How to keep criminal records from becoming an employment obstacle

On Behalf of | Feb 20, 2023 | Blog, Criminal Defense |

Finding and keeping a job plays a vital role in restoring your life after facing criminal charges. No matter how daunting the idea of a background check may sound, a criminal record does not prevent you from gaining employment in Louisiana.

Reasons companies may hire you

Many HR professionals express a willingness to work with people who have criminal records. The Society for Human Resource Management found that 66% of hiring professionals stated they’d already hired someone with a past criminal history.

Employers hire people with criminal backgrounds for these reasons:

  • The applicant demonstrated a work history.
  • Companies wanted to improve the community and provide second chances.
  • The employer wanted the candidate with the best work experience.

Fair Chance Business Pledge

Many larger companies have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Businesses that signed this pledge promised to offer jobs to felons trying to re-integrate into society. Part of this pledge involved promising not to ask any questions about your criminal defense record during the initial application.

Examples of some of the businesses that agreed to the Pledge include:

  • Best Buy
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Gap
  • Facebook
  • Kellogg’s
  • Kroger
  • Target
  • Tyson Foods
  • Walmart

Small companies

Despite the Fair Chance Business Pledge, finding employment at a larger employer may not allow you the new start you want. Instead, consider a job at a small company. Many companies may not run the extensive background checks that larger companies do.

Interview etiquette

If you obtain an interview, make sure you wear the best possible clothes. Putting a professional face forward shows your employer or HR professional that you value their time and the job.

A misdemeanor or felony on your record may present challenges during your job search. Keep searching until you find an employer who sees your potential as an employee.

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