Free Career and Job Search Advice

shelzmike · Newbie Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hello -

I will dive right in here. Seven years ago, I (as many people always say) made a huge mistake and was convicted of several felonies (all related to the same event) for forgery and uttering. Basically, under direction from a superior I signed and cashed a couple of checks, things went wrong with the owner, and I got arrested. I had never been in trouble before (not even a speeding ticket) and even the judge reduced my charges and punishment to the lowest allowed - I never even served any jail time. She basically knew that this was not like me and it was a mistake.

Additionally, since then, I have not gotten into any more trouble. I was perfect on probation and did everything that was asked - including paying ALL my fines and restitution without ever being late on a payment. I have kept a steady job and have gotten married, have 3 kids, and a normal, law-abiding life.

Additionally, I decided to go back to school and am in my Junior year at Liberty University (and yes, I am a Christian too). I have a 4.0. I volunteer as the Webelos Den leader and Membership Committee Chairman for the local Boy Scout District. Also, I am a volunteer head coach for my boys' minor league baseball team.

I have impeccable references from my current and past jobs that can account for my character and integrity - no issues whatsoever - I have even been in Operations Management with access to funds and had my own credit card for the company, with no issues at all.

I would say that I am a changed person, but that would be innaccurate. I have always been this person, it is just I made a poor judgment call several years ago.

Now, I am pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems and will get my BS from Liberty next May. I am currently trying to get out of sales and into the IT field. However, it seems as though EVERYONE is doing background checks now, and these convictions are killing me. No matter how qualified I am, no matter how I have impressed the hiring manager, this is "protocol" for them to not hire based on this.

I need advice - I am really frustrated that I paid my dues and am, in many ways, a much more productive person than many people who have never been convicted of anything, let alone other felons. How can I shed this label? Is my degree a pointless waste of time since it seems as though I may never find a job? (at least one that I can make a bit of money at).

Any advice on how to get around this? I know that in some states you can get your record expunged, but I am in VA, and alas I cannot unless I can somehow prove that I was either framed or that I did not do the crime, but I am not going to lie and say that I did not, because I did. To me, it is senseless that this non-violent crime will bring me down for the rest of my life - did I not already pay my dues? I realize that objectively people who are felons may be a higher risk hire, but not always, and certainly not in my case. Doesn't my track record since then amount to anything?

Has anyone else been in this situation and overcome it? I think I just need some hope that my efforts are not futile. Thanks in advance for reading!

lexa10881 · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:25 pm Post subject:

I wonder if it is possible to ask to have your record sealed/expunged? Sometimes it is. Otherwise, being up front with an interviewer during the job interview process and letting them know your poor judgement in the past but that it is not of your nature, and then offering them plenty to check to prove that you are indeed a good natured person who is honest. After seven years, though, maybe you are ok and it won't show? That is the question I would be trying to answer first.

http://www.cvtips.com/background_checks.html

Diligentfour · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 12:01 pm Post subject:

Have You Ever Been Convicted of a Crime?

This question is the most agonizing part of any ex-offenders job search. Some believe by being honest they don’t have a chance at getting a job. The fact is an employer cannot legally refuse to hire you because you have a criminal record unless the conviction is directly related to the job for which you are applying. I have spoken with former inmates who have lied on applications and gotten jobs, only to lose them later when background checks were done. Some have been encouraged to use the response Will discuss at interview. In my opinion, these are not good practices. The best advice I can give is BE HONEST! Employers have a responsibility to know as much as possible about prospective employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty of negligent hiring when employees who have criminal pasts committed acts that resulted in harm to others. Those situations could have been avoided by careful screening through background checks. Employers will ask directly on applications about criminal convictions as a means to protect himself, his business, and others.

In many states prospective employers may not ask about arrests that do not end in convictions. Pay careful attention to the wording of this question. It may vary from application to application. Typically the question will ask about convictions of crimes and/or felonies and not misdemeanors. If you are unsure about the type of convictions you have, you should obtain a copy of your record.

Many applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign before the application is considered. This statement may also be called an Authorization. The wording may vary but the employer is asking you to certify with your signature that all of the information you have given is correct. Part of this certification is a release that gives the employer access to information provided by past employers, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other organizations that may have information about you.

In reference to criminal records, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)

Example:

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance 8/12/02 Houston, TX Time Served (18 mos.)

