Explaining Your Criminal Record in a Job Interview

Moving forward with your life after a criminal conviction can be difficult at best. Today’s employers increasingly run routine background checks on prospective employees to view any past troubles with the law. Typically, theft and drug crimes are of importance to employers who wish to ensure that they have honest and trustworthy employees. Any misdemeanor or felony conviction will be available to employers and will be something they can ask you about in any hiring interviews.

So how do you handle the interview that comes up where you are asked about your past criminal offenses? Here are some suggestions that can prepare you for that eventuality should it arise.

How to Convince a Future Employer of Your Employability

• You will want to have your potential employer feel reassured that hiring you is a) not risky and b) that you will be a good asset to the company. Doing this means that you need to be prepared in various ways. You should always be forthcoming on your resume, job application, or in any live interviews. Never try to cover up the past or be dishonest about it.
• You may not want to bring up the matter, however, unless your hiring interviewer initiates it. This of course would be based on the fact that you have already disclosed your record previously on an application. When discussing it, you will want to make it clear that you acknowledge your past mistakes and have learned from them. It is best to keep to just the facts, stated as simply as possible, without appearing to be bitter, to have been wronged, to blame others, or to otherwise being a victim of any kind. You will want to appear ulder, wiser, and, with that maturity, dedicated to improving yourself, your life, and your new career path.
• When possible, move off that part of the interview by discussing your current life, training, activities, aspirations, and how you believe you can be of value to this prospective employer. Maintaining a positive attitude and projecting that about yourself and your potential value should be the tone you set throughout the interview, especially towards the end. This leaves a final good impression that is the last one your interviewer will have of you.

Need Legal Advice? Call Shane Phelps, P.C.

Finding yourself under arrest or having to deal with a criminal charge is and always will be big deal, one that can have damaging consequences for the future, as in seeking employment. Having a trusted legal professional in your corner can make a world of difference in the outcome. At Shane Phelps, P.C., we believe in helping you in any way that will make your future a better one.

Contact our firm at 979-596-6843 for criminal defense help today.