Criminal Conviction & The Job Search	
Criminal Conviction & The Job Search (page 1 of 2)	
Where do I find information to help me with the job search?
CareerOneStop website ( careeronestop.org) contains information for all job seekers.  One section of this 
website helps "Worker with a Criminal Conviction."  Go to careeronestop.org.  Click on "Worker with a  Criminal Conviction."  Click "Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders." 
Then, to find help in your state, click on "Find State Resources."  Select 
your state.  Click bottom of next web page to find state resources for: 
1) Job Search; 2) Documens & Records; 3) Legal Assistance; 
4) Housing; 5) Food Assistance.  
Can I get my record expunged?
Expunging means sealing your record.  It does not mean your conviction is gone.  It does mean that most 
people can't see it.  Each state has its own questions and rules about expunging records, such as:  1) How 
serious was your crime?  It is unlikely you can expunge a serious crime involving violence or sex of fense.  
2) How old were you when convicted?  3) How long has it been since your arrest?  4) Did you complete the 
terms of your sentence, probation, or diversion program?  5) Do you have more than one of fense on record?  
You apply to your state to ask that your record  be expunged.  To find out how to apply, ask your parole 
officer or a find a free/low-cost legal clinic in your city.  Go to web address WikiHow.com.  Search for 
"expunge criminal record" and "how to get job with a criminal record."   This site has valuable information. 
How do I talk about my conviction during a job interview?
Employers use background checks to confirm qualifications.  It's better to be honest 
up front and lose some job opportunities than to lose an employer's trust after you 
are hired.  Here are tips to increase your chance of getting hired:
1.  Be honest.  Never lie to an interviewer or put false information on your resume 
or application.  Not being honest  will disqualify you when the employer does a 
background check or checks your references.
2.  Keep it simple.   Answer questions directly.  Address concerns an employer has, 
then steer interview back to your skills and positive traits that fit job opening. 
Say:  I can see why that gap in my work history might concern you.  I am a very hard worker and quick 
learner.  I come to work on time and do not call in sick.  I have the following skills (then list your skills 
such as: I have auto mechanic skills, and I know how to operate spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel). 
3.  Make a good first and last impression.  Avoid talking about negative issues at the very beginning or 
the end of an interview.  If possible, try to address your criminal history in the middle of the interview. 
End with a summary of your qualifications, skills, and your interest in the job.
4.  Emphasize the positive.  If asked for information about your past (convictions, incarceration, drug 
abuse), do not tell "your side of the story."  Even if wrongly convicted, you will leave a negative 
impression.  Focus on what you have to offer employers, not your personal story. Speak positive: I 
understand that you have questions about my background.   I assure you that I have learned from my 
mistakes and corrected past problems.  I spent time training for this career path.  I am more mature now 
and have a solid plan for my future.  If given the chance, I will give your company 100% ef fort.  I will 
be at work early, and even stay late if necessary.  I know you will not be disappointed if you hire me.

Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.  	Criminal Conviction & The Job Search (page 2 of 2)	
QUICK CHECK:
1. a) List address of website that has information 
for job seekers.  b) To find help in your state, 
on what do you click?  c) List 5 types of state 
resources located on this website.
2.  a) What does expunging mean?  b) What does 
it not mean?  c) List 2 ways to find out how to 
apply in your state.  d) What web address has 
valuable information?
3.  It is better to lose some job opportunities than to 
lose what?
4.  Not being honest will do what?
5.  a) After addressing concerns, what do you steer 
the interview back to?  b) Write down what you 
say to steer the interview back.  
6.  a) What do you avoid at beginning and end of 
the interview?  b) At what part of the 
  interview do you address your criminal record?  
c) With what do you end?
5. 
Talk about: 1) your skills and 2) your future career plans.  Highlight your education, job training, 
skills, paid and unpaid work experience. Talk about your career plans, your training that prepared you 
for the job opening, and how the job opening fits your skills and future career plans.
6.  Be ready to talk about benefits available to employers who hire people with a record.  You can 
bring information about the  Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program, which gives tax discounts to 
employers who hire low-income ex-offenders.  Go to www.dol/gov/agencies/eta/wotc.  Print out a Fact 
Sheet about this program to bring with you to job interviews.  You may also talk about the  Federal 
Bonding Program which is insurance for employers concerned about theft or dishonesty by workers. 
Tell employers they can call 1 (877) US2-JOBS to get more information.
Sometimes your body language can give off the wrong signals.  People may 
think negatively about you because of your body language.  Some tips:
•  Keep good eye contact, without staring.  Not looking a person in the eye                                        
when talking can be seen as a sign that you are lying or hiding something.
•  Stand and sit tall.  Slouching, sitting casually, or fidgeting (nervous movements such as tapping your 
fingers on your knee) looks like you are not taking the interview seriously .  Sit up straight, but relaxed.  
This lets the employer know that you are interested in the job.
•  Smile.  A genuine smile shows that you are a friendly person, and you are someone the interviewer 
would want working at the company.
•  If interviewer extends his/her hand, shake hands firmly.  Shake hands only after the interviewer 
extends his or her hand first.  During the Covid pandemic, interviewers will usually not shake hands.
•  Show interest through your facial expression.  Many people look serious when they are nervous.  An 
employer can mistake that as being bored or having low energy.  As the interviewer is talking, nod your 
head and smile when appropriate (proper and fitting time).
7. a) To emphasize the positive, what do you not 
tell?  b) On what do you focus?  
  c) Write down 2 sentences you can say to be 
positive.
8.  About what 2 things should you talk?
9.  About what 2 programs can you talk?
10. What signals can your body language give off? 
11.  What may be the result if you do not look a 
  person in the eye when talking?
12. List 3 things that make you look like you are not  talking the interview seriously.
13. What 2 things does a genuine smile show?
14. When do you shake hands?
15. a) What may people look like when nervous?  
  b) What may employers mistake that as being?
16. Define "appropriate."
17. a) If you were an employer, would you hire an  ex-offender?  b) Explain why or why not.