You may have to practice to fit your response into the space given. For those who have more than one conviction, list your convictions on a separate sheet of paper, make copies, and attach a copy to each application you complete. In the space provided, write see attached sheet. Be sure to list each and every conviction. I have seen individuals that had been working on jobs for months, suddenly lose them because of failing to list one conviction. That is why it is so important to get a copy of your record.

Properly completing employment applications will be the difference between being hired and not being hired.

I hope this helps.

Eric

Get more great advice on ex-offender job searching at http://www.Jailtojob.com

dejaluv · New User Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

Look for small companies. My experience is that start-ups and small businesses dont even ask the question and often they pay as well if not better than larger organizations.

EmploymentSelect · New User Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 7 Career Advice: +0/-0

Where did you find this?

bigtruckdriver

One more very important thing.

You are not wasting your time educating yourself is never wasting time. What you do with what you've learned is what makes it a waste or not. You seemed to have sincerely matured to look at life in a different way. This very situation is one of the reasons I do the things I do. I recently made a cd called making life great in 2008.

One of the things, I spoke about was how we as a people need to give second chances to others. Thats as individuals to each other, as well as employers to potential employees.

I say that a person like you could very well be one of the best type of people to hire for a job you qualify for.

If only they (the employers) thought about it from this angle they would be a little more receptive.

This is why I say that. You have gone down the wrong path and learned from it. You have experienced and is living a real scenario of why it doesn't pay to go that route again. You have a very strong deterrent as long as you are given the opportunity to move on. If people don't give you that opportunity then what are you supposed to do.

Others that have never been down that path still will have that path as an option if things happen in a way to make that path justifiable in that persons mind. For you that option is expired.

You may even be the one to counsel someone who is contemplating going down that wrong path, in fact you could be the one who saves the company from being a victim of that crime by one of its current employees.

So, now you see that I for one do recognize that you are definitely a valuable person to our society having come through your situation and learning from your mistakes.

We all make mistakes, especially when we are younger. It doesn't mean that we are not capable of maturing and developing into a totally differently person.

Man other people realize this just like me.

Don't give up, keep knocking on doors. Your hardwork, dedication, and accomplishments are not in vain.

Also do this. . .

think outside the box even further. Take salesmanship, marketing, and business classes. What you will learn will benefit you in more ways then the intended purpose of the classes. The principles learned applies to life and gives you the edge over many others who concetrate only on subjects directly related to their field.

With this training you begin to think differently and see new opportunities for yourself.

Why is that important?

Because one of the things you should be thinking about right now is how to take all that you know and use it to go into business for yourself. Then what other classes can you take to make that a reality.

Today's reality is that there is more opportunity for entreprenuers and thinkers than ever before.

Man, you are in a great position.

Think about this even. How many people have gone through what your going through right now?

I see internet opportunity for you easy.

Start a blog to that addresses the issues your having. Create your own community around that whole scenario. A gathering place for discussion about it just like this one about careers.

A prime example of what I am saying. I am a trucker (among many other things:-) I started a website about becoming a trucker because I noticed a lot of drivers were unhappy because of not making an informed decision to become a driver. See what I mean about today's opportunity.

Another example, I used to search and search the web for ways to make money online. Well most didn't work, but I learned a lot. Some worked. Others I didn't work (l0l) but I learned. I finally decided to do a website about and showcasing what i learned and the programs that worked for me.

So NEVER doubt your hard work to get yourself right man just keep moving forward and position yourself to create opportunities for yourself.

Good luck man.
Keep your head up.

The Crazy Trucker

P.S. Oh one more things to tell you. By now I guess you see that I have many thoughts and ideas.

(yeah this is gonna be one more example of thinking outside the box and applying what you have)

A friend (I guess) of mine had the nerve to tell me that I was too opinionated. My response was, "what you find to be a negative trait I will rub in your face by using to put money in my pocket." Immediately I began writing a book which pretty much is a display of my many many many thoughts on things from parenting to defensive driving.(The question is will I ever finish it!) I have now recorded cd's, dvd's that showcase, guess what. . . my opinion. (But I know its right).

So anyway, keep going man. No turning back now. I believe in you.

Keep in touch.

Cooklos · New User Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

Ya felony charges can stop you from accquiring alot of jobs.

scoobyge · Newbie Joined: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I believe we have similiar problems from our past and are making the very best of what we have since then.

My felony from 15 years ago was non violent - possession of stolen goods. In my state you cannot expunge or seal a felony if it happened i age 21 or higher. I am stuck with the record.

Since my mistake, I do went to college and started a family. I have worked in positions of trust and currently work as a civilian in law enforcement.

Hang in there.

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