Applying for jobs with a criminal history requires strategy and awareness of how employers handle such information. Many companies conduct criminal checks to verify information before extending offer letters, and any discrepancies between your record and what you’ve shared may lead to rescinded job offers or even termination if discovered after hiring. Being upfront about your history before pre-employment background checks can demonstrate integrity and personal development, which employers value just as much as your qualifications.
Across many countries, laws regarding criminal record checks vary. Still, the principle remains the same: employers are often required to provide equal opportunities based on a candidate’s skills and abilities, not solely on their past. Studies show the positive impact of such ‘ban the box’ laws. For instance, in Honolulu, criminal defendants prosecuted for felony crimes were 57% less likely to have prior criminal convictions after the law’s implementation.
This guide will walk you through how to disclose your criminal history on a job application and present yourself in the best possible light, regardless of your background.
Preparing to Disclose Your Criminal History
Here’s what you need to do before disclosing:
1. Determine if your Record is Spent
In many countries, certain convictions become “spent” after a rehabilitation period, meaning you no longer have to disclose them to most employers. The length of this period depends on the severity of the offense and the legal system in your country. However, some roles involving vulnerable populations, sensitive data, or financial responsibilities may still require disclosing spent convictions or passing criminal history checks.
2. Know What Crimes You Need to Disclose
Some employers may only ask about felonies, while others may inquire about misdemeanors, DUIs, or traffic violations. If a job application asks about convictions within a specific time frame, such as the past five or seven years, you may not need to disclose older convictions unless you are still on probation or parole.
3. Know Your Legal Rights
Laws such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK protect job applicants from discrimination, including those with criminal records. Employers who automatically reject applicants with any criminal history could be seen as violating these protections. In addition, some information privacy laws ensure that applicants are notified if adverse decisions are made based on their criminal history checks, giving them an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies.
4. Consider Industry-specific Restrictions
Schools, hospitals, and care facilities have stricter requirements for criminal background checks. For example, registered sex offenders may face additional challenges in obtaining employment due to legal restrictions around working near minors or vulnerable individuals.
Revealing Your Criminal History on Job Applications: Tips to Do It Right
Being transparent about your record and framing your past in a way that highlights rehabilitation efforts and your commitment to moving forward can increase your chances of securing meaningful employment.
1. Understand the Employer’s Process
Some employers might ask right on the application form, while others may wait until later in the interview or after a background check. If the employer mentions conducting a police record check, it’s best to disclose your criminal history before they carry out the formal criminal record checks.
2. Decide When and How to Disclose
Some job applications still use a checkbox to ask about criminal history. If you tick ‘yes’, be prepared to follow up with more details during the interview or in a written statement. Or you may decide to wait and talk about your past face-to-face.
Before applying for jobs, it’s a good idea to write a self-disclosure statement that you can refer to when needed. This statement should be short, factual, and relevant to the job. Here’s how to structure it:
• Keep it brief: Limit your statement to one page, focusing on the facts of your conviction(s) and how you’ve moved forward.
• Tailor it to the role: Emphasize the skills and experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Be honest but positive: Start by highlighting your strengths and why you’re interested in the job, then briefly explain your criminal history. Reaffirm your commitment to both professional and personal development as you close on a positive note.
3. Explain Your Convictions Thoughtfully
If you need to disclose your convictions, provide context to help the employer understand the situation.
• When it happened: If the conviction is old, make that clear. Employers are more understanding if significant time has passed since the offense.
• The nature of the offense: Briefly explain what happened without making excuses. If the offense was a one-time mistake, mention this. If it was part of a pattern of behavior, explain what has changed since.
• Relevance to the job: Be clear about how your conviction is irrelevant to the role, especially if it has no bearing on the skills required for the job.
• Circumstances at the time: If unique factors (such as homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues) were present, it’s okay to mention them, but focus on how you’ve taken responsibility and addressed those issues.
• Taking responsibility: Employers value candidates who take ownership of their past mistakes. Reassure the employer by honestly acknowledging your past, demonstrating genuine remorse, and highlighting the rehabilitation efforts that have driven your personal growth and change:
o Rehabilitation, completing a sentence, or community service.
o Education or training programs you’ve completed.
o Personal or professional achievements since the conviction.
o Positive lifestyle adjustments or support networks that keep you on the correct course.
Conclusion
Disclosing a criminal history during the job application process can be an opportunity to show your growth and commitment to positive change. The key lies in understanding your legal rights and when, why, and how much to disclose. Employers may conduct criminal history checks, but many also value transparency and rehabilitation efforts over past mistakes. Decide the timing for revealing your history and prepare your self-disclosure statement. You can shift the focus back to your qualifications and potential by presenting your past in a way that emphasizes the lessons learned and the strength you’ve gained.
