Having a criminal record can indeed make it harder to get a job. If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime, you might worry about how this will affect your future. Let’s explore how a criminal record can impact your job search and what you can do about it.
How do employers find out about criminal records?
When you apply for a job, the employer might do a background check. This means they look into your past to see if you have any criminal records. They can find this information in several different ways:
- Asking you directly on the job application
- Hiring a company to do a background check
- Searching public records
What types of criminal records can affect employment?
Not all criminal records are the same. Some might affect your job chances more than others:
- Felonies: These are serious crimes and can make it very hard to get certain jobs.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious than felonies, but can still cause problems.
- Arrests: Some employers might be concerned about arrests, even if you weren’t convicted.
How does a criminal record affect your job search?
Having a criminal record can affect your job search in several ways:
- Fewer job options: Certain jobs, for example, working with kids or for a bank, might not be open to people with certain criminal records.
- More competition: If two people apply for the same job and one has a clean record, the employer might choose them over someone with a criminal record.
- Lower pay: Sometimes, people with criminal records might have to take lower-paying jobs at first.
- Licensing issues: Some jobs require licenses that you might not be able to get with a criminal record.
What can you do if you have a criminal record?
Don’t give up hope! There are things you can do to improve your chances of getting a job:
- Be honest: Tell the truth if an employer asks about your record. Lying can make things worse.
- Explain your situation: If you’ve changed since your conviction, tell employers how you’ve improved your life.
- Know your rights: Some states have laws that limit how employers can use criminal records in hiring.
- Look into record sealing or expungement: In some cases, you might be able to have your record sealed or erased. This can help a lot with job hunting.
- Get job training: Learning new skills can make you a stronger candidate.
- Start with smaller companies: Smaller businesses might be more willing to give you a chance than big corporations.
- Consider self-employment: Starting your own business can be a good option if you’re having trouble finding a job.
How can a lawyer help?
Talking to a lawyer can be really helpful if you’re worried about how your criminal record might affect your job search. At The Law Offices of James Lee Bright, we understand these challenges. We can:
- Explain your rights when job hunting
- Help you try to get your record sealed or expunged
- Advise you on how to talk about your record with employers
Remember, having a criminal record doesn’t mean you can’t get a job. It might be harder, but with the right approach and help, you can still build a great career.
Call us if you’re in Dallas, TX, and need help dealing with how your criminal record affects your job search. We’re here to help you move forward and succeed.
