Are you looking for jobs for someone with a criminal record?
Whether or not you’ve gotten convicted, having an arrest record can hurt your chances of finding a job. If you’ve recently gotten arrested, one of the first things on your mind is how you’ll find a job.
Ex-convicts find that while they’re free now, it can be hard to get their lives back in order. Finding employment with a criminal record is tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Want to know how you can find a job with a criminal record? Are you trying to help out a friend or family member? This is the article for you.
Read on to learn how to find a job with a criminal record.
Know What’s On Your Record
Depending on the industry and job you’re applying to, your crime will be a huge factor for employers. However, this isn’t as simple as one may think. The impact of repeat offenses can be different from that of one offense that happened a decade ago.
Most employers reject ex-convicts with offenses that relate to the job position. History of embezzlement can hurt your chances of getting an accounting job.
Regardless, it’s crucial to know what’s on your record. If you’re worried about the background check, run a check on yourself ahead of time.
Some platforms can grant you a criminal background check for a small fee. When looking at your records, ensure to check for errors. Some employers tend to mismatch information.
If you find an error in your report, contact the company to dispute it. You may also contact the FTC to file a complaint or make corrections.
Read the Application Terms
When applying for a job position, ensure to read the terms well. It’s important to be honest about your background in any situation. However, you don’t need to disclose more information than you need to.
Check what employers are looking for under the job application. If it asks for a time frame, you don’t have to disclose convictions that happened before that period. You may not need to disclose arrests and dismissal if an employer is only asking for convictions.
Seal or Expunge Your Records If Possible
Check if your state allows ex-convicts to seal or expunge their records. This generally wipes away your offenses and gives you a clean slate. However, it’s crucial to note that not all offenses are eligible for expungement.
Some felonies that you can’t expunge include:
- Arson
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Capital offenses
- Rape
- Murder, and
- Terrorism
If your case resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or no action, you could seal your records. Expungement of criminal record also isn’t possible if your case resulted in a guilty adjudication. If you’re looking to expunge or seal your records, it’s best to contact your attorney first.
Seek a Career Counselor
Navigating job opportunities can be overwhelming if you don’t have the best background. It can also cause stress about your livelihood and wellbeing.
Seeking a career counselor is one of the best things you can do if you’re having trouble looking for work. Counselors always have their client’s best interests in mind.
A career counselor can help you develop an effective strategy for your job hunt. Career counselors will inform you of your options and how you can tackle your objectives.
Even if you’re an ex-convict, it’s crucial to note that there’s no shame in asking for help. Counselors often help their clients locate the proper resources. They direct their clients to proper mentors to help with their journeys.
A career counselor will also help you come to terms with your feelings about your career. Having someone to talk to about your career can be beneficial for your mental health. This can also set you up for a healthier mindset while looking for a job.
Know Your Rights
Every company has the right to choose who they employ. However, they should not deprive you of your rights to find a job. The rights for restored citizens looking for a job may vary by state, so be sure to check in with your local laws.
Hiring restored citizens is becoming a more acceptable practice. The Fair Chance Act is working on prohibiting employers from asking about convictions. It’s only when a person receives a job offer that an employer may ask about this information.
The Fair Chance Act makes it possible for restored citizens to have the same chances as others. This encourages employers to focus on skills sets instead of backgrounds. During the interview, convince your employer how you can contribute to their company.
Two other federal laws protect applicants and employees. The first one is the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The FCRA imposes strict guidelines on consumer reporting agencies. Agencies may not include arrest records that are over seven years old. The only exception is when the job position offers more than a certain price.
Title VII protects applicants from discrimination in all aspects of employment. Refusing to hire restored citizens is now considered discriminatory.
Look for Jobs Open to Restored Citizens
Some job positions may be harder to acquire, depending on your offense. If you think you have limited options, look for companies that hire restored citizens. Many companies have specific programs for hiring restored citizens.
Retail stores and restaurants are becoming more open to restored citizens. You may also apply to business services like Xerox and Manpower. These are great places to start if you’re fresh out of jail.
Looking for Jobs for Someone With a Criminal Record
Now you know how to get hired with a criminal record. Hunting for jobs for someone with a criminal record can be difficult at first. However, this shouldn’t stop you from finding a fulfilling career.
With these job search tips for felons, you’re sure to find a way to secure a good income. If you’re a restored citizen, finding a job is only the first step of the process. Check out our other guides for more tips on getting your life back in order.
