Although it can be difficult for a person with a criminal record to get a job, one can certainly improve his or her chances for employment.
According to the Texas Legal Guide to Reentry, “A job seeker with a criminal history knows that a background check is coming. Employers want to know if the applicant has the skills to succeed in the position. Here are some tips for previously incarcerated job seekers from employment and human resource professionals: Know everything about your conviction. It’s important to know exactly what you’ve been convicted of and whether the record was expunged. Many have no idea about the actual charges that they were convicted of. It makes a difference. Applicants should know enough about their criminal record to explain the details. If not, an employer may think that the applicant doesn’t care enough about it to explain it to them.”
In the video below, Raquel Toussaint, PHR, a Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience, offers advice for applying for jobs when you have a criminal record.
Honest Jobs
Honest Jobs is a national job marketplace for people who have been affected by the criminal justice system. Since launching in 2019, the marketplace has attracted nearly 400 companies by providing technology that makes it easy to offer fair-chance employment while staying compliant with laws and HR best practices. https://www.honestjobs.co/
Using Your LinkedIn Network
LinkedIn is a resource that students are coached on frequently here at the Rockwell Career Center. Did you know that LinkedIn offers a filter that can help with your job search? The “Fair Chance ” job filter helps job-seekers easily identify employers who have committed to consider applicants with a criminal record, thus removing a major barrier from their job search process.
Here are some additional resources for those that need assistance navigating a job search with a past conviction.
CareerOneStop – Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders, Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
ExOffenders.Net Resources for Felons
For the Record: A Podcast Featuring Candid Conversations about Criminal Record Clearance
Reentry Resource Guide (PDF) for people that have had contact with the Texas Criminal Justice System – provided by the Austin Young Lawyers Association
The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) is the nation’s primary source of information and guidance in reentry.
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
The FTC’s free materials help reentering and incarcerated consumers learn the basics of managing money, spotting and avoiding scams, and making buying decisions that are best for them and their families.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Reentry and Integration Division
Are you eligible for Record Expungement? The Clean Slate Clearinghouse provides people with criminal records, legal service providers, and state policymakers with information on juvenile and adult criminal record clearance policies in all U.S. states and territories.
Select Sources courtesy of Source: Texas State Law Library
This webpage is offered as job search guidance only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need an attorney, please visit FindLaw.com\
For More Information:
EEOC Policy Guidance and Statements on Arrest and Conviction Records
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/convict1.html
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/arrest_records.html
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/race-color.html#VIB2conviction
FTC Guidance on the Use of Arrest and Conviction Records Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The FCRA imposes a number of requirements on employers who wish to use criminal background checks to screen applicants and/or employees. For more information about these requirements, please visit the following websites:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre36.shtm
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus08-using-consumer-reportswhat-employers-need-know
