It is quite difficult for ex-offenders to get back to their regular lives. There are a lot of problems they have to deal with and one of the most important issues that need to be addressed is – finding a job.
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions by ex-offenders searching for a job.
Q.1 – Do I need to disclose my criminal history to my employer?
In most cases, you are not legally obligated to share your criminal history with your employer. However, in some cases, you have a legal binding to share the details of past convictions, warnings, and other incidents in your past. If there is a legal binding on you, it is best, to be honest, and reveal all details otherwise, there can be serious consequences in the future.
Q.2 – If I don’t share my criminal history, can they still come to know about it?
Well, yes, in a way. Many businesses ask for a DBS check to be done by potential (and, sometimes even, current) employees. DBS check (short for a Disclosure and Barring Service Check) is a certificate that shows your entire criminal history. It shows convictions, reprimands, warnings and, even, cautions issued to you in the past. However, this check can only be done after obtaining your consent; so, you do have a say in it. But the catch is that many businesses will not hire you if you don’t submit a DBS check certificate. Many companies will also drug test employees before hiring in addition to a criminal background check.
Q.3 – Will I be able to get a job as an ex-offender?
It is not easy but, honestly, more and more people are ready to hire ex-offenders giving them a second chance. However, the biggest factor is whether or not you are skilled for the job in question. If you can perform well in the role that you are applying for then chances are high that your employers might look beyond your history.
Tips to Find a Job as an Ex-offender
While these days, it is not fairly easy for a regular person to find a job, it is even more difficult for an ex-offender to find a suitable job. There are a lot of hurdles that they need to cross because many businesses might not feel comfortable working with an ex-offender.
And, their worry is not without reason; especially, when it comes to some specific businesses that are either highly regulated or work with vulnerable groups of people such as children or the sick and elderly.
Nevertheless, there are some things that you can do to find a job, such as –
- Find jobs in industries that are more accepting of people with a criminal record.
- Don’t try to scout for jobs in sensitive industries such as healthcare.
- Be upfront and honest about your situation; don’t try to lie about your issue.
- If you are obligated to disclose details of your criminal history, do so.
- Update your resume with current qualifications, skills and try to make it appealing.
