Sage-Tips

How do you answer Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Below are a few ways to reply to “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” beyond just “yes” or “no.” They are simply here to give potential employees direction. Form a unique and honest reply that touches on your specific situation. “Yes, I’ve had some trouble in my past.

Can you ask an interviewee if they can pass a background check?

A: While there is no federal law specifically prohibiting employers from asking applicants if they’ve ever been convicted of a crime, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends employers avoid asking for this information on an application form.

Do you have to say your a felon on a job application?

Yes. A “Ban the Box” law is a statewide law that is aimed at removing barriers to employment for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. “Banning the Box” laws prohibit California employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal record during the initial application process.

How do you answer a criminal interview question?

Keep it simple, and emphasize the positive. Say something like: I understand that you have questions about my background. I assure you that I have learned from my mistakes and have corrected past problems. I have spent time training for this career path because I am more mature now and have a solid plan for my future.

How do you explain a conviction to an employer?

On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets. Be positive!

What is illegal to ask in an interview?

In the United States, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, national origin, or disability.

Should you tell an employer about a misdemeanor?

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, use good judgment about disclosing it to a possible employer. Most states do not require you disclose your misdemeanor convictions, although fields such as law enforcement, caregiving and education require all crimes be disclosed.

How do I explain a misdemeanor in an interview?

When you are applying for a job it may ask you “Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony in the last 7 years?” If your misdemeanor happened over 7 years ago then you are free and clear to say “no.” On the other hand, if the question has a more open timeframe such as “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor …

Should you hire people with a criminal record?

In fact, most companies would prefer to hire people who will be soon nominated for sainthood, which leaves candidates with a criminal record out. Employers need to keep in mind, though, that many saints have checkered pasts and so may some of your best employees. Here’s what you need to know about hiring employees with a criminal history.

Can you ask about a felony on a job application?

In all states, you can ask about felony convictions before you actually hire an employee. The ban-the-box legislation just prevents you from asking about criminal history before you’re ready to make an offer.

Can I reject a job candidate based on a criminal record?

If you wish to reject a job candidate based on a conviction, before you do so, please consult with your employment law attorney. Because state and even local laws can vary considerably, you can’t make generalized judgments on what you think is best for your business.

Does an arrest disqualify you from hiring a candidate?

First, you can’t assume an arrest means a person committed a crime that would disqualify the person from the job. If your candidate has a conviction, you can consider that they committed the crime of which they were convicted. If there is simply an arrest, you can use that to start an inquiry into whether or not the person should be disqualified.