Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

Knowing the laws

Before someone starts searching for a job, it’s a good idea to learn about the laws that protect them. These laws change often, giving people with records more opportunities to find employment.^[2]

"Ban the box" laws

“Ban the Box” laws prevent employers from asking about conviction and arrest history on job applications and postpone background checks until later in the hiring process. These laws typically restrict employers with five or more employees from inquiring about people’s conviction history before extending a job offer.
This means employers can’t ask “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” on the application. They must wait until they want to hire someone before asking about their record. This allows a person to showcase their skills first.

If the question is on the application form and it’s illegal under your state’s law, you can:

• Leave it blank (if the system allows) and still submit.
• Or write: “Per state law, will discuss at the appropriate stage of the hiring process.”
• Keep a screenshot or copy in case there’s a dispute — some employers violate the law by mistake.

Where these laws exist

Many states and cities have Ban the Box laws. California has a statewide Ban the Box law, known as the California Fair Chance Act. Other states, such as New York and Illinois, have similar laws. Look up your state’s laws online or ask at the local American Job Center.

People’s rights during the hiring process^[3]

• Employers must give a person a chance to explain their record
• They can’t automatically reject someone just because they have a conviction
• They must consider how old a conviction is and if it relates to the job
• Your loved one has the right to see their background check and correct any mistakes

Choosing the right careers and industries

Some jobs and industries are more open to hiring people with criminal records than others. So, it is a good idea to focus the job search on these areas to increase your loved one’s chances.^[4]

Industries that often hire people with records

• Construction and skilled trades – These jobs focus on a person’s ability to do the work
• Manufacturing – Many factories need workers and care more about reliability than background
• Food service and restaurants – Fast-paced industry with high turnover\
• Retail and customer service – Many stores need workers, especially in entry-level positions
• Transportation and logistics – Truck driving, warehouse work, delivery services
• Cleaning and maintenance – Janitorial services, landscaping, building maintenance
•  Healthcare support – Some positions, such as a dietary aide or housekeeper in hospitals

Jobs that may be harder to get

It’s important to be realistic about jobs that will be difficult with a record:

• Jobs working with children or vulnerable adults
• Financial services and banking
• Government jobs that require security clearances
• Healthcare jobs that require professional licenses
• Jobs that involve handling large amounts of money

Focus on the skills

Think about what your loved one is good at and what they learned from any job training programs or volunteer work. Many employers care more about whether they can do the job well than about their past.

Training and building skills

Learning new skills makes someone more valuable to employers and shows they’re serious about changing their life.

Free training programs

• American job centers – These centers help people with criminal records explore careers, get training, and search for jobs. You can use this search tool
• Community colleges – Many offer job training programs, and some have special programs for people with records
• Non-profit organizations – Look for groups in your area that help formerly incarcerated people. These are two good examples:  The Fortune Society and Alliance of Families for Justice
• Union apprenticeships – Learn skilled trades while getting paid. A good place to start is the government website Apprenticeship Finder, where you can search for programs by location and trade
• Local government – Some states or local governments may have resources to facilitate the reintegration of formerly incarcerated people. This is an example.

Popular Training Options

• Construction skills – Carpentry, electrical work, plumbing
• Commercial driving – Getting a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
• Computer skills – Basic computer use, data entry, and customer service software
• Food service – Food safety certification, cooking skills
• Healthcare support – Medical assistant, patient care technician

Show you're committed to change

Employers want to see that a person is working to improve their life. Taking classes, getting certificates, and learning new skills prove you’re serious about your future.

Write your resume and consider where to apply for the best odds of getting hired

Your loved one’s resume needs to highlight their strengths and skills while being honest about any gaps in their work history. However, experts advise that people do not have to disclose their criminal record in their resume.^[5] If they worked while in prison, they can only state that their employer was the state or county that the prison is part of.

If true, they can add any of the following while incarcerated or afterward, as experience or training to fill the gap.

• Educational programs (GED, college courses, trade school)
• Vocational training (CDL prep, welding, carpentry, HVAC, computer skills)
• Work assignments inside (food service, maintenance, clerical — frame them like real jobs)
• Volunteer work or community service after release

They can also explain their conviction in the face-to-face portion of the application process. Be honest but keep it simple. This video gives helpful tips when applying for a job.

