How to get a job if you have a felony, misdemeanor, or other criminal record | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep5 was originally published on College Recruiter.
The Challenge:
- Prevalence of criminal records: A significant number of students and graduates have criminal records, with an estimated 4% having felony convictions.
- Employer Reluctance: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal histories, making the job search particularly challenging.
- Navigating Disclosure: Balancing honesty with strategic disclosure of criminal history is crucial.
Key Strategies:
- Legal Empowerment:
- Know your rights: Understand state laws regarding pre-employment screening and expungement eligibility.
- Expungement/Sealing: Pursue record expungement or sealing for eligible offenses, potentially allowing legal denial of a criminal record.
- “Ban the Box” policies: Seek opportunities in locations that have adopted policies delaying background checks.
- Discrimination Protection: Familiarize yourself with laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to challenge discriminatory practices.
2. Strategic Job Search:
- Target receptive industries: Focus on fields known to be more open to individuals with criminal records, such as skilled trades, technology, and certain government jobs.
- Networking: Leverage personal connections and reach out to organizations specializing in reentry and workforce development.
- Non-traditional methods: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network and showcase your skills.
3. Presenting Your Best Self:
- Honesty with discretion: Disclose your record truthfully when required but avoid unnecessary details.
- Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize relevant skills and experiences gained through education, part-time work, volunteering, or even incarceration.
- Demonstrate rehabilitation: Showcase personal growth, address past issues, and highlight positive changes.
- Exceptional presentation: Craft a polished resume, write tailored cover letters, and practice interview skills.
Quotes from Experts:
- Jeffrey Korzenik: “The good news is that employers are more willing to consider a candidate with a record than they have been in decades, but the bad news is that a record is still a formidable barrier to getting hired.”
- Melissa Clark: “The process [of expungement] can take six or seven months to complete in some states… and it is best to get the process started as soon as possible.”
- Carisa Miklusak: “It’s always better to proactively discuss your situation with an employer, rather than addressing it once they find from your background results.”
- Grant Aldrich: “People with criminal records should consider non-traditional methods to find a job… For example, some of the best jobs are not found on job boards but rather through LinkedIn connections.”
Additional Considerations:
- Entrepreneurship: Starting a business offers an alternative path to employment, allowing control and flexibility.
- Persistence and Positivity: Remain persistent in your job search, maintain a positive attitude, and seek support networks.
Conclusion:
Finding employment with a criminal record is challenging but not impossible. By understanding their rights, strategically approaching their job search, and presenting themselves effectively, individuals can overcome this barrier and achieve their career goals.
