Is Your Less Than Perfect Past Keeping You From a Job?

In the internet world of today, if an employer doesn't, at the least, do a Google search on you, they are stupid. There have been many cases where a company has been sued on the basis of negligent hiring because they have employed a person with previous criminal convictions and put them in a position where it is easy for them to continue their criminal activities. Legally, employers have an obligation to find out about the person they are planning to hire, and we trust them to have done adequate background checks on their staff. I, for one, wouldn't want to think that the customer service associate at my credit card company has been previously convicted for identity theft, credit card fraud or a violent crime.

While that is true, there are many people who have had previous convictions, who have paid their debt to society and are trying to be law abiding citizens. It is difficult to do that when you don't have a job. So, if you have a not so perfect past, how can you find a job? It can be frustrating to keep applying for jobs and getting turned down, but there are things you can do to make the job search a bit easier.

Here are 5 tips for finding a job with an imperfect past.

• Be Honest- If you have a criminal record, and you are fairly certain that anyone can find out about it just by looking at the court records, you need to be upfront about it. Even if they don't ask you on the application, you should bring it up at the interview. So what should you say?

• Explain the situation briefly

• Assure them that you are trying to make a new start

• Talk about what you have done to correct the problem

• Talk about your qualifications for the job

• Avoid talking about something negative at the beginning of the interview, you don't want them to remember this as part of their first impression. Broach the subject closer to the end of the interview.

• Know Your Rights- The laws vary from state to state, but many states have laws that prevent you from being compelled to admit to certain charges. For example, in California employees aren't required to admit to, and employers can't discriminate against, someone who had a possession charge for a small amount of marijuana for personal use. Some states don't require you to reveal charges that you weren't prosecuted for or for charges older than a couple of years. Find out what the laws are in your state to prevent yourself from giving information that you aren't required to.

• Rebuild Your Resume- Take things a step at a time, and try not to be discouraged. You may end up taking a job that you are overqualified for, but establishing a good employment record is vital. You may not get the position that you want, but everyone has to start somewhere, and soon you will have the track record to prove your abilities.

• Try to Get Your Charge Expunged or Sealed- Contact the court to find out if you are eligible to have your conviction expunged or sealed. Oftentimes, people aren't even aware of the option, as the court doesn't always inform you of your rights. It is worth the phone call to find out. Expunged cases, most of the time, do not have to be revealed and won't show up on a background check.

• Be Patient- I know this one is hard, but it helps to look at the larger picture. Even if you can't work in the field that you prefer, you can start at the bottom and work yourself back to the top of a different field. You may even find that you prefer the new work. Take whatever job you can find and do the best you can to be an amazing employee and set yourself apart. The hard work will pay off as your good job experience builds up to even better opportunities.

Finding a job when you have a less than perfect past can be tough, but don't give up. There are many employers that are willing to take a chance on someone who seems to be trying to make a new start. If you are honest upfront and are willing to put yourself out there, you will find that it isn't as hard as you thought, and your hard work will pay off.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.