Have You Ever Been Convicted of a Crime?
This question is the most agonizing part of any felon’s job search. Some believe by being
honest they don't have a chance at getting a job. The fact is an employer cannot legally
refuse to hire you because you have a criminal record unless the conviction is directly
related to the job for which you are applying. I have spoken with former inmates who
have lied on applications and gotten jobs, only to lose them later when background
checks were done. Some felons have been encouraged to use the response “Will discuss
at interview.” In my opinion, these are not good practices. The best advice I can give is
BE HONEST! Employers have a responsibility to know as much as possible about
prospective employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty of
negligent hiring when employees who have criminal pasts committed acts that resulted in
harm to others. Those situations could have been avoided by careful screening through
background checks. Employers will ask directly on applications about criminal
convictions as a means to protect himself, his business, and others.
In many states prospective employers may not ask about arrests that do not end in
convictions. Pay careful attention to the wording of this question. It may vary from
application to application. Typically the question will ask about convictions of crimes
and/or felonies and not misdemeanors. If you are unsure about the type of convictions
you have, you should obtain a copy of your record.
Many applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign
before the application is considered. This statement may also be called an Authorization.
The wording may vary but the employer is asking you to certify with your signature that
all of the information you have given is correct. Part of this certification is a release that
gives the employer access to information provided by past employers, law enforcement
agencies, educational institutions and other organizations that may have information
about you.
In reference to criminal records, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the
name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or
probation.)
Example:
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance 5/12/96 St Louis, MO Time Served (26
mos.)
You may have to practice to fit your response into the space given. For those who have
more than one conviction, list your convictions on a separate sheet of paper, make copies,
and attach a copy to each application you complete. In the space provided, write see
attached sheet. Be sure to list each and every conviction. I have seen individuals that had
been working on jobs for months, suddenly lose them because of failing to list one
conviction. That is why it is so important to get a copy of your record.
Felons Must be Honest when Applying for Jobs
Eric Mayo is the author of the books, “From Jail to a Job,” “The Teenager’s Guide to
Getting a Job,” and “The Secret to Getting Better Grades.” Eric has been helping felons
get jobs for over ten years and he has assisted thousands successfully rejoin society. Do
you have a question about getting a job with a criminal record? Visit Eric’s blog: How
Felons can get Jobs.
Felons Must be Honest when Applying for Jobs