• Post category:Resources
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A background check is an essential step in the hiring process to screen potential employees for a new job. Although it is not mandatory, it is protected under the FCRA act. Employers generally look at many important things through it. These include the applicant’s education, work history, criminal record, and many more. In this regard, many companies in our country are particularly concerned with felony background checks. No doubt, there are certain things that can reject any felon during the background check process. This article will offer help for felons about things that can restrict them from getting a job.

Criminal Record

The first thing that can prevent any individual from getting a job is his criminal record. In fact, this is one of the most important aspects of this background process. When a company hires an employee, it is liable for the actions of that person. So, the company always wants to make sure that job applicant is free from any unlawful activities.

But that does not mean they will always reject a job applicant for his felony record. There are some strict state and federal laws during felony employment, and EEOC monitors all these laws. Routinely or habitually denying jobs to felons can be considered a violation of these laws. So, EEOC can charge any employer for this unless the offered job role matches with nature of the crime.

Apart from that, every state has its own set of guidelines to count the criminal record of any job applicant. Some states allow employers to run background checks for a specific time period only. In fact, maximum states follow the seven year lookback rule. That means employers can not consider any felony record before the seven years period during the check. Besides, some states allow them to count the arrest records with the conviction only. That means any arrest record without convictions will not cause any problem in getting a job. Further, some states don’t count minor offenses in the checking process. So, as help for felons, we always recommend them to review the background check laws of their respective states.

Poor Employment Record

It is common for felons to have a gap in work history. And this is not a big concern for them to secure second chance jobs for felons. But a poor employment record may restrict them from getting a job. This may be a string of short-lived jobs, any bad references from past employers, or anything else. This actually suggests to employers that the applicant is unreliable and may not be suitable for the post. However, this doesn’t cause a huge problem for entry-level jobs. As a help for felons, we always advise them to apply for an internship or seasonal work for felons. In those, there is always less chance of getting disqualified.

Inconsistency in Resume

Employers always treat dishonesty as a red flag. So if an employer finds a felon lies in his resume, they will treat it as a red flag. No matter how well it is written or how well it is embellished, he will reject you without a doubt. Employers always trust the resume job applicants submit. So, as help for felons, we always advise them to provide all the true information on their resumes.

Final Thoughts

So, a background check is a must-have thing in the hiring process. And you cannot avoid it. As a help for felons, we always advise them to be honest and upfront throughout the interview process. As long as you are honest and upfront about your past crime, you will not have anything to worry about. 

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