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When does a criminal record affect your ability to get a job?

On Behalf of | Jan 27, 2020 | Blog |

Although a criminal record in North Carolina may not totally eliminate your ability to get a job, it can seriously hamper it. If you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction on your record, it may take some extra effort to find the employment you want in the future. While some convictions can be expunged, or removed from your record, others will show up whenever you try to get a job. 

When you are looking for a job after you have a conviction, Career Trend suggests that you first know your rights. Request a copy of your criminal record to make sure they are no mistakes on it. If there are errors, you can request to have them removed. Closely check applications before you apply to determine if you even need to disclose your criminal record to apply for the job. Some employers are only concerned about felonies rather than misdemeanors. 

Federal law allows an employer to ask you about a criminal record, but it does not allow them to deny employment unless the record provides just cause. If you want a job working with money but you have a conviction for embezzlement or fraud, you are unlikely to get it. State law may affect how much information a potential employer can request when you apply for a job. 

If your conviction does come up during an interview, be open and honest about what you learned from the experience and how it can improve your ability to do the job. Share with the interviewer the specific steps you took to improve your life after you were convicted of a crime and show them you will be an asset to their business because of your record.