November 10, 2009Reader Question: How do I talk about my criminal record in job interviews?
Meryl,
I am without employment after searching for over a year. I have a criminal record as a recovering addict with three years clean. Please let me know the best way to handle a job interview productively. I am a licensed CNA and particularly would like to help people get their lives together.
My response:
Readers, can you help with this one? What do you recommend? And what resources are available? Thanks.
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I would suggest that you be completely open and honest with the interviewer, but emphasize the fact that you have worked hard to change your life and make up for your past mistakes. Having held positions for many years in which I was responsible for interviewing and hiring, I never once held a person’s past against them. The important thing from my point of view is not what mistakes a person has made in the past, but what they have learned from those mistakes. Your desire to use your experience to help others is admirable and is a unique qualification for your line of work. When interviewing, change your focus from your feelings about your former life to your feelings of pride and accomplishment about your tremendous recent achievements in being three years clean and getting your CNA license. If you are focused on the positive, the interviewer will have a difficult time focusing on the negative. I hope these comments will help – good luck to you.
Comment by Grace Wagoner — November 11, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
I agree with Grace’s comment. I work for a Drugs and Alcohol charity and a number of our workers have a history of substance misuse. I would also look for what an applicant has been doing whilst they were unemployed. Have they been doing something relevant and useful such as volunteering in a related area to the job they are applying for? This would show commitment and I would be more likely to take them seriously as a candidate.
Comment by Claire — November 12, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
Your school should be able to help. One of your instructors, your counselor, or even the registar is aware of you and your personal achievement. They are proud of you and excited for the future because you will make even more of a difference in the world. It took a lot for you to write in and for help, right? Although it will be harder to ask for help in person, I predict that you will happily want to kick yourself for not doing it sooner! People want to help.
A dog catcher once confided in me that he was afraid to apply for his dream of being a cop because of the thorough background check. He had been in trouble in the past. He forged ahead and found out that the sheriff’s department didn’t want to hire perfect people! They need officers that could relate. He got the job and I believe that you can, too.
You may look at people and imagine they have perfect lives. They have careers, good kids, and nice cars. People have “skeletons”. It may be what drives them to achieve worldly goods or help others. They may welcome the chance to relate and to help. You are doing the hard part: asking, sharing your vulnerability.
Meryl’s newsletter today had a message for you in the topic “is there something you are not telling me.” If you sense an interview is “off” and you aren’t getting the position. Consider reaching out. “I feel that I am not going to be offered this job. It’s ok. I want your advice. Where should I apply? Is there something I should do differently?” (They may be full of crap so keep yourself centered! But some may have some great ideas.)
Good Luck!
Comment by Susan — November 13, 2009 @ 8:34 am
If you are wanting a job in which you can help people get their lives back together – then you have a life experience to really help others to achieve this. I would say that having your past experiences is actually of benefit to you – it gives you real integrity – and employers in these areas should be seeking employees with this kind of insight. Surely this will allow you to engage with their clients in a way that others may not be able to?
I agree with Grace’s comments – speak positively about your past and give examples of how you can inspire others to change and how this will improve your employers business/organisation.
This is definitely a strength for you and complete honesty in interviews is a refreshing change to hearing the usual blurbs from interviewees. I know this because after sitting on interview panels, nothing grabs my interest more than someone unique, honest and passionate. Having an employee who can inspire is a valuable asset to an organisation.
Comment by annelise — November 17, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
Hello, part-time I teach Employability at a College in Canberra, Australia. First up, I take my hat off to you to have overcome addiction and I can tell you desire a better station in life.
You didnt state whether you actually get to the interview stage. Remember that you need a strong job application / selection statement in order to get to the interview stage alone. Library’s and employment centres have lots of resources. Ensure also you are targeting the right jobs for your skills. I think the best money you can spend is having a professional resume builder do your resume and application the first time, they will really lift your application and increase your chance of success.
It would be good if you could be placed in employment soon for several reasons: that you dont have too long a gap in employment on your resume; that you dont lose more confidence and skills; and that you remain in the machinery of getting up and going to work each day.
For the many people in your situation, I tell them always to divulge your past honestly only when asked. If you go through a security clearance process, convictions will appear. Obtain as many character references and referees as you can from a range of people ie, Church, babysitting or dogwalking, it really doesnt matter, all you are aiming to prove is your reliability, trustworthiness and you are upstanding.
Volunteer for the short-term to gain references if necessary (Policing organisations especially are good to volunteer for or Fire Brigade/Emergency Services) or local Neighbourhood Watch.
When you make it to interview, at the close of the interview you could state “should I be selected for appointment with your firm, I would be agreeable to a shorter probation period in which to demonstrate my suitability for the role and the organisation”. This sentence demonstrates your commitment and belief in yourself to succeed. Ensure at interview you hold yourself confidently and take in a folder of some sharp answers to questions they are likely to ask you. Remember to smile and really know the organisation and tell them what you think the role will encompass.
I have employed people for being simply nice or kind or a tryer. Not always does the the smartest, the most qualified or the most attractive person get the good roles.
I have written 2 manuals – Becoming Gainfully Employed and Addressing Selection Criteria which you are most welcome to have. Just email me at lsclater@optusnet.com.au to receive a copy.
Lastly, dress for the job you want, not for the job you have and know that every job has an owner!
Good luck and best wishes from Lillian
Comment by Lillian Sclater — November 22, 2009 @ 1:42 am