HOW CAN YOU GET A JOB WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD?

In today’s competitive scenario, finding secured job is already a very tough task.  this is the harsh reality that if you have had any minor scrape with the law or arrested of any misdemeanor, things are going to get more tough. You may find that the companies & the employers are reluctant to hire you.

While daunting, you can focus on a few things which will help you to get a lawfully secured job without stressing over your past.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

In some cases, you don’t need to tell the employers about your history. Such cases may include :

• In cases where the arrest is not currently pending & it didn’t turned into conviction.
• In cases where a minor drug offence occurred, and many years have passed.
• In cases where you have erased your offense by obtaining a rehabilitation certificate.
• In case you were convicted by a juvenile & now you are an adult.

KNOW WHICH OFFENCES ARE ON YOUR RECORD

The nature of conviction greatly matters. A particular type of convictions may disqualify you from certain types of jobs. For example, if you were arrested for kidnapping of children, you won’t be allowed to work near children or in a ob profile like teacher, bus driver etc.

For example, if you were convicted for financial issues, it would be impossible for you to work for banks.

So you need to do some research & think about those jobs which are unrelated to your convictions. Eliminate job that will automatically disqualify you & focus on the ones that you can still apply for.

KNOW WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE ALLOWED TO CONSIDER

Even the employers are not allowed to immediately disqualify you after seeing your past record. Employers also have to abide by  some basic rules-

• Employers must demonstrate if your conviction is “job-related” & whether it’s going to affect your credibility & trustworthiness to work here.
• Employers must consider the number of years passed after the conviction & completion of sentence. If the employer is rejecting you because of a super old conviction, he won’t be able to justify that.
• The type of job that you are applying for should also be taken under consideration.

TALK TO PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

If a friend or a family members of yours is either hiring or knows someone who is then ask your friends to recommend you to the employer. With this your chances of getting the job will increase manifolds.

SEEK OUT POSITIONS THAT ALLOWS YOU TO WORK “BEHIND THE SCENES”

You might have a good chance in getting jobs like restocking shelves, maintenance etc. You may not be able to get a job set in social surroundings which requires dealing with people etc. Employers in restaurants & bars are quite supportive & understanding of criminal record.

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR HISTORY

There is a fair possibility that you would want to lie in your application form when it asks you whether you have a criminal record or not. But being honest is actually the best policy, because the employers these days do conduct a background checking survey so if you hide your past and they later get to know about it, you will surely not get hired or if you are already hired & working, you will get terminated.

NETWORK

It is very important to at least have a professional network when you are looking for a job. It might get you some good jobs. Create your professional profile on LinkedIn and twitter & find an association in the industry you want to be in. Go know people.

CONCLUSION

Even if, there is a transgression in your past, this cannot stop you from getting a good secured job & to live your life with dignity. Be confident & accepting towards everything that the employer may ask you about your past. Try to evolve yourself with time & move forward. Always remember, “your past cannot define you”. For any other help visit Lead India we have expert lawyers in Delhi and other cities of India to guide you right way.