Looking For a Job, but You have a Criminal Record?

If you truly want to move forward with your life and remove potential barriers from your career path, here are a few steps you can take:

Request A Copy Of Your Criminal History Record
If there are mistakes or incorrect information on your record, you may be able to submit a challenge request to the FBI or the respective state repository. In many cases, companies that provide criminal background screenings provide inaccurate information. This can be anything from mismatching names or omitting crucial information to reporting a misdemeanor as a felony.

Seek To Expunge Or Seal Records
Expungement and sealing of records are both procedures that prevent or limit access to an individual’s arrest or criminal court records. For job seekers, this can be extremely helpful as expunged or sealed records are not accessible to employers. In certain cases, you may be able to legally answer ‘no’ to the question “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
However, each state has it’s own guidelines and record sealing laws and not all offenses are eligible for expungement. Some states do not allow expungement at all. You can find out where you stand by checking with your county’s criminal court or contacting an attorney and asking about expungement eligibility and procedure.

Search Openings At Companies That Offer Second Chances
Not all companies will automatically throw out your application. Ranker.com has compiled a list of companies that regularly welcome new hires with checkered pasts. In addition, many states and organizations offer programs that can help you in your job search.


Excerpted from http://www.careerealism.com/find-job-criminal-record/