Resume tips for people with records^[6]

• Focus on your skills and abilities – These should be at the top of a resume
• Include any training or certificates – This shows employers that someone is learning new things
• Highlight volunteer work – This shows a person has been productive and cares about their community
• Use a functional resume format – This focuses on skills (e.g., communication, organizational, problem-solving) rather than job titles and dates
• Have someone else review it – It can be a good idea to have a family member or friend review your loved one’s resume to see how it comes across

Where to apply

• Companies known for second-chance hiring – Some big companies like Home Depot, Walmart, and many others actively hire people with records
• Small local businesses – These employers might be more flexible and willing to give you a chance
• Staffing agencies – They can help someone match with employers who are open to hiring people with records
• Online job sites – Your loved one can use sites like Indeed, but also look for “second chance” job boards

How to apply

• Apply in person when possible – This lets people make a good first impression before employers know about their record
• Follow up on applications – It’s a good idea to call or visit to show they’re really interested
• Apply for jobs you’re qualified for – Tell your loved one not to aim too high or too low
• Customize each application – It’s important to show a person has researched the company and really wants that specific job

Prepare to discuss your record

Your loved one will eventually need to talk about their criminal record. Being prepared helps them handle these conversations with confidence and professionalism. This video provides tips for how to be prepared for an interview when having a criminal record.

When to bring it up

• It’s not a good idea to volunteer the information unless asked directly
• Better to wait for them to ask – It’s important to let them get to know a person’s skills first
• It’s ideal to be ready for background check discussions – This usually happens after they want to hire someone

How to talk about a criminal record

Being honest but brief:

• “I made some mistakes in my past, but I’ve learned from them and worked hard to turn my life around.”
• It’s a good idea to focus on what a person has done since then to improve themself
• A person does not need to give unnecessary details about their crime

Showing what has been learned:

• Education, training, or counseling they’ve completed
• Community service or volunteer work
• A person may want to explain how the experience taught them responsibility

Focusing on the future:

• “I’m focused on building a stable career and contributing positively to your team”
• Show enthusiasm for the job and company
• Be prepared to demonstrate their reliability and work ethic with examples

Benefits to mention to employers

Your loved one should be aware that there are benefits for employers who hire individuals with a criminal record. If they think it is appropriate, they can mention that in the interview. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit gives tax discounts to employers who hire people with records, while the Federal Bonding Program provides insurance for employers concerned about theft or dishonesty.

Find job openings and network

Finding a job takes more than just filling out applications online. People need to use many different strategies to find opportunities.^[7]

Where to look for jobs

American job centers

• Call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for employment or training help or use this search tool
• They have job counselors who understand the challenges people with records face
• They know which local employers are willing to hire people with criminal backgrounds

Second-chance employers. Many companies have programs specifically for hiring people with criminal records:

• Dave’s Killer Bread
• The Home Depot
• Starbucks
• Koch Industries
• Many others – search online for “second chance employers” in your area

Staffing agencies

• Some specialize in helping people with records find work
• They often have relationships with employers who are open to second-chance hiring
• Temporary work can sometimes lead to permanent jobs

Networking and personal connections

• Tell family and friends that your loved one is looking for work
• Share your interest in finding work at AA and other support group meetings
• It may help to join community organizations and volunteer
• Job fairs and community events provide good opportunities to connect with potential employers
• People from any programs they’ve completed are often a good source of information

Online resources

• CareerOneStop has special resources for people with criminal records to help explore careers, get training, and search for jobs.
• Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other general job sites
• Company websites – apply directly to employers

Tips for success

• Being persistent but not pushy – It’s advisable to follow up on applications, although it’s key not to be annoying
• Dressing professionally for interviews and when applying in person
• Being on time – This shows a person is reliable
• Staying positive – Employers want to hire people with good attitudes
• Not giving up – It might take longer, but if someone is persistent, chances are that they will find the right opportunity

Your loved one’s criminal record is part of their past, but that doesn’t have to define their future. With preparation, persistence, and the right approach, they can build the career and life they want.

Millions of Americans have criminal records, and many have gone on to successful careers. So, remind your loved one to take it one step at a time, stay focused on their goals, and persevere.