How to Overcome a Criminal Background Check
If you have a criminal history and are being asked to undergo a background check for employment or school, it will be impossible for you to avoid addressing the issue. To overcome the criminal background check, you will need to show that you are trustworthy, up front and able to learn from your mistakes. Be prepared to discuss what crimes you were convicted of, what punishments you received and what you took away from the situation.
Instructions
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Inform the interviewer about your criminal record at the time you find out about the background check. Since it is not possible to get around a background check, let your prospective employer know about your criminal past up front. This will show that you are not trying to hide anything.
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Plan out how you intend to explain your criminal history. Think about how you will explain your background before discussing the issue with your prospective employer. Do not make excuses but consider how you will mitigate questions about your ethics.
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Tell the truth but keep your statement brief. Provide the basic facts about the situation but do not volunteer any more information than is required of you.
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Take responsibility for your actions. Avoid blaming the police, your attorney or any other party for your mistakes. Own up to your past and show that you have learned something from it.
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Find strong character references. Talk to your former employers, probation officer, and other credible community members who can vouch for your reliability as a worker. Having a reputable individual attest to skills and ethics may help you overcome a criminal background check.
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