Wrestling with the Past: Pursuing a Career When You Have a Criminal Record

Finding a job can be a difficult task, but it can be even more difficult if you have a criminal record. Many employers may balk at hiring someone with a criminal past, or it may even result in a lower wage than you would otherwise receive.

The good news is that, even if you have a criminal past, there are things you can do to find a job and turn it into a well-paying career. It can be tricky, honestly, but that’s no reason to give up and assume that you will be stuck in a low-paying, dead-end job for the rest of your life. Here are a few helpful tips you should keep in mind when you start looking for a job when you have a criminal record.

Know Your Rights

The first thing you need to figure out is what rights you have as a person with a criminal past.

While it is not legal for an employer to deny you a job opportunity strictly because you have a criminal record, there are ways they can work around it. Many states in the country are “right to work” states, meaning that you can be fired, or denied for employment, for any number of reasons as long as they are not prohibited by law. This means that an employer can’t fire you because of your race or religion, but they can fire you if you don’t “fit in.”

As a person with a criminal past, you should be aware of this and be prepared. If you think that you are being denied employment based solely on your past, you may have options. In this case, you can contract attorneys like powersmccartan.com so you can review your rights and see what recourse you may have.

Find Help

If you find that you are having trouble finding a career on your own, you may be able to reach out for help from charitable organizations.

There are many organizations in every state that work with ex-cons and employers to place them into jobs where they can succeed. They will also coach you in the many things you can do to improve your chances of finding the right job and can advise you on the many difficulties people with criminal records face every day.

Some of these organizations will even start helping you if you are still in prison, so you can set yourself up for success as early as possible. Organizations like these provide a solid foundation of assistance and positivity that you can count on while you are looking for your next job.

Job Without Background Checks

Another bit of good news is that there are actually many careers that will not require a background check. This can give you a great opportunity to find a career that you enjoy without the embarrassment or obstacles of your employer’s knowing you are an ex-con.

The list of good-paying jobs is a fairly extensive one that can give ex-cons hope for a fulfilling career. Computer Programmer, Writer, Web Developer, Chef, Carpenter, Mechanic and Graphic Designer are just some of the fields you can enter after you are released that might not run a background check.

Of course, the fact that they won’t run a background check is not guaranteed. Some employers may still choose to do so because they are more comfortable knowing the history of the people they employ, and there is really no way around this. You should just keep trying until you find an employer who doesn’t run checks. Hopefully, you’ll land a job after a few tries and can start earning in your new career.

Be Honest About Your Past

Even though your hunt for a career may seem impossible with a record, you should always be honest on applications. There are many employers out there who may not care if you have a criminal record.

If an application asks you if you have a criminal record, you should always answer “yes” and explain your charges. Many employers feel much better about a person who discloses their past before a background check reveals it. This shows them that you are an honest person and that you don’t want to lie in order to try to get the job. If an application doesn’t ask about your past, then don’t put anything unless you employer asks.

Finding a job with a criminal record can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Stick with it and remember these tips.

Elise Ingram rebuilt her life in her late 20’s. She was running wild as a teenager and young adult and soon found herself with a criminal record that would follow her around for years to come. She writes about these consequences and how to deal with them.

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michael

I work as a full time hair stylist but love writing about life. I hope to become a full time writer one day and spend all my time sharing my experience with you!

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