Things You'll Need:
- Access to the Internet
- Resume
- Reference letters
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Step 1
Depending on the state that you live in and/or the crime that was committed, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged. If the crime was a one time violation of the law and happened quite some time ago, you should obtain an attorney or go to your local state agency and seek legal counsel on how to have your criminal record expunged or sealed.
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Step 2
If you were unable to have your criminal record expunged or sealed, make sure you find a local non profit organization or church program that deals with rehabilitation of past law offenders or partner with an agency that can help to provide those with criminal records with assistance in obtaining employment.
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Step 3
Do volunteer work and community service to help build up your skill level as well as obtain good work references and recommendation letters from leaders or Directors who have witnessed you doing positive work in the community.
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Step 4
Several urban areas across the United States (including Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco, St.Paul and the Counties of Alameda and Multnomah) have adopted significant new policies to limit discrimination in city and county jobs against people with criminal records. Visit the website on the National Employment Law Project. This website will direct you to the proper places to apply for jobs that accept applications and hire people with past criminal offenses (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Go online to the National HIRE (Helping Individuals with Criminal Records Reenter through Employment) Network website. This website provides valuable information and facts about how to fill out employment applications when you have a criminal record as well as gives resources throughout the entire United States for individuals to contact employment services in their state for assistance (see Resources below).
