My Troubled Past is Affecting My Job Search

Dear Experts,

I am interested in finding out what I can do to land a decent long-term job or even better a career, when I have felonies.

I am a very intelligent person with a college background, as well as excellent work history and references. The jobs I have had, I tend to move up the ladder quickly, so to speak. Before my crimes, I was an admissions coordinator for rehab facilities and then became the director of an admissions office in a well known nursing facility.

Since my crimes, I’ve had to wait tables. I do not want to wait on tables the rest of my life. I want a job with benefits and vacation days. I want to do something I can enjoy. I am willing to go to school and I have looked into a few. However, I’m afraid if I do spend all that money for school, I won’t be able to find a job afterward due to my background check.

Here’s a video recap of how our experts answered this question:

Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:

Q#488 Background checks are done after an interview. If you think it’ll jeopardize your position, openly discuss it up front. (@gradversity)

Q#488 Then skip school! Many smaller organizations wouldn’t mind if you’re reformed. Or work for yourself. I would. (@beneubanks)

Q#488 Most companies, don’t look past 7 yrs in background check unless they are very severe. Be upfront about your record. (@blogging4jobs)

Q#488 Demonstrate you are on the right path. Continue to make contacts, lots of people want to give people second chances. (@DeborahShane)

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