In the event you have a criminal record that continues to follow you around, what are your chances of being gainfully employed in today’s day and age?

While a criminal record is nothing to brag about, there are cases where you can still find work despite having run afoul of the law at one time or another. Remember, we are talking about more notable run-ins with the law, not the parking ticket or stop sign violation that you may have gotten while out and about.

Whether you are doing the job search entirely on your own or working through an HR recruiter, there are some steps you should take in your job search. They include:

• Understanding your rights – Just because you have a criminal record does not mean you are destined to never work. Many individuals have been saddled with a criminal past and gone on to productive lives in the working world. In a large portion of the country, you do not have to note arrests that did not result in convictions or presently are not pending when applying for work. Make sure you understand the law in your area as it relates to your job search and criminal past;
• Don’t lie and make things worse – While a criminal record doesn’t help you, do not make things worse by lying about it. Especially in today’s security conscious world, the majority of employers due background checks before offering someone a position. Lying about your past will serve as a major red flag to an employer (data indicates that some 80 percent of companies do some form of background check on applicants) that may have initially liked what they read about you on your resume;
• Point out the positives – Although a criminal past or recent run-in with the law will obviously get its attention, there is a decent chance you have done some positive things over your life when it comes to employment. Make sure you highlight such periods in your life, both in the application process and should you receive an interview, so that employers have some good to work with in considering you for employment;
• Know where to find work – It is safe to assume that someone with a criminal record is not going to be in line for a job as a police officer or to work with children. That being said you need to know where to spend your time and resources in the job hunt. Going after jobs that you have little to no chance of getting will only lead to wasted time and frustration;
• Look for organizational help – There are a number of groups and/or individuals that assist those with a criminal past in finding employment. Do an online search to see if such assistance is available in your area. In the event you are on parole, you can check with your parole officer, as they obviously would rather have you working;
• Don’t throw in the towel – It can be very discouraging to be looking for work when you have a criminal past. It is important to keep your head up and remind yourself that someone will hire you at some point.

Given this is a country that oftentimes extends second chances to individuals, it is certainly not unheard of for employers to offer those with a criminal past a job opportunity.

The main thing is to be upfront with your past and learn not to make the same mistake or mistakes again.

Photo credit: valawyersweekly.com

Dave Thomas, who discusses subjects such as HR outsourcing services and small business payroll services, writes extensively for San Diego-based Business.com.