Job interviews are stressful for everybody, but for those
with criminal records, the anxiety and disappointment can be heightened by the
dreaded “background check.”
In most cases, people with criminal records are not
unreliable or dishonest. Often the events are well in the past and the
applicant has changed and grown. However, these past mistakes come up again and
again every time they change positions or face a lay-off.
These days, it’s estimated that a person may change jobs 10
to 15 times during their career. That’s a lot of interviews.
In most cases an employer won’t ask for a record check
unless they are seriously considering hiring the person. However, with the
advent of the digital age, more and more companies are offering to perform this
service. All those different companies are marketing to employers and
convincing them that they should check out new and even current employees.
How will I know if the company is going to do a background check?
If you are filling out an application form online or at the
place of business, it will often include a notification that a background check
will be done. Sometimes it will even include a checkbox for you to consent to
the background check. Sometimes it’s buried in the fine print. Other times, it
will be vaguer and say that a check may be done depending on the relevance to
the position.
Sometimes you won’t be notified until you get to the
interview stage. In this case, the interviewer may tell you, or you may be
asked to sign a piece of paper to consent to the background check.
Then there’s the possibility that the employer will offer
you the job and only then mention there’s just the one formality of the background
check. By this point you may have consented already by signing the application form
or checking a box.
What should you tell
the employer about your record?
If you have consented to the background check or been
advised that one will take place, it’s best to assume that the employer will be
looking at your record. Facing reality will give you an opportunity to address
it and dispel any concerns.
If the employer doesn’t bring it up, but you know you have
consented on the application form, you should raise it casually towards the
end. By the end of the interview, you will have had a chance to sell yourself
as a credible candidate and build rapport with the interviewer. When you do
bring it up, some things to focus on are:
- The time since the event happened
- How you’ve changed since then (give examples, such as family commitments, volunteering, education and career)
Then bring the conversation back to your skills and how they
relate to the position.
If the employer asks for the background check for the first
time during the interview, have a response prepared. Go over the same topics
(how long ago it was) and how you’ve demonstrated your responsibility since
then.
What about the last scenario in which the employer has
basically offered you the job and is now bringing up the record check for the
first time?
In this case, you may need a minute to clear your head. Ask
the employer if you can call him or her back if necessary. However, it’s
important to speak up. If the employer conducts the check, he or she may feel
you tried to hide it from them.
Address the issue in the same way as you would have in the
interview focusing on the incident being in the past and on how much has
changed since then.
Seal your record
If enough time has passed since you completed the conditions
of your conviction, you should apply for a Record Suspension. This will seal
your record so that you can apply for positions confidently. Although having a
record does not prevent you from finding a job, it can make it harder.
With a record suspension you’ll have the opportunity to
explore any position without fear of the dreaded background check.
If you are thinking of changing positions or want to open up
new career opportunities for yourself, contact us today for a free consultation
about how a Record Suspension can help you.
