How To Find A Job After College If You Have A Criminal Record

Jenna Thorne

College graduation should be one of the most exciting days of your life, but finding a job in the current economy can be a daunting task, which can seem like a nearly impossible task if you have a criminal record. While a majority of employers perform background checks on potential hires, individuals with an arrest or conviction on their record should not be discouraged.  There are steps you can take to prevent previous mistakes from holding you back as you enter the job market.

Have your Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged

The first thing you should do is look into having the criminal record sealed or expunged.  Every state has its own laws specifying which offenses and which offenders are eligible to clear their record.  If you are eligible and are granted an expungement or sealing from the court, the law in most states will allow you to deny the existence of the arrest and/or conviction on a job application and in an interview.  Attorney Melissa Clark who operates ClearMyFloridaRecord.com recommends that before you start applying for jobs, it is a good idea to find out whether you are eligible for an expungement or criminal record sealing.  “The process can take six or seven months to complete in some states, like Florida, and it is best to get the process started as soon as possible,” said Clark.

Consider Many Fields of Employment

If a record sealing or expungement is not currently an option, you can also look for jobs in a field that is more likely to be forgiving of your record.  This can vary depending on the nature of your offense.  Attorney Mathew Higbee who operates RecordGone.com says that some employers are concerned about legal liability that can be associated with hiring someone with a history of violent crime.    “Certain fields, such as those involving children, elderly or other vulnerable individuals, are very likely to deny employment if your offense involved any form of violence, threat of violence or resulted in harm to a victim that is part of a susceptible class,” said Higbee. As another example, positions that require handling money will be less likely to ignore a theft offense than other jobs that do not entrust money to someone in that particular position.

Be Honest About Your Past

Do not lie about your criminal record on job applications or during an interview. Be honest and straightforward regarding your past.  Most employers will conduct a background check at some point in the hiring process; it is better to explain your conviction in the beginning than have to explain why you were not truthful later on after you have received a job offer.  You should emphasize what you have learned from the incident and what you have accomplished since. While you should be honest about your criminal history, make sure you focus on your accomplishments, such as participation in school activities, volunteer work and relevant work experience or training.

Market Yourself as the Perfect Applicant

A criminal record can be an additional barrier when trying to land your dream job, and therefore it is imperative to ensure you make use of everything available to make yourself stand out in a positive way from the applicant pool. This includes networking, perfecting your resume and cover letter, and gaining relevant training or experience.

Networking is important for all jobseekers, but it will be even more beneficial when you have a blemish on your record that may otherwise keep you from getting your foot in the door. Check with your school to see if they have any scheduled networking events in your area.  Having someone within the company or the field that knows you and can speak to your qualifications will help counteract any negative effect a criminal record may have during the hiring process.

It is also essential that your resume and cover letter is perfect.  While this is true for all candidates, it is especially important if you have a criminal record; you do not want to give potential employers another reason to toss your application aside.  You want to stand out as the most qualified applicant.  If you are currently unemployed, you may also consider accepting an unpaid internship or another position that will provide you with relevant training and experience to include on your resume. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and free of errors, and make sure the cover letter you submit is tailored for the specific job and company.

If you are seeking employment and have a criminal record, you may feel as though your college degree is worthless because of a past mistake.  First try to expunge or seal your criminal record to prevent it from being a factor in your job search.  If expungement is not an option, it is important to realize that many people are in a similar situation; there are steps you can take to minimize the effect your record will have on your job prospects.  Be honest with employers and highlight all of the positive things you have going for you; make it so that you, criminal record or not, are indispensable to the employer.

About Author: Jenna Thorne is an attorney licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She is a regular contributor to ExpungementPA.com.