Understanding the Impact of a Criminal Record on Your Job Search
Looking for a job? Having a criminal record can narrow down your prospects. No matter what you do or how far you’ve come, people, especially potential employers, tend to judge you based on your past.
Let’s be clear — these biases are unfair, and they often go against the spirit of hiring laws. But the reality is that employers need to cover their backs.
From keeping their business insurance to advertising to customers, companies have a vested interest in hiring only the most dependable people. They don’t have time to get to know you or gauge your progress, so they tend to make snap judgments when it comes to a job application.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t try:
- You can find and apply for jobs with a criminal record. You might just have to be less picky about what kinds of offers you’ll accept.
- Having a criminal record has no bearing on your initial job search. But when you apply, you may be asked to disclose such information. This can take you out of the running before you make it to the interview.
- Certain jobs are more welcoming to people with criminal records. You can often identify these positions and types of jobs because their descriptions include phrasing like “open hiring,” “fair chance,” and similar terms. Jobs that involve positions of trust, like banking and elder care, are generally less accommodating.
Strategies for Finding Employment
There are many ways to find a job as someone with a criminal record. On top of looking for applications that mention fair-chance terminology, try:
Reach Out to Prior Contacts
This is a good strategy for any job seeker, but it works particularly well for felons. Even if they aren’t hiring themselves, HR teams may be able to point you toward companies that accept people with criminal records. Old contacts are also vital sources of character references.
Prepare to Answer Tough Questions
Don’t get caught off-guard when someone asks you about your past. Instead, treat these pop quizzes like any other interview questions: practice in advance.
Prepare answers and any supporting information that helps you explain not only what happened, and the nature of your conviction, but also how you’ve progressed since. Above all, be truthful.
Use Resources Specifically for Felon Job Seekers
Some online tools let you filter out companies that exclude felons or restrict your search to jobs that welcome them. Job fairs geared toward reintegration and charities that work with felon volunteers are also good sources of leads.
Check Out These Industries
Try searching for jobs in:
- Delivery: You’ll need a driving license, but these jobs may be less stringent.
- Tech: Some startups are less restrictive, especially if you have in-demand IT skills.
- Foodservice: Cafeterias, diners, restaurants, and similar businesses might skip background checks.
- Manufacturing and Construction: Production-line, packaging, and building jobs can be great for felons who want to strengthen their resumes.
Understanding Employer Perspectives
Every company is different — but the way employers view candidates with criminal records isn’t totally arbitrary.
Employer Considerations When Hiring People With Criminal Records
One big issue for employers involves insurance. Service businesses that work inside people’s homes might not be able to maintain coverage — or professional licensing — if their workforce includes felons.
Trust works similarly. Thanks to common prejudices about having a criminal record, it can be hard to find jobs in childcare, teaching, and similar fields.
Strategies for Disclosing Your Criminal History — Don’t Take It Personally
During the application process, avoid reacting negatively to criminal history questions. Instead, you might want to take the initiative.
Mentioning you have a record upfront helps you appear trustworthy. You don’t have to volunteer too much detail — just let the employer know your record exists and that you’re willing to answer any questions they have.
Legal Implications and Considerations
Legal Obligations and Protections for Job Seekers and Employers
By law, federally regulated industries, like airlines, are prohibited from discriminating against you for your record. The catch is that you’re only protected if you have a record suspension.
For employers, HR experts say asking about criminal records is only reasonable in certain circumstances. For instance, the Highway Traffic Act requires transit operators to have clean histories. Applicants should also check the laws of their provinces to see what’s permissible. In most cases, nothing bars employers from requesting your consent to conduct background checks.
Your Legal Rights
If think you’ve been improperly excluded from hiring, don’t just accept it as fate. Instead, reach out to the Canadian Human Rights Commission or a lawyer.
The same goes for being fired because of your past. If you were forthcoming and truthful, having a prior record isn’t valid grounds for termination.
The Role of Record Suspension in Your Job Search
Getting a record suspension removes your conviction information from the CPIC police records database. This means it won’t turn up in background searches.
Seeking a record suspension takes work: the application requires you to provide supporting information, answer questions, and go through local police checks. The parole board also has high standards for who gets pardoned, and some crimes are ineligible. Nonetheless, the opportunity to find gainful employment makes pursuing a suspension worth it.
Conclusion
Your job hunt isn’t going to be as simple as Googling positions. Depending on the nature of your criminal record, it can severely limit your prospects and job opportunities. Applying for a record suspension might make your career path far smoother.
Want to learn more about optimizing your job search with a criminal record? Confirm your eligibility with our online tool.