This is an excerpt from "Unlocking Opportunities: How to Find a Job With a Criminal Record, " a 38-page guidebook of expert advice and step-by-step instructions on navigating the employment landscape with a criminal record.
John M., Correctional Counselor at TN Department of Corrections, suggests the following:
"When asked about your felony by an employer, prepare and practice a "Background Speech." Create your own speech by restating each of these items using your own words. Skip those that aren’t applicable to your situation: 1) I am glad you brought that up. I wanted to talk with you about that. 2) About [# of years or months] ago I made a foolish mistake and it ended up with me being convicted of a [felony or misdemeanor]. 3) I am now on [probation or parole]. 4) Since then I have made some positive changes in my life [list some of the positive changes]. 5) I have been working with my officer and I am involved in [name of program] where I learned [list what you learned]. 6) I have learned to be at work on time, work the whole time I am there, and resolve conflict in a positive manner. 7) I have learned how to be a team player and an employee who values his/her job and adds value to the company. Practice this speech repeatedly!"
David H., Employment Specialist at Dismas, suggests:
"Background information should be expressed in a "positive" manner. For instance, the job seeker would explain to the hiring manager that their justice involvement is no longer a part of their life/mindset, way of thinking, etc. Job seekers must always be honest (I hear that repeatedly when I talk to hiring managers)."
Joshua L., Employment Coordinator at Missouri DSS Family Support Division, suggests:
"You have to be upfront about your record. It’s a natural reaction to want to hide our indiscretions or secrets—it’s a human survival instinct. However, when these issues become part of your public record, hiding them is not an option. Consider this: because the criminal action is on your public record, it is now part of your professional identity, but it’s not the only thing that defines you. There is a date associated with that action, a date that indicates when this event became part of your identity. That date is as much a part of your public record as the occurrence itself. It signifies a point in time from which you’ve moved forward. The further you persevere past that date, the more it says about you. It shows that you have changed, grown, and continued to move forward without looking back."
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