Filling Out Job Applications When You Have a Criminal Record
Job applications are used as screening tools for employers. Employers want honesty and trustworthiness in their employees, so be sure to fill the job application out completely and truthfully. If an employer finds out that you provided false information on the application after you have already been hired, they have the right to fire you.
Many employers include the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” on their applications. If you check, “No,” and the employer runs a criminal background check, they will have reason to terminate the hiring process (or fire you if you’ve already been hired), because you have provided false information on the application. So, how should you answer that question? Here are a few options:
1.) Check, “Yes,” and write, “Will discuss in interview.” Most likely, the employer will find out if you have a criminal history sooner or later. Checking yes right away shows honesty, and the willingness to accept responsibility for your actions and move on with your life.
You can also check, “Yes,” and write, “I am eligible for the $2,400 Federal Tax Credit,” (if you were incarcerated within the previous 12 months), These incentives, including tax credits, and insurance, have been put in place by both the state and federal governments to encourage employers to hire qualified ex-felons.
2.) Try to avoid the problem and use alternative job search methods that don’t involve filling out job applications as your first form of contact with the employer. Meet the employer in person first, either through networking, an informational interview, or volunteering. Making contact with the employer in person allows them to make their first impression of you based on your personality and the qualifications you have to offer, and not your criminal background. It also gives you the chance to sell your skills, personality, and other good qualities, and not be judged based on a single question.
Let your positive qualities shine through, and don’t give the employer a chance to judge you before they meet you!
Writing a Resume: Represent Your Skills in the Best Way Possible
Taking the time to write a good resume is a crucial part of the job search. There are plenty of reasons to write a resume other than the fact that for some job applications it is required. A resume recognizes your skills and interests, organizes your information, and most of all, represents YOU better than just filling out a job application.
There are three main types of resume formats—chronological, functional, and combination. If you have a criminal record, it is important to choose the right format so that the positive aspects of your work history are highlighted. The type of resume most highly recommended for ex-offenders is the combination resume. Here’s why:
Chronological resumes organize your work history by listing each specific job you have held starting with the most recent. This type of resume creates a timeline of your work history, and highlights any gaps that you may have due to periods of incarceration. Although most employers say that they prefer a chronological resume, they do not want to see large gaps in employment, and may screen individuals based on that fact.
Functional resumes organize your work history based on the skills you have acquired through experience, but do not list dates of employment. Although it may seem like this solves the “employment gap” problem, often times a lack of employment dates is a red flag that signals to employers that the applicant may have something to hide. Once again, this carries the risk of being screened out of the application process.
Combination resumes combine the best aspects of both the chronological and functional resumes, and are the recommended resume format for ex-offenders. They also organize your work history based on the skills you have required through your experience, which makes your skills the focal point of the resume rather than a timeline. However, employment dates are included in the Employment History section at the bottom of the page. This gives the employer a chance to get a feel for your skills and potential as a worker before any attention is drawn to gaps in work history.
Click here for a Combination Resume Template
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Interview Questions
In the course of a job interview, the prospective employer will probably want to ask you more questions about you conviction(s) if they are aware of them. Here are some tips that can help you through this difficult line of questioning and help you to shine during the rest of the interview.
Be honest but don’t give too much information. It is very important that you be straightforward with your interviewer. However, there is a great difference between answering the questions that are posed to you, and giving away information beyond what is necessary.
Don’t let interviewers ask you an illegal question. The employer can ask about convictions, but under federal law cannot ask about arrest records. Familiarize yourself with what is legal and not legal to ask in an interview and develop a plan for how you will answer an illegal question if asked ahead of time.
Put any work or study you did in prison in the best possible light. You may be able to talk about any work you did during your incarceration in terminology that is not dishonest, but sounds more socially acceptable. In some cases, for example, you could say that you did laundry or maintenance work for the Department of Corrections. You could also explain a prolonged absence from the workforce by saying that you were studying for your GED, for example, if you were actually doing that in prison.
Make good eye contact with your interviewer. Remember, you do not want to make yourself look dishonest by avoiding looking at your potential employer in the eye.
Do not blame others or say you were ‘framed’. Even if that is true and you really believe yourself to be not guilty, do not say so or mention any mitigating circumstances. The employer might well think you are trying to make excuses for yourself.
Acknowledge and take responsibility for your actions. Tell the employer concisely that you did something that was wrong and have learned from it. Try not to use the word ‘mistake’, as some people think this word sounds like you are avoiding taking responsibility.
Talk about what you have done since the offense to improve your behavior. Briefly mention what positive behaviors you have put in place to modify your lifestyle or behavior. For example, you can talk about how you have stopped frequenting bars and started a fitness program instead. Avoid talking about churches or religion, unless you are applying for work at a faith-based agency. You can talk instead about finding a new and more positive social circle.
If you can help it, avoid introducing the topic of the offense at the beginning or end of the interview. You want to avoid something negative ‘setting the tone’ for the interview and, instead, make a favorable first impression. Also, try not to bring up the offense at the end of the interview either. You want to leave the person thinking about how personable and talented you are, not about the offense itself. If possible, try to address the offense in the middle of the interview.
Click here for Tips To Help Keep Your Job
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