For people convicted of misdemeanor or felony offenses, a big hurdle in repairing their lives can be finding a new job.
If forced to spend time in jail, any job a person had prior to an offense may be lost. Even when a job remains for a person after being convicted of a crime, the pay may be insufficient to allow a person to afford court fees and other expenses, forcing the need for a new job.
Applying for a new job
Glassdoor indicates that job seekers strategically select industries or individual jobs before even starting their applications. For example, a person convicted of embezzlement may wish to avoid applying for jobs that require handling money. Similarly, a person convicted of drunk driving may be better off not applying for a job as a driver.
Disclosing a criminal past
According to Monster.com, job candidates should not feel obligated to disclose their criminal records on initial applications. By waiting, they allow themselves the opportunity to engage in conversations with hiring managers that focus on their work experience, education or other factors relevant to their ability to perform the job duties.
The background check
The majority of employers today rely on background checks near the final stages of the hiring process. Prior to receiving these results, a job candidate should let the employer know about the criminal conviction.
When discussing a past indiscretion, care should be taken to avoid providing unnecessary details about the event itself. Instead, the conversation should emphasize the positive changes the person has made since the arrest and conviction.