Securing a job is not always easy. The hassle can become even more complicated when you have a criminal record by your name. Most employers conduct background checks to ascertain your criminal history. Others will enquire whether you have been convicted of any crime.
That said, a conviction of a felony should not serve as a lifetime setback to securing your dream job. State government together with the federal government has laws that give each job candidate a fair chance to be hired. Moreover, a few employers do not dwell so much on your dark past as long as you guarantee results. This post gives some insights to looking for jobs for felons New Jersey, particularly in New York and New Jersey.
What is a felony?
Felony is a crime that warrants punishment either by a term in prison or by death. The U.S constitution describes felonies as “high crimes.” Examples of crimes that can be categorized as felonies are; rape, murder, terrorism, treason, robbery, among many others. In New York, felonies are graded from letter A to E ( class A are the most severe crimes while class E are the least severe).
How do employers know of your criminal history?
During interviews, the employer may ask whether you have been convicted of any crime. In most cases, employers toss this question before you to test your honesty and trustworthiness. Lying does not help because the employer might have conducted a background check and may deny you the job based on your honesty.
What are background checks?
Background checks are lawful processes that an individual or an organization uses to verify another person’s employment, education, or criminal records. The information concerning someone’s criminal, educational, and employment history can be sourced from private or state agencies at a fee. These criminal records can be retrieved from courts, correctional facilities, national criminal files, or county criminal searches.
Remedy for criminal records
Every employer with more than fifteen workers must observe Title VII of the civil rights act of 1964, which forbids discrimination during employment based on race, gender, religion, nationality, or color. The next remedy for a felony is expungement or sealing of convictions. This remedy is limited in that only a few felonies can be sealed, and the law on expungement varies from one state to the other. Expunging removes all your criminal records from public access. The last remedy to criminal convictions though rare, is a presidential pardon.
The rationale behind employing felons
Like any other person, Felons deserve a second chance in life, marriage, education, or employment. That is the reason prison and jails provide correctional and rehabilitation services to those convicted and sentenced.
The U.S. correctional and rehabilitation services are not faulty in any way. Any person coming out of prison is likely to have been transformed and absorbable by the society.
Prison rules are more rigid than the rules that govern the civilians. It takes discipline, hard work, and humility to survive behind bars. The stringent prison rules neutralize the aggressiveness that convicts enter prisons with.
Employers can place felons on probation to monitor their punctuality, zeal to work, and interpersonal skills.
In Summary
Despite the challenges that felons face, they can persistently search and secure legitimate jobs. Just as the search for a decent job is hard for ordinary civilians, it is to offenders – it requires determination and focus.
Although some companies are reluctant to hire felons, others don’t. They will only test your honesty and trustworthiness, and if you pass, you are hired. Notably, honesty is critical when looking for a job with an already damaged reputation.
