How to Get Hired With a Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor theft can interfere with a job search.

Getting hired with a misdemeanor on your record can be challenging. The more distance you can put between the new job and the misdemeanor, the better your chances of receiving a license the position may require, such as for a CNA or real estate agent. The type of misdemeanor will also have a bearing on getting hired, as some misdemeanors carry automatic penalties that prevent certain activities. For example, a conviction for domestic violence prevents carrying a weapon, which automatically will prevent getting hired in border patrol or positions that require you to carry and use a gun.

Instructions

1. Apply for an entry-level position that does not require a professional license or ask about misdemeanor convictions. Some fields can include fast food, construction, landscaping and automotive. When hired, arrive early and work to the best of your ability. Become a model employee and build up a good reputation at the company. Use this position to get a better position after a reasonable time of employment or try to move up in the company itself.

2. Volunteer at a company or organization that you believe in. As a volunteer, you are not usually asked about background history. Although this may be an unpaid position to start, it shows initiative and can build a work history. Apply for paid positions in the organization as they come up or apply at other companies and ask supervisors for letters of recommendation. At this point, inform the supervisors of the misdemeanor.

3. Visit a local temp agency that lists positions in the fields you have knowledge and training in. Take and pass the tests. Speak to the recruiter about your talents and abilities. Go to all the temporary positions offered and work hard at each one. Be pleasant to all and accept a long-term temporary position, if offered. Let the company know you are interested in direct employment after a reasonable amount of time working as a temporary employee. Inform the company of the misdemeanor in person before completing an application.

4. Send in resumes for positions that interest you. When called for an interview, toward the end of the interview bring up the misdemeanor. If asked, explain the circumstances and the rehabilitation steps you have taken. Inform the interviewer of the misdemeanor before filling out an application.

5. Write down a long-term plan of employment. Include degrees or classes you may need for professional licensing. Review the standards for the degrees and take active steps to comply. Although a misdemeanor can make it difficult to enter certain fields requiring licenses, it is not impossible.

Tips & Warnings

• A misdemeanor is not an automatic bar to employment for border patrol. The type of misdemeanor and length of time from when it was committed will be examined for an employment decision.

• Delay reporting a misdemeanor as long a possible to give others time to form a good opinion of you, but always be truthful and inform them of the misdemeanor in an application.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; Criminal Records and Getting Back into the Workforce: Six Critical Steps for Ex-offenders Trying to Get Back into the Workforce; Les Rosen, Esq; September 2003
• Womans Job List: How To Interview For a Job With a DWI / DUI Misdemeanor on Your Record
• Homeland Security Department: FAQs -- Working for Border Patrol

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish