How to Tell a Potential Employer About a Criminal Background
- 1). Read about your rights. In some states, for example, you do not have to divulge that you were arrested if you were not convicted. Knowing what will show up on your background check will help you understand what may come up during the interview about your past.
- 2). Answer questions about your background honestly during your interview. Some employers may be very interested in working with an employee who has fought through some hard times, is honest about it, and who is willing to work hard to get a new start. Others may not be so, especially if they can establish a business-related reason why you should not be hired based on your criminal history. Going into your interview with the attitude that finding a job with a criminal background is difficult, but not impossible can help you approach the subject of your past more objectively.
- 3). Keep a positive attitude, and stick to the facts when you tell your story. Focus on how you have worked to improve yourself and the steps you have taken to overcome challenges you have faced. These will come across to the interviewer during your interview.
- 4). Attach an explanation sheet of offenses to the job application to fully disclose your criminal history. This demonstrates your taking the initiative in being up front about your past and your willingness to be honest.
