Finding a job is a lot of work. And if you have a criminal record, the entire process becomes even more difficult.
In this challenging job market, many ex-offenders feel like they don't stand a chance against job seekers with clean records. And since most employers will screen for criminal history, it may seem like all the odds are stacked against ex-offenders from getting the jobs they need.
While existing “Ban the Box” laws and other guidelines dictate when and how employers can use an applicant's criminal to determine their hiring decisions, being screened is still a reality for anyone seeking employment.
One of the most common areas of concern for ex-offenders is whether or not to Self-Disclose their criminal past.
Laws exist that dictate when and how an employer can use your criminal record in deciding employment. It is important to remember that those laws are there to protect you.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines state that ex-offenders cannot be denied employment based solely on their criminal record history, except in certain industries as required by law. Instead, an employer’s decision whether or not to hire you must be based on “business necessity”.
The important questions then become; When, What, and How to do it right!
That is why it is important that ex-offenders deal with their criminal record head on!
Ex-Offenders Looking for Work are Wise to Disclose their Criminal Past! “Tweet This”
One of the most common areas of concern for ex-offenders is whether or not to Self-Disclose their criminal past.
Laws exist that dictate when and how an employer can use your criminal record in deciding employment. It is important to remember that those laws are there to protect you.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines state that ex-offenders cannot be denied employment based solely on their criminal record history, except in certain industries as required by law. Instead, an employer’s decision whether or not to hire you must be based on “business necessity”.
When looking at your criminal record, Employers must consider:
- The nature and gravity of your offense or offenses.
- The time that has passed since your conviction and/or completion of the sentence.
- The nature of the job you are seeking.
Despite these protections, many ex-offenders are still worried. You may think that it is better to just stay quiet and take the chance that your past will not be uncovered. This is unwise.
Instead, the smartest thing you can do is to be open and up front about your criminal history.
Discover When and How You Should Disclose Your Criminal Past to Employers “Tweet This”
- When Should You Tell Your Potential Employer about Your Criminal History?
That is why taking the time now to talk about your criminal past makes sense.
- What Should You Disclose about Your Criminal History?
- How Should You Explain Your Criminal History to a Potential Employer?
But don’t let your conviction be the focus – stress what you’ve learned from the experience. Take this time to explain what you have done to reform. Share clear examples of any training programs you have completed or any certificates you have earned, even those earned while you may have been incarcerated.
You should also include any letters of recommendation from employers, mentors, or even support group leaders. Be sure to emphasize any examples of your reliability and trustworthiness.
What your potential employer is really looking for is anything you have done to show you have moved on and have done the work to improve yourself. While sharing this personal information may be difficult, it can go a long way towards getting you a second chance and showing you have moved on.
For many employers, finding out you lied can be a bigger deal breaker than discovering you having a criminal history. That is why being prepared and ready to take responsibility is crucial.
Employers realize that not everyone looking for a job is squeaky clean. So when you take it upon yourself to be open and up front about your criminal past, they are more likely than ever before to give you a second chance.
Bottom Line ~ It is in your best interest to be truthful. Don’t take the chance that your criminal past won’t show up. It will.
Being proactive and taking the initiative to self-disclose will leave a much more favorable impression than if you let your employer find out only after the background check!
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