How Do I Mention my Past Criminal Record in a Job Interview?
If in the past you have committed a crime, this may have put you off looking or applying for work, because you assume that people won’t hire you with a criminal record. It is difficult to know how an interview panel will react to this information, and understandably, you don’t want it to negatively affect the outcome.
Although having a criminal record, can be a bit of a barrier to employment, it is crucial to know that many people with past criminal records do get jobs! Many businesses will be happy for you to work for them, and they will want to help you live normally.
For some jobs, it is against the law for people to ask you about your criminal history in the interview. But employers are allowed to request you complete a BDS Check, and almost half of all employers request these. If you decline this check, the employer may not continue any further with your application. With both DBS Checks, and in interviews, the advice is to be open and honest about any past criminal record, from the outset. This way there are no shocks or surprises for the employer.
Show You Have Learned from Past Behaviour
In an interview, never make excuses for why you committed the crime. Everyone has a choice to make in life regardless of the situation. Instead, in an interview scenario show how you have learned from the mistake you made.
Practice Your Responses to Questions About Your Criminal Record
If you practice your answers, you will feel more at ease discussing it. You need to give a concise answer that stops your prospective employer from imagining horrific scenarios, but not go into extensive detail either. Try to stick to the point efficiently.
Get Your CV Right and Concise
Your CV needs to be read swiftly by employers who are busy and sifting through a large number of applications. Keep the information that you feel shows you in your best light. It ‘could’ be worth putting past criminal history on your CV, because this would immediately let the employer know whether they want to invite you to interview. However, never assume an employer has read this in detail, and still be prepared to raise the topic of your past criminal record at interview to be fully open about it.
Complete DBS Checks
Many employers will request you have a DBS Check, mostly it is an employer who will request this on your behalf; but you are able to request a Basic DBS Check yourself.
Be Determined in Your Job Search
Finding employment is hard for anyone, and your past criminal record could deter some employers from hiring you. But it is illegal for a business to reject a job application from someone who has a spent conviction (this is when your rehabilitation period has ended) so this information could be useful to you.
Many businesses have a policy to hire ex-offenders; and are keen to help people live normal lives after a past criminal record.
The key bit of advice is to develop a thick skin and keep on churning out the job applications and attending interviews, until you are successful.
