Government Jobs and Your Criminal Record
Keep reading to find out about government jobs and your criminal record. All government jobs require a criminal record check. This is a required step in the security clearance/status process. Before hiring, all successful candidates must submit to a criminal background check (fingerprinting) conducted by the department or agency. Government jobs are competitive career choices. The pros are compensation, job security, and benefit plans. Jobs available are available with cities, provinces and the Government of Canada. Government jobs aren't political. The public service includes roles in statistics, finance, parks, policing, maintenance and more. You can even work abroad for the government. There are positions in foreign consulates around the world. Overseas jobs include military or support personnel. Government positions encompass just about every type of job out there! Even if you have a criminal record, you can apply for government jobs.
Applying for a Government Job
Applying for a government job is not as simple as filling out an application, submitting it, and hoping for the best. Most government roles will require very particular and high expectations from applicants, and in certain cases, a certain type of personality. So, what does this mean for someone with a criminal record?
Careers That Require A Background Check
Receiving a granted Record Suspension means your Canada criminal record is sealed. A Record Suspension is a pardon. Your future employment or education goals will not be hindered by your past. If you have not yet received a Record Suspension, you may be concerned about background checks. But don’t be dismayed; this doesn’t mean that you aren’t eligible! Employers may look at:
- The nature of the position;
- The gravity of the offence;
- The recentness of the offence.
While there is a distinction between misdemeanours, such as speeding tickets, and illegal offences, such as burglary, there are different levels of seriousness between criminal convictions. This means that, depending on the type of criminal record an individual has, his or her presence is not a 100 percent assurance that the case will be dismissed. An individual who has been arrested as a result of defending others during a battle in a bar, for example, is not equivalent to someone who has been convicted of abduction.
Applying For Government Jobs
Understand your criminal record. Cross check it with the job description. The federal government has a centralized system for looking up positions. This is the Public Service Commission website. Check out the list of current opportunities. In particular, look at the information on what is exactly required when applying for these positions. Also, visit the websites of the federal departments that interest you. The RCMP, for example, lists their job postings. They also display details on how to apply and eligibility requirements.
Understand any restrictions and how they might impact your application. Find out if your record is relevant to the position. Don't assume that a criminal record will disqualify you from an application. Do some research. Then eliminate jobs that would likely disqualify you. These could include jobs with security clearances or jobs working with children. Have you discovered you are ineligible for a job you really want? Research if there are similar roles. Not all jobs will be directly impacted by your record.
A security clearance or status is required for all roles within the Canadian government. If you don't have the requisite security status or clearance in the final stages of a work application, the hiring manager or HR counsellor will start the process and send you forms to fill out. Certain departments and agencies may order that you undergo a more rigorous security screening.
Completing Your Government Job Application
Job descriptions and qualifications are just the start. Improve your chances by putting time into the application. Write a thorough and well-constructed cover letter. Tweak and update your resume. Rock the interview! Simple things such as arriving on time, dressing for the part, and making eye contact are all important. Don't overlook them. In the end, it's who you are now, not what happened in the past, that counts.
You should not conceal your past criminal history when you apply with the Government. The existence of that record will be seen and vetted, so trying to conceal it will almost certainly result in you being eliminated from consideration. However, having a criminal record does not always mean that an individual is no longer suitable.
Are you ready to explore new job opportunities? Learn about Record Suspensions or call us toll-free at 1-866-972-7366 to speak to our client advisers about putting your criminal record behind you.
