Job seeking felon.......?

Saigealina

If you are not up front on your application, you will not get a call back from HR for an interview. sorry. this is the reality of the situation.

There are cool HR managers and there are sticklers out there, too. You will never know who you have until you have your interview(s). I have hired prior felons but they really had to show some real desire for the job they applied for, and also I would expect to work from the bottom and go up from there.

I do not recommend that you place "..willing to discuss in person" cause that's as just as good as saying "watch me like a hawk-or I'm not going to tell you until you give me an interview" because that kind of puts you into a position you really have not earned yet. People do not like the "holier than thou" attitude but we (HR) do respect confidence when we see it and will bend over backwards to help people who have it.

You may have to prove yourself a few times before people will trust you, regardless of a conviction or not.

there is someone out there who will be willing to give you a chance. Be honest on your applications. I say, don't give up. The road is difficult sometimes, but things will be okay.

jules vane

If you're only 16, you were probably treated as a youthful offender and your criminal record should be wiped clean after your 18th birthday.

edthespartan

First off, unless it's a felony conviction, there's a good chance your record will get wiped when you turn 18, but assuming (a) you need a job NOW and/or (b) it doesnt' get cleared when you're 18, here are my suggestions:

1. Stay in school! These days a HS diploma, or at the very least, a GED is absoutely essential for landing any job, doubly so if you've got an extra barrier like a criminal record to deal with when job-hunting.

2. Don't go after jobs that directly relate to your conviction. If you robbed someone, don't apply at a bank or where you handle money; if you were convicted of assault, don't apply for a job at a day care center or nursing home.

3. Most employers can and will do a criminal background check on all applicants, so don't try to hide your record from them. They'll find it sooner or later and that's automatically grounds to not hire you or later on to fire you.

4. On the application, if there's a "do you have a criminal record?" question or something similar, just put in "Would prefer to discuss in the interview."

5. When talking about a criminal record (or any other negative aspect of your background or qualifications):

(A) Take responsibility. People, especially teens, do dumb stuff, and we can all relate to that. Most people are willing to give someone a second chance if they appear to genuninely accept what they did and be trying to change for the better.

(B) Be Honest. Don't hide things, gloss over them, etc.

(C) Be Brief. Don't dwell on negative stuff; get back to your positive qualities.

(D) Be Positive. Explain what you've done since the criminal incident and what you're doing now to turn your life around.

6. Use your personal network of friends, neighbors, family members, classmates, etc. Get people who trust you to introduce you to employers who trust them. Having a mutual acquaintance vouch for you takes away a lot of the perceived risk from the employer.

7. Be patient and stick with it. It's a tough economy right now and it's taking everyone longer than usual to land a good job. As someone with a criminal record, you can logically expect it to take even longer for you...but persistence will pay off.

8. Be practical. Your first job after a criminal conviction probably won't be your dream job in many respects, but it's a chance to start rebuilding your reputation as a good, reliable worker, and that'll make trading up to other better jobs in 6-12-18 months far easier.

blahblahblahblahblah

No one can see your criminal background if you commited a crime and you are under 18

Almond

currently your criminal background cannot be viewed by anyone, just as long as you have not been certified as an adult for the crime. Once you turn 18 the crime will be known during criminal background checks. If you have been placed on probation, then once you have completed your community service you should have your record expunged.

micca800

Actually they can look at your juvenile record no matter what a judge says you know the whole you turn 18 and that is sealed not true. The only way you can help out the things that you have already done is to not repeat them. When going for a job if they bring up things you were convicted of try to explain to them that you have worked hard to turn things around and better yourself. Trying to get a job is a great first step in changing things for the better. Keep up with your schooling and trying to work is hard, but it most certainly can be done. I know I did it I am now going to college to become a police officer. Small changes in your life will go a long way you will be able to seek out the job you want even with stuff on your juvenile record as long as it continues to be only things you have done in your past. Good Luck on getting a job!

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