Trying to find the perfect job is tough – but trying to do it with a criminal record attached to your name can feel next to impossible. But even with the extra baggage you’re carrying around, there are still ways to find employment. Here are some helpful suggestions:

Explore Expungement

We’re going to show you plenty of practical ways to find a good job even if you have a record; however, we would be remiss not to at least begin with the best method: expungement.

“If you have a record, it’s smart to look into expungement laws in your state,” attorney Rowdy G. Williams says. “In Indiana, for example, we have something called a ‘Second Chance Law’ that allows people with misdemeanors and Class D felonies to seal their records after five years.”

Speak with an attorney to see if there are similar rules in your own state. If you’re able to successfully remove a conviction from your record, it could free you up to resume your job search without having to do any extra legwork. 

Choose One of These Careers

There are certain jobs you’ll have trouble obtaining as someone with a criminal record. And depending on the charge, you might even be disqualified from the position – particularly if it involves working with protected classes of people, like young children. 

But there are also plenty of careers that offer decent pay and lower barriers to entry. This may include:

• Mobile app developer: Average hourly pay is around $53.66 / Yearly job openings 99,200.
• Computer programmer: Average hourly pay is around $44.53 / Yearly job openings 15,100.
• Web developer: Average hourly pay is around $39.60 / Yearly job openings 15,100.
• Writer: Average hourly pay is around $35.51 / Yearly job openings 12,800.

Other good options with above-average pay and low formal educational requirements include sales representatives, graphic designers, chefs, industrial machinery mechanics, carpenters, auto body technicians, commercial truck drivers, auto mechanics, delivery drivers.

Have an Explanation Prepared

When you apply for most jobs, you can bet they’re going to run a background check. So rather than acting shocked or offended when they do check your record, it’s better to save that energy preparing a response.

When confronted with your record, shift the focus away from the incident. You do not want to get into a situation where you’re justifying what happened or explaining the details of the incident. Instead, focus on where you are now. Communicate how much growth and change has occurred since then. Don’t excuse your mistake, but do talk about the lessons you’ve learned and how they’ve made you a better person – someone who is equipped to handle the duties of the job you’re applying for.

Gather References

Any serious job application will ask for references. And even if you don’t have many past jobs to pull from, you can always find character references in your personal life and use them. Whether it’s a mentor, pastor, teacher, or former coworker, having trustworthy people who will vouch for your character and recommend you for a job is extremely helpful.

Improve Your Resume

You might not have a ton of relevant work experience, but there are still ways to strengthen your application. One option is to do volunteer work.

Volunteering does a few things for you. First and foremost, it teaches you to put others’ needs first. It’s a great way to shift your mindset and help your community. Secondly, it communicates growth and development. It shows that you have a desire to make positive contributions to society. Finally, it gives you more connections with people who could ultimately become advocates/references in a job search.

Start Your Own Business

If you can’t find employment in the industry you want, why not start your own business? There’s nothing preventing someone with a criminal record from running a company. It won’t be easy, but it’ll certainly be rewarding.

Don’t Let Your Past Impact Your Future

It’s unfortunate that you have a criminal record. However, you don’t have to let your past define you any longer. By planning ahead, you can find a job, even with a record. As you can see, it’s all about how you approach the process. Handled properly, you can still do big things!