Job Hunting with a Criminal Record: Unlocking Opportunities

Each week we receive hundreds of emails and calls from people struggling with job hunting with a criminal record. Often people are not aware that they can get a pardon and once a pardon is granted the employer will not see anything.

Pardons and Criminal Background Checks

Since most employers in the country are now doing criminal record checks, it’s really important that you apply for a pardon if you have been fingerprinted by the police so that in the future it will not be an obstacle to employment.

The following is a great article in Monster.com written by Mark Swartz about how to job hunt with a criminal record:

By Mark Swartz

Monster contributing writer

So you’ve made a mistake in the past, one that left you with a criminal record. Now it’s hurting you as you hunt for a job.

Many employers, especially mid-sized and large companies (non-profits too), conduct police clearance searches as part of a background check. If your criminal record pops up the employer may think twice about hiring you.

There are several ways to handle this. One is to apply for an official pardon. This will eventually seal your record so that it won’t appear in a background check. But if your record is still visible, being upfront – with a compelling explanation – can be your best approach.

Background Checks vs. Reference Checks

When you apply for a position with a new employer, it’s likely you’ll be asked to provide references. The employer may want to contact some people you’ve previously worked with. They may also request personal references.

In addition, an employer could do a background check. It’s basically a search to find if there are any skeletons in your closet. Mostly they’d look for negatives that might affect your job performance. The search may include details of your credit and financial status, driving abstract, criminal record, and civil litigation documents (are you suing someone or being sued?).

A Pardon Seals Your Criminal Record

If you have a record that hasn’t been sealed, it’s very likely to show up in a criminal background check. As such, it’s in your best interest to get your record sealed. Doing so will prevent it from being visible to most employers.

Let’s say you’ve stayed out of trouble with the law since your criminal case was completed. You can apply to the Parole Board of Canada to have your record sealed. It takes either five or ten years for a pardon under current legislation.

Once a pardon is granted, there’s usually no reason to volunteer that you have a criminal past. Certain employers and positions do require a deeper investigation of your history. If, for instance, you’ll be handling large sums of money, or dealing with private information, your record may be revealed anyway.

What If Your Record Will Be Visible?

You needn’t list your unsealed criminal record on your resume. Yet you may need to deal with it on employment applications, during the interview, or when receiving a job offer.

Be ready with an honest, contrite explanation. Admit your fault in the incident, show how you rectified the problem, and point out your recent history of law observance. Then bring the conversation back to why you’re right for the current position.

Here are several more ways to do damage control:

Agree to Let Potential Employers Check References: Refusing to do so is a red flag that you have something to hide. Experts say denying access to your background information is probably more of a disqualifier for a job than any information the employer might find.

Check Yourself Out: Review your social media profiles. Delete any questionable material if you can and/or tighten your privacy settings.

Look at Your Province’s Laws: Provinces may have more specific laws than the federal government in determining what employers can’t ask.

If these strategies don’t work, consider seeking work with a firm that doesn’t do background checks. Small firms and temporary agencies are better bets. Some temporary agencies and smaller organizations conduct less thorough background checks or do so when you go from temporary to permanent. By that time, your employer should like you and may be inclined to overlook indiscretions if you’re honest about them.

Stop Worrying About Criminal Background Checks

Pardons Canada has over 30 years of experience helping Canadians with criminal records receive pardons, allowing them to stop worrying about criminal background checks when looking for jobs.

Opportunities often only come once, and a criminal record can limit your chances of finding gainful, fulfilling employment. Start job hunting without the fear of employer background checks. Contact Pardons Canada today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the section below and our dedicated FAQ page for the answers to commonly asked questions about criminal background checks in Canada. 

Can an employer refuse to hire me based on my criminal record?

Employers can make hiring decisions based on criminal records, especially if the offence is relevant to the job’s responsibilities. The specifics may vary depending on the industry or the company, but the decision to continue the interview process is up to the employer.

Should I disclose my criminal record when applying for a job?

If your record is sealed or pardoned, you may not need to disclose it. However, honesty is often the best policy, especially if the criminal record is relevant to the job or if the employer is likely to conduct a background check.

Are there jobs that don’t require a criminal background check?

Yes, some jobs may not require a criminal background check, typically those that are less sensitive and don’t involve security concerns, the handling of finances, or vulnerable populations. However, the policies vary by employer.

Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.