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 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. A individual who has been arrested as a result of defending others during a battle in a bar, for example, is not equivalent 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.
If someone has a recod suspension can he/she apply for a job that requires top security clearance like RCMP or CSIS jobs?
Hi Zibal,
Yes, you can apply for any position that requires a top security clearance as your record would be sealed.
Thank you very much for your quick reply.
That lead to another question if they ask whether you have or had a criminal record what do you say and cant they find out upon doing top security clearance like fingerprints etc? Your reply much appreciated.
Thanks
Zibal
Hi Zibal,
It’s possible that a person high up in the RCMP could check to see if you were ever fingerprinted. However, the Canadian Human Rights Act does not allow them to discriminate based on a conviction for which a pardon or Record Suspension has been granted.
Thanks so much Paul.
Hi Paul.
If it voilt the human rights then why on one of federal government website says “must have no criminal record” i find it weird. It may be that particular job need higher security clearance.
Hi Zibal, If a person has a Record Suspension they do not have a criminal record. This page describes Security Clearance in detail and says that a record for which a Record Suspension has been granted should not be disclosed except with special permission from the Minister of Public Safety (or for the purpose of a Vulnerable Sector Check). https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=28115§ion=html
Thanks. I will read it through. The job i saw was on CSE website.
Last year I was caught shoplifting. I was not charged but a police report was filed.
Will this affect me if I want to apply for an accounting position with the government?
Hi Tatiana,
Technically they are only allowed to look at convictions, but you might want to ask for a police check at your local police station. This will tell you if anything will come up that might affect your job search. If there is something you can make a request to have it removed.
Hi.
If someone has a criminal record of theft, which job would she be able to apply to.
Please help me please
Hi Michelle,
There are many jobs you may be qualified for even if you have a criminal record. Remember that not all employers will do a criminal record check. If they do a criminal record check then they should not exclude you if the record is not related to the position. For example, you may not be able to get a job as a cashier, but you could do something where you don’t have to handle cash or valuables. If you are looking for an entry level job, you might consider kitchen staff, landscaping or factory production. This does not mean that you cannot apply for jobs where you need to handle cash such as cashier or restaurant server. Not all employers will conduct a record check and some will decide to give you a chance after you give them some explanation. Consider booking an appointment at a government career office to discuss your options. Service Canada will have the addresses and phone numbers in your area.
Hey I haven’t yet finish my 10 years to remove my record only 7 what must I do to remove it (shoplifting )
Hi Alga, Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do right now if you have an indictable offence. However, if you need a waiver to enter the United States, you could apply for that.