How Does Having a Criminal Record Affect Employment?

People who have a criminal record certainly can face challenges in securing employment.  However, just because you have made a mistake in your past does not mean that you will never be able to find meaningful employment.  It does mean that you will need to have diligence and determination in searching for the right position.

Having a criminal record can affect employment opportunities in many ways.  Whenever you apply or interview for a job the potential employer has the right to ask for your permission to conduct a criminal record check before making a hiring decision.  It is often what is on that criminal record check that influences the employers' decision.  The employer also has every right to deny you a position with their company if you have a criminal record.  Employment is most often denied because of felony convictions and any conviction that resulted in jail time.  Misdemeanors are often considered less serious but every employer has different guidelines that they follow when hiring employees.

Certain industries are more stringent than others when requiring criminal background checks.  Most often jobs in which you are required to work with money or customer's credit cards will not allow any type of criminal conviction.  Other industries that will not allow a criminal conviction include those working with children, law enforcement, and occupations requiring state licensing such as nursing, real estate or insurance agent.  When looking for employment, it is best to search in those industries that are not as stringent.

However, not every employer checks a criminal background and instead relies on other means of evaluating the background of a potential employee, such as personal and professional references, education and experience.  These employers are more interested in hiring those who are able to do the job.  In those cases is it not necessary to reveal your criminal background unless asked directly.  If you are asked about your criminal background it is best to be honest about it.  You can take this opportunity to explain what happened, what you learned form your experience, and how you have changed as a person.  If you are successful in securing a position do your best to impress your new employer.  This will enable you to gain a reputation as a true professional and to secure future references.