Nowadays, many employers will perform background checks before hiring. A criminal record may keep you out of a job even if you are qualified.
A criminal record check could reveal:
- Criminal convictions where after being found guilty, you served a sentence in prison or in your community, you were charged a fine or forfeiture, or you were put on probation
- Absolute and conditional discharges will show instances where you were found guilty but did not get a criminal conviction.
- Other non-conviction records could show up even if you were not found guilty of committing a crime. This may include instances where you were a ‘person of interest’ in an investigation, charges were made against you in the past whether they were withdrawn before trial or they resulted in an acquittal and also if you were detained by the police for mental health reasons.
Employers perform record checks to ensure that new hires pose no threat to the people they would interact with in their job. In some cases, employers are legally required to perform record checks. Examples of such jobs include:
- nurses
- government workers
- taxi/limousine/truck drivers
- police officers and security guards
- school teachers and daycare workers
- investment advisors and bank employees
People who volunteer or have jobs that put them in positions of trust or authority over vulnerable people, including children, persons with disabilities and the elderly, may be asked to obtain a vulnerable sector check. This check would indicate whether you have been convicted or found guilty of a sex offence.
While some employers understand that having a criminal record need not interfere with your ability to perform at a given job, having a criminal record could prevent you from getting hired. Even when employed, having a criminal record may prevent you from getting internal job promotions.
How to get a job with a criminal record?
It is important to be forthcoming to potential employers. However, even if you were once convicted or found guilty of a crime, it is possible to truthfully answer, “no” to the question, “do you have a criminal record?”
Absolute and conditional charges are automatically removed from your record after a waiting period of 1 or 3 years. On the other hand, to erase records of criminal conviction, you must apply for and be granted a Record Suspension.
After a waiting period of five or ten years, most records of criminal conviction become eligible for suspension. With a few exceptions, a Record Suspension means that potential employers will not have access to your past conviction. This means that you can seek job opportunities or career advancement without having to look over your shoulder or face disqualification over having a criminal record.
If you are ready to put your past behind you and get the job you deserve, contact us today at 1-866-972-7366.