With over 60 million Americans with criminal records, it is not surprising that many worry about how their criminal conviction will affect their job prospects. The majority of employers these days conduct background checks for all potential employees. This means that if you have a criminal record, you may find it challenging to get hired by any company. But this doesn’t need to be the case! There are ways to work around this issue and still find employment.

Here are some tips on how your criminal conviction affects your job prospects.

How to Overcome Your Criminal Conviction in the Workplace

There are two ways to overcome a criminal record at employment. The first step is to receive a rehabilitation certificate from your state. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have recovered and can be trusted with sensitive corporate information.

The second method is to use a company’s pre-employment screening process. This can assist in distinguishing between candidates with and without a criminal past. It also helps an employer decide whether to hire a convicted person or not.

If you can’t work around your previous convictions, other employment options may not demand high-level talents but allow you to contribute to society. Consider giving back to your community by volunteering with groups that support individuals in need. If you’re still having trouble obtaining work after taking these steps, search for options outside the regular workforce where employers don’t conduct background checks.

The Most Common Reasons for Background Checks

Companies undertake background checks on potential workers to avoid lawsuits. No corporation wants to be on the wrong end of a lawsuit that could have been prevented.

Employers also undertake background checks to safeguard employee safety. If a potential employee has been convicted of a crime, they may be violent or steal during work hours, endangering corporate property.

Finally, employers perform background checks to protect their brand. If an employer learns that an applicant for a job has committed a crime, it might harm its brand. With so many advantages, it’s no surprise that roughly 80% of employers use background checks during the employment process.

What Employers Look For in Potential Employees

If you have a criminal record, be prepared to be grilled throughout your interview. Most companies will want to know what you did wrong and why. Prepare to express your regret for the crime and any progress you’ve made since then.

Employers will also inquire about the impact of your conviction. Afraid of working in a given field due to your past? What job do you want?

Of course, these are all excellent questions, but they’re not the only ones to ask. They want employees who can contribute substantially to the corporate culture and share their values. It’s just as crucial to demonstrate these skills to answer concerns regarding your criminal record.

What Does the Law Say?

In America, no law prevents employers from hiring someone with a criminal record. This means that companies are free to discriminate against people who have a criminal record by choosing not to hire them. Some federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion, but these protections do not extend to convictions. Your criminal defense lawyer can advise you on your rights going forward.

Conclusion

The stakes are high when it comes to your criminal conviction. You need to focus on how your criminal conviction will affect your life and how to overcome it.