Job-seeking Canadians are often required to submit to background checks. Mid-employment checks are not unheard of either. Employers perform background checks to ensure that one’s record does not compromise their ability to perform the jobs required. In some cases, employers may be legally required to run background checks on current and potential hires.
Generally, there are two types of record checks.
Criminal Record Check
A criminal record check reveals all convictions and findings of guilt for which a pardon has not been issued. It is increasingly common for various professions to require a general background check. It is important to note that an employer seeking to request a record check on someone requires that individual’s explicit consent.
Vulnerable Sector Check
If you are looking to volunteer or work in a job that places you in a position of trust or authority over vulnerable persons, including children, persons with disabilities and the elderly, you may be required to submit to a vulnerable sector check.
This check is more extensive than a regular background check. It discloses more information such as relevant offences for which you received a pardon. It may also reveal the detailed nature of the reported incident such as whether a vulnerable person was involved.
Jobs that require record checks
Some employment sectors are more likely than others to perform record checks. Generally, professions in the following sectors will require a background check:
- Childcare and Education such as daycare workers, school staff
- Healthcare such as nurses, doctors
- Financial Services such as financial advisors, credit experts
- Government Workers such as police officers, mayors
- Information and Technology such as systems managers, computer analysts
Some jobs in these sectors place individuals in regular contact with vulnerable persons, for instance, teachers with children. Others place individuals in positions of power, for instance, police officers with citizens. Therefore, employers would want to know if you have a record and how this record is relevant to your prospective job.
For instance, an employer seeking to hire an investment advisor might want to know if their prospective hire was previously pardoned for a fraud conviction. Similarly, before hiring a candidate as a nurse or teacher, an employer would want to know of any existing or pardoned sex offences.
What Can You Do?
Although past convictions and findings of guilt make it hard to get a job, most provincial laws protect against criminal record discrimination, once you have a Record Suspension. Even if you do not have a pardon, it’s possible that you can get a job if your record is unrelated. Obtaining a pardon could boost your esteem in the job market and eliminate bias. The best thing to do is to apply for a Record Suspension to avoid the possibility that a criminal record will prevent you from finding work. You can apply on your own or choose Pardon Services Canada to assist you.
If you are ready to put the past behind you and apply for jobs with confidence, contact us today for a free consultation at 1-866-972-7366.
Do you need a record check for Canada’s best jobs?
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