I am regularly asked how felons with extensive criminal histories should answer the criminal background question on employment applications. My response: Be honest, and request the chance to discuss in person.
It’s tempting to think someone can explain their felony record on an application in a way that provokes the hiring manager's empathy, yet brief explanations of negative events rarely translate well on paper. When we mentally process the words we write down on paper, as we imagine to "hear those words in our head", we often assume the presence of extra cues the hiring manager simply does not experience. Written explanations struggle to provide the tone, body language, voice, etc. necessary for a sincere response, and sincerity is a key factor in how employers will view a person’s criminal past.
So, in most situations, I advise offenders in my employment program to request the ability to speak about their felony record in person. Here’s an example of how this request might be made:
Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense? Yes
If so, please explain in detail: I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss in person.
While this answer does not immediately provide the information the question requests, it does, however, respectfully offer to provide the information in a more personal setting. Hiring managers, especially those seeking to fill high and medium-turnover positions, are often accepting of this answer as they understand criminal histories are inherently complex and very personal.
As long as the company does not have a strict policy against hiring people with a criminal history, and the other aspects of the applicant’s qualifications are well-suited to the hiring organization, most applicants who answer this way should expect their applications will be carefully considered. Offenders on my program are frequently offered interviews after providing this answer, and most are eventually hired by a company that allowed them to speak about their felony record in person.
Very often people will answer the criminal history question this way: “Will explain in interview”. While this answer may seem similar to the suggested answer above, there are two very significant differences. Starting the answer with the word “will” can give the impression that the applicant is trying to arrogantly dictate the terms of the hiring process, which is not helpful when an employer is contemplating their criminal history. Similarly, including the word “interview” can come across as too assuming, as if the applicant already knows they will be interviewed. I prefer the suggested answer above because it’s a more humble response, which helps to foster a tone of authenticity.
It’s tempting to think someone can explain their felony record on an application in a way that provokes the hiring manager's empathy, yet brief explanations of negative events rarely translate well on paper. When we mentally process the words we write down on paper, as we imagine to "hear those words in our head", we often assume the presence of extra cues the hiring manager simply does not experience. Written explanations struggle to provide the tone, body language, voice, etc. necessary for a sincere response, and sincerity is a key factor in how employers will view a person’s criminal past.
So, in most situations, I advise offenders in my employment program to request the ability to speak about their felony record in person. Here’s an example of how this request might be made:
Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense? Yes
If so, please explain in detail: I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss in person.
While this answer does not immediately provide the information the question requests, it does, however, respectfully offer to provide the information in a more personal setting. Hiring managers, especially those seeking to fill high and medium-turnover positions, are often accepting of this answer as they understand criminal histories are inherently complex and very personal.
As long as the company does not have a strict policy against hiring people with a criminal history, and the other aspects of the applicant’s qualifications are well-suited to the hiring organization, most applicants who answer this way should expect their applications will be carefully considered. Offenders on my program are frequently offered interviews after providing this answer, and most are eventually hired by a company that allowed them to speak about their felony record in person.
Very often people will answer the criminal history question this way: “Will explain in interview”. While this answer may seem similar to the suggested answer above, there are two very significant differences. Starting the answer with the word “will” can give the impression that the applicant is trying to arrogantly dictate the terms of the hiring process, which is not helpful when an employer is contemplating their criminal history. Similarly, including the word “interview” can come across as too assuming, as if the applicant already knows they will be interviewed. I prefer the suggested answer above because it’s a more humble response, which helps to foster a tone of authenticity.