What types of jobs require a criminal record check?

Any employer in Canada can ask a candidate about criminal convictions. In most cases they cannot ask about convictions that have been pardoned or sealed by a Record Suspension.

Background checks are becoming more common as it is easier and more affordable to conduct them. As well, companies are becoming more sensitive to the possibility of risk. You will likely to be asked for a background check at some point in your career if you are working for others.

Background checks are not uncommon even in entry-level positions such as salesclerk, cashier, gas station attendant, etc. However, there are some types of positions in society that are more likely to require background checks.

Jobs that ask for a background check

Teachers: Without a doubt, if you want to be a teacher in Canada, you will need a background check. Keep in mind that if you have any violent or sexual offences on your record, they can be disclosed even it you have a pardon. This is because most school boards will require teachers to undergo a vulnerable sector screening, which goes further than most record checks.

Daycare worker, child care: Working with children in any capacity will usually require a background check including a vulnerable sector screening.

Counsellor, social worker, psychologist: Anytime you are working with vulnerable children, teens or adults, you may be requested to get a background check.

Healthcare: Background checks are very common in the healthcare industries. Illness, age or disability can cause a person to be deemed vulnerable, so you would need to get a vulnerable sector screening in Canada.

Lawyer, paralegal: You may need a record check to join the regulatory association in your province. Whether a record will prevent you from practicing is usually determined on a case by case basis.

Transportation: The primary concern for employers in the transportation industry is safety. Therefore, any type of driving charge such as dangerous driving or DUI could prevent you from working as a pilot, railroad engineer, truck driver, taxi driver, bus driver, or any other area where you responsible for the safety of others. Possession or trafficking is a big concern for people who work as baggage handlers or in shipping of any type. If you work at a port or airport, you may need a security clearance, which will require a criminal record check.

Real Estate Agent: If you want to work as a real estate agent, your provincial licensing organization may require a background check. This is because you will have a high position of trust with the clients you are serving.

Accountant, bookkeeper, financial advisor: Needless to say, a dishonest financial professional can do a lot of damage to their clients and others. In most cases the regulatory authority will require a record check. Even if there is no regulatory authority for the position you are applying for many employers will also require a record check.

Government jobs: Governments are under a lot of scrutiny. The public pays the salary and questions are asked every day. As a result, most government employers will require background checks. Whether or not the record will prevent a person from getting the position is usually decided on a case by case basis. 

What can you do?

If you have a criminal record, you should consider applying for a Record Suspension following the waiting period. This will help ensure that you can apply for almost any job for which you are qualified. The current waiting periods are:

Summary: Five years

Indictable: Ten years

The period of eligibility is calculated from the date that you complete your sentence.

If you would like to know if you are eligible to apply for a Record Suspension, contact us today at 1-866-972-7366.