You might have gotten in trouble with the law at some point in your life and been convicted of a crime. While a criminal record can sometimes make finding a job more challenging, you may increase your chances of getting hired if you know what to expect when you’re searching for a job with a criminal history.
The Importance of Honesty
Honesty is key when it comes to finding a job with a criminal record, and you should expect to be asked about your criminal history on job applications and in interviews. If you are dishonest and try to hide your criminal past, potential employers might learn about your criminal record when performing background checks and no longer consider you for a position.
However, not all employers conduct criminal background checks on potential candidates, and your conviction might not show up on a criminal history report if you were charged with a misdemeanor more than seven years ago. It’s still important to be honest about your criminal background since you don’t know who might pull up your criminal history.
Some hiring managers give applicants with criminal records chances to explain the circumstances of their crimes to determine if these individuals are still suitable for certain positions. If you give a detailed explanation of your crime and how you’ve amended your ways and moved on from your past, the hiring manager may feel confident enough to pick you for the job.
The Decision to Rule Out Certain Industries
With a criminal record, some industries are easier to find jobs in than others. Some of these fields often require employees to deal with money and confidential information regularly, and employers might not feel comfortable assigning these tasks to you because of your prior criminal conviction.
If you don’t want to waste a lot of time searching for jobs in fields where you likely won’t be hired, you should consider ruling out industries like finance and real estate. You may also have a tougher time finding a job as a healthcare worker or childcare provider if you have a criminal history.
You may have better luck finding a job in the construction or retail industry, as employers in these fields are often more likely to hire people with criminal histories as long as they don’t pose a threat to anyone on the job. If you’re interested in a job in one of these fields, a staffing agency can help you find the right position.
Your Legal Rights
Just because you have a criminal record doesn’t give any employer the right to discriminate against you unfairly. U.S. federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against job candidates on the basis of race or national origin.
For example, an employer could be violating the law if they refused to hire you because of your criminal record but hires someone of a different race with equal qualifications and a similar criminal history as yours. If you can prove that an employer discriminated against you unfairly, you may be able to take legal action.
In most cases, employers are supposed to consider the nature of a person’s criminal record and whether it will likely impact workplace safety and their ability to do the job. The employer should also consider how much time has passed since the conviction to be sure that they’re making a fair hiring decision.
Even with a criminal record, you still deserve the chance to get a job and make an honest living. If you need help finding work in an industry that will value your contributions as an employee, please contact Tulsa’s Green Country Staffing for assistance.
