Do Employers Outright Reject Applicants with Federal Misdemanors?

I have had some trouble lately trying to get a job. I've applied with an airline, a number of security companies, etc.

Only, I never get an interview. I submit well-written, concise, and effective resumes. I make sure to spend time representing myself well on applications. I am pleasant to speak with and charismatic when I come to apply.

I put my social security number on these applications, and soon after get a rejection notice for no good reason-- no call, no interview, no nothing.

Could this have anything to do with some Federal misdemeanors I have on my record? I participated in some peaceful protests a little over a year ago. I was charged with disorderly conduct at the United States Air Force Academy for making a speech. I was later arrested at West Point for even entering campus property to protest, and charged with entering a military base for unlawful purposes.

Do employers look at this? Am I in a pickle?

LabRat

Do a background check on yourself and see what comes up.

Paul F

Federal crimes are not usually midemeanors. And yes, some employers do check to see if you have a 'criminal' record.

butter1944fly

Employers do not do criminal background checks on every applicant for several reasons.

First, accurate criminal background checks that are valid cost money. Why would an employer spend money for candidates that are not going to be hired?

Second. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act includes criminal background checks. Under the law, the person must be advised that the check will be conducted and will be required to authorize the check. The company that conducts the background check will not conduct the check without the employee authorization. If something on the results preclude hiring the candidate, the candidate must be advised and given enough information to contact the checking company to dispute the report or correct any errors just like when you apply for credit.

If these are legitimate companies, they are following this law and there is some other reason you are not getting to the interview.

SnitchMO

Depends on the types of jobs you are applying for. The positions/companies you listed have to deal with the Department of Homeland Security, so I would assume your criminal record has bearing, especially considering your penchant for protesting at military installations.

I don't know why you mention putting your Social Security number on the application as though you have a choice NOT to, but I digress...

There are several industries that you can apply for work that would not care about your record, however, security-sensitive companies are NOT going to be the ones for you, I'm afraid.

Expert Realtor

Yes, you are in a pickle, and anything finance or security related, I would stop now applying for those jobs, because you are wasting your time. Your criminal record has EVERYTHING to do with why you are not getting hired.

They don't have to give you a reason for not calling you. They can pick and choose who they want to interview.

Sorry, but that is the price people pay for not following the law.

banu s

check this link its good

http://workathomedatentryworks.blogspot.com/

.

Mel

Misdemeanors, Federal or not, cannot be used as justification for denying employment (with some exceptions for alcohol and drug-related convictions.) The more mystifying question to me is why employers are asking for your SS# on an application form. Among other potential problems, you could be targeted for identity theft. Don't provide that info until you are required to do so for a background check - simply write "provided upon request" in the space.

As far as why you aren't getting the interviews - perhaps you should ask a trusted colleague to review your resume, cover letter, and approach to see if you're doing the great job you think you are. You may also want to check out the book "What Color Is Your Parachute?" for advice on job hunting and networking - most jobs are found through personal networking rather than by submitting applications.

Good luck.

Michael P

When I was laid up in a hospital bed, I did NOT want some employees with Federal misdemeanours around my stuff when I was bed ridden with a broken leg. Sorry dear. God forgives, but men remember!

It cost you points to "out" yourself publicly.

I told you that I thought you were playing with fire Fire, on another question, and you're also playing with fire announcing "Federal misdemeanors" to a bunch of Yahoos!

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