Can't work due to your Criminal Record?

Posted by John Smith on February 4th, 2020

Getting a job is difficult, and it can be even harder if you have a criminal record. Do not worry! Criminal record removal services are here to help you. Today, many employers will do a background check before hiring you. 

To know your rights and help you get and keep a job, you have to know the content of your criminal record. In some cases, you can honestly answer “no” to a question about your criminal record. Employers cannot ask about your criminal record in the initial job application.

But employers may ask you to give written permission to do a background check.

What can my employer find out about my criminal record?

From their criminal records, employers can see:

- Arrests of the last 7 years, and any conviction (regardless of when they occurred).
They can't see:
- Arrests of more than 7 years ago, 
- The background that was removed or forgiven.

Do all employers do a criminal background check?

Not all, but many employers do. For most private employers it is optional, but it depends on the type of work. You will have a criminal background check for the following jobs:

- Nurse and nursing assistant,
- Day care center or group day care home,
- Licensed home child care provider,
- Lottery, casino, horse or dog racing, and betting places outside the racecourse,
- Public school jobs.

How do I answer questions about my background?

Tell the truth. If you lie when you apply for a job, you can be fired for lying. In the interview, you could explain why your criminal record will not prevent you from being a good employee. 

Tips:

- Tell the truth. If you lie about certain information, you may be fired for lying and you may not be able to receive unemployment benefits or social welfare from the state. And for some jobs, lying about criminal records is a criminal offense.
- Plan how you will explain your criminal record and the periods in which you did not work.
- Enter your employment history. Write down the name and address of the company, your job responsibilities, the dates you worked and why you quit your job.
- Get references. Try to find a trusted person from your previous jobs who will give you a good reference (say positive things about yourself). Ask him what he would say about you if a potential employer calls you. Ask if you can use it for reference.

If you are planning for an interview for your job, it is advisable to first contact pardons services Canada.