If you've recently received a DUI charge, you probably want to know how it can affect your life. Driving while intoxicated is a serious matter that can interfere with all aspects of your life including your work life. Here's how it can impact your future job opportunities:
You May Fail Background Checks
The biggest and most success-hindering problem you may have with a DUI is that it may prevent you from getting past a background check for a job. Many potential employers run background checks on their employees that go back at least five years. Your DUI is likely to come up, and it may eliminate you from a position.
You May Not Qualify for Driving Jobs
Driving jobs will probably not be easy for you to get with a DUI. Therefore, you may have a hard time becoming a delivery person, taxi driver, truck driver or similar worker. Furthermore, you may be disqualified from a car rental agent position just because you may have to drive the car a little bit.
Potential Employers May Lack Trust
Some employers make their decisions based on the type of crime you did. Others count them all the same. For example, you may have difficulty getting a job as a bank teller or an insurance salesperson if you have a DUI. Even though the DUI has nothing to do with thievery or dishonesty, it can still cause a potential employer to deny you the green light on a job.
You May Be Subject to Excessive Testing
A DUI can cause you trouble even if you do get a job. Your new employer may seem untrusting, or they may subject you to unnecessary testing although you've straightened your life up since in the incident. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent such things from happening.
What to Do
All DUI cases are not the same. A DUI lawyer can look at your case and examine your options later on, such as seeking expungement. An attorney may be able to help you with the process of erasing the traces of the DUI if enough time has passed.
That's just a little bit of information about some of the barriers that a DUI can bring and how you can go about handling them. The best way to deal with it is to avoid ever getting one again.
Approximately one in three adults have some type of criminal record, and integrating into the workforce after acquiring a conviction can be a difficult journey to pursue. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires potential employers to remain impartial while performing background checks, but it is natural to be nervous about how a societal bias may impact your future career path. There are fortunately a large number of positions that offer what are referred to as "second-chance programs," as well as careers that don't require background checks at all.
Become a Sales Representative
Proactive sales reps are typically hard to come across, so these jobs are often hard to fill. Due to this shortage in prospective employees, sales rep positions don't always require a thorough background check. There is usually no prior experience required, as long as you are open to learning and becoming assimilated to a fast-paced and high-energy role. Sales representatives make around $30.32 to $44.67 an hour, which is well above a comfortable wage.
Work as an Independent Contractor
The gig economy is steadily growing, causing more and more individuals to decide to become their own bosses as independent contractors. Participating in freelance work could potentially give you the opportunity to avoid background checks altogether, as long as you maintain a reputable presence in your chosen industry. Learning to code and becoming a freelance web developer is perhaps one of the most promising career paths, with over 58,600 prospective job openings becoming available in upcoming years. You can start this by learning computer languages, start with languages like Java, SQL, or Angular JS.
Get a Culinary Degree
Dining facilities are historically known for giving second chances to those who have prior criminal convictions. Many of these eating establishments, especially smaller businesses, do not require background checks at all. Culinary arts is far from becoming obsolete, with over 30,400 predicted job openings in the near future. If you do not want to dedicate the time to a full degree, many restaurants will accept just a vocational certificate instead.
Your prior criminal conviction does not have to mean hitting a brick wall when it comes to the pursuit of your dreams. Your career goals can still be accomplished with the proper knowledge and resources, enabling you to secure a position that is both profitable and enjoyable to you. Over 68% of those who enter the prison system have a stable employment history beforehand, so go build a LinkedIn profile or a redo your resume, keep your head up as you can successfully re-enter society.
When you’re looking for a job with a criminal charge on your record, it can be tough. There are a lot of mistakes that past criminals make when applying for jobs that can hold them back from their dream position. So don't miss out on the career you deserve. Use these following resume tips to supercharge your search in 2018.
Format Your Resume Professionally
The right formatting can make a big difference in whether or not you get the job. Without a great formatted resume, it can look sloppy or lazy. Companies like to see that you are using modern standards for today's layout. It shows that you keep up with the job market and your industry.
Leverage Social
There are various ways to leverage social media to help with your job search. The biggest mistake is simply ignoring social media, even if you don't like using it. Look at getting a job as your only job right now, and you can change your perspective.
To get the most out of social, get an account on LinkedIn. If you already have a profile, it's time to clean it up. Make sure you fill out your profile information top to bottom. The more you can share about your experience level and expertise, the better. Also, Use the best photo that exists of you in your profile. It should be within five years old, however. Finally, make sure you are leveraging social proof by getting endorsements for your skills.
Ditch the Old Stuff
It can be tempting to look at your experience and job history and put everything on your resume. It might seem like this makes it more impressive, but in reality the HR departments and hiring managers who will be looking at your resume don't want to spend ages reading it.
Include only the most recent 3-5 jobs you have had. If there is a gap, find a way to explain it in the interview rather than worrying about it by lying on your resume. Honesty is always the best policy and will pay off in the long run.
When it comes to job hunting in today's day and age, it is tough enough. You are already competing with the world instead of just your local talent pool. Add to this the fact that you have a criminal record and you need to try harder than other candidates just to be considered. So use the tips above and enjoy finding the right job for you.
An average of 22% of all justice-involved individuals in the state of Virginia are expected to be re-arrested, re-convicted, and/or re-incarcerated. Strengthening societal relationships and making effective use of time has proven to deter individuals from returning to prison. We are here to be a direct link to those deterrents. They're counting on failure; we're working towards success!
Sources
- Resume Format Tips You Need to Know in 2018 | TMV Social
- How to Explain Employment Gaps in an Interview | Indeed
- Maximize LinkedIn in Your Job Search | UNCW
If you have a criminal record and are looking to integrate back into society by finding a job, it can be difficult. However, it doesn't have to be. If you use the right tools and tactics with regards to your LinkedIn profile, you can get hired in no time. Here are some solid tips to help you master your LinkedIn profile so employers can't wait to bring you on board:
Custom URL
Customizing your LinkedIn profile can make a difference, especially when it comes to he URL. It shows employers that you care, first of all. Second, you can be found more easily online with a url extension that is shorter, easier to remember, and connected to your name instead of some random extension like "y22789gs." For a quick guide on how to customize your URL, click here.
Profile Photo
There is a reason that people say pictures speak a thousand words. According to Justin Berrington, a professional headshot on your profile can build credibility, polish your branding, position you as an expert, and help you make a lasting impression in a recruiter's mind. Make sure your profile photo is your best picture that exists of you. It should be well lit, show you smiling, and use neutral clothing that is appropriate for your industry.
Write up a Summary
Don't try to save five minutes by avoiding the summary writing portion of your profile update. If you do, it could hurt you in the long run. And be sure to avoid mentioning your criminal past. Candidates will little or no summaries or criminal backgrounds come off as inexperienced, risky, or lazy, and that's the last thing you want an employer thinking about you.
Avoid Buzzwords
Buzzwords are tempting. They are used everywhere online today, and many in your industry might use them in their blogs. However, they are largely empty of meaning and great employers are looking for results and experience, not platitudes.
Recommendations
Make sure you have as many recommendations as possible on your profile. These are often easy to get if you reach out to former colleagues and employers with a kind request. It can help you rebuild your reputation