A criminal record doesn’t have to be an absolute deal breaker when applying for a job. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, there are still ways to increase your chances of being hired by making sure your resume is impeccable and collecting references who can vouch for your character. 

Read on to learn how you can apply for a job with a criminal record and potentially land the position you’ve been looking for. 

Make Your Resume Impeccable 

When it comes to applying for jobs with a criminal record, having an impeccable resume is essential. You should make sure that your resume is flawless in terms of grammar, punctuation, and content. 

You should include all relevant work experience as well as any certifications or degrees you may have achieved since your conviction. Having an up-to-date and error-free resume will help demonstrate that you are qualified and reliable despite your past mistakes. 

Collect References 

You should also collect references from people who can vouch for your character and attest to the fact that you have changed since the time of your conviction. You should always get the approval of your references before giving out their names. 

They should know that they may be contacted by potential employers during the hiring process. Ask them if they would be willing to speak positively about you in regard to the job opportunity; this way, you won’t give out someone’s name if they don’t feel comfortable talking about you in such a capacity.

Make Sure You’re Forthright 

Finally, when it comes down to it, make sure that you’re honest about everything throughout the entire job application process—especially concerning any criminal records or convictions that may appear on background checks. Hiding such information could come back to haunt you later on if it’s discovered that you were dishonest about such matters. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to applying for jobs with a criminal record; doing so shows potential employers that not only do you take responsibility for past mistakes but also that you are open and honest going forward into future opportunities.

Applying for jobs with a criminal record can seem intimidating at first—but it doesn’t have to be! By making sure that your resume is impeccable, collecting references who can vouch for your character, and being open and honest throughout the entire application process, you may just find yourself landing the job opportunity of your dreams despite any previous roadblocks in life due to past convictions or mistakes. With effort and dedication, anything is possible!
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