable resource for information about career opportunities. It is possible that they will be able to supply you with a list of organizations in your area that are well-known for hiring people with criminal backgrounds. While these positions may not always be perfect, they can help you rebuild your work history and open the door to better options down the road.
It is possible to have some misdemeanor charges expunged and removed from your record. If your conviction was not for a banned offense, you should consider contacting a local criminal defense attorney and pursuing the expungement of your convictions. A conviction can be removed from a criminal record, but it can take months, which may be inconvenient if you are trying to find work as quickly as possible after being convicted.
