5 Ways a Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Job Prospects

A criminal conviction isn’t really over once a sentence is served. Convicts who complete their sentences often say they’ve paid their debt to society and want to move forward with their lives. But it’s not that easy — as anyone with a criminal record knows when applying for a job.

Whether the conviction is a felony or a misdemeanor, it’s hard to find employment with a criminal record. It’s not impossible, mind you. But it’s not easy.

Here are five ways a criminal record may impact your job prospects. It’s important to see things not only from the job seeker’s perspective but also from the employer’s perspective.

1. Fewer Jobs Available Throughout the Hiring Process

Fewer job opportunities are among the most immediate consequences of having a criminal record. Many employers require background checks during the hiring process, and having a conviction on your record can automatically disqualify you from getting hired for certain jobs.

Some industries, like the financial, healthcare, education, and government sectors, may have strict rules that don’t allow for hiring individuals with criminal records. For instance, jobs dealing with money handling, vulnerable populations, or security clearances may be out of reach if you’ve been convicted of a crime. Even if the law doesn’t allow discriminatory practices, employers may still view individuals with criminal records as risky.

It can be a huge setback if, after a criminal conviction, you don’t get past the initial screening process, despite your skill set, experience, and any form of rehabilitation. But that’s the reality.

Because of the potential consequences, it’s vital to hire a reputable criminal defense lawyer when facing criminal charges. You’ll learn what you’re up against and increase your odds of beating the charges or at least reducing the penalties if you’re convicted.

2. Loss of Professional Licenses and Certifications

A criminal conviction could mean a serious risk to your profession since many licensing boards require individuals to disclose criminal arrests and convictions, and can deny licensing or certification on the basis of a conviction.

Even if the offenses have nothing to do with job performance, they can result in disciplinary action if they are deemed to be breaches of trust or judgment, or public safety issues. Revocation of a license can force you to pursue a different line of work altogether.

3. Lower Earning Potential and Limited Advancement Opportunities

Your earning potential will take a nosedive if you have a criminal record. So, it’s not just about possibly finding it hard to get or keep a job. It’s also about the possible pay cut you may have to accept to secure one of the few positions you may still qualify for.

In many workplaces, there are policies that restrict employees from advancing in their careers if they have certain criminal convictions. That can be a bitter pill to swallow if you’ve spent years in school and in your career — only to have a criminal conviction derail everything.

4. Work Discipline Following Conviction

Even if you don’t lose your job following a criminal conviction, you could face penalties nonetheless. Your company’s policies might call for specific measures to be taken.

This is particularly common when any of the following come into play:

• The offense is related to the job, such as theft or fraud
• The conviction breaches the company’s ethics policies
• This job also entails ongoing background checks
• The conviction gives rise to safety concerns

Even if you’re not ultimately terminated, you could face job role changes and cause irreparable harm to professional relationships.

5. Ongoing Stigma and Workplace Bias

It’s hard to ignore the ongoing stigma of a criminal conviction — even if you turn your life around.

Bias towards people who have criminal records can manifest itself in the form of the following:

• Being passed over for promotions
• Increased scrutiny in comparison to co-workers
• Difficulty building professional networks

Unfortunately, the stigma can spill over into other areas beyond employment. For instance, a criminal conviction can negatively affect your self-confidence, well-being, and motivation. And struggling with any of the above can get in the way of your job search.

Looking Ahead After a Conviction

Although a criminal conviction carries serious consequences on the employment front, you should explore options like sealing or expunging to have the conviction removed from your record. It’s a good idea to ask your criminal defense lawyer if either is an option for you.

A criminal record may affect a person’s work life in a variety of ways, with far-reaching consequences. If you’re looking to move forward after being convicted, being informed can play an important role in building or rebuilding a successful and sustainable career.