Finding a job with a criminal record.
What do you need to know:
Finding employment in today’s economy is a monumental task all by itself when you have everything that employers are typically looking for including a clean background check, education, and experience. However, when you’re job hunting with a criminal record, things get more complicated.
A criminal record decreases a person's chances of receiving a job offer or being called back by almost 50 percent. Over the years, a lot of work has been done to remove the stigma and provide extra benefits to employers who offer a “second-chance” program to those who are looking to start again after prison.
When speaking to a potential employer who does not currently have background friendly hiring practices, mentioning these benefits could encourage them to adjust their policies:
Because of the shift in perception and the added benefits given to employers, it’s becoming a bit easier to find a job with a not so perfect record.
What are some jobs that don’t require a background check?
Occupations that are more flexible including roles at smaller companies, work from home positions, and self-employment as a freelancer are more likely to forego including a background check in their hiring process. Some well-paying jobs include:
What to do before you apply:
Before you apply, you may want to see if your record can be expunged. Or, you’d like to be connected to employers who already have a hiring process that is welcoming to those with a criminal record. RiseKit works with a lot of nonprofits dedicated to serving the formerly incarcerated population and assisting them with finding resources and finding gainful employment, including Defy Ventures and Teamwork Englewood.