Tips for Job Hunting When You Have a Criminal History

If you have a criminal history, you might find it difficult to land the jobs that you like.

 

Just like an individual, companies are cautious. They conduct background checks to prevent liabilities and any future issues.

 

Though, having a criminal history isn’t the end of the road – there are several ways to handle the situation and we are exploring them in this blog.

 

Apply for a Pardon

 

You can always seek a Pardon. If you were convicted in the past but have completed your sentence and have shown that you are a law-abiding citizen, you can request for your criminal record to be kept separate from other criminal records.

 

While it does take an average of 12-24 months for a pardon application to be processed and granted, once it is processed your record is sealed.

 

This means that when a criminal record check is done, the results state that no criminal record was found.

 

Should I Talk About My Criminal Past If I Was Pardoned?

 

Sometimes you may find questions in a job application that require you to disclose if you were ever convicted of a criminal offence – what do you do?

 

It’s always good, to be honest. So, in a situation like this, you should acknowledge that you were convicted of a criminal offence but also state that you have been pardoned.

 

The employer may probe further but as you’ve been pardoned and have been honest, chances of getting hired do go up. Also, lying on a job application is grounds for dismissal later – so if there is a question about criminal history, an honest explanation would be the best way to address it.

 

Does My Record Affect My Ability to Land a Job?

 

This depends on a number of factors, such as:

 

-The nature of the crime and when it happened.

-Were you pardoned?

-What is the nature of the job you are applying for?

 

Based on these factors, some employers may decide your criminal record isn’t an issue and offer you a role.

 

However, if you’re applying for a role in an industry like counselling, childcare, IT, healthcare, or finance, your criminal record may be a reason for rejection. Though, according to Pardons Canada, employers need to be able to prove that a clear criminal record is required for the role they’re hiring for.

 

What Should I Do?

 

Two things – have a positive outlook and be honest.

 

Yes, you made a mistake in the past, but you are acknowledging it and making efforts to ensure that you abide by the laws.

 

This honesty can help you in assuring the employer that you are trustworthy and want to change your life for the better!

 

Unsure about your criminal history or want to know if it has been updated? We, at Triton, can help you obtain that information. Enter your information securely at www.tritoncanada.ca/personal and receive your official criminal background report within a few minutes.

 

Want to know more? Call 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca.

 

Good luck with your job search … we wish you all the very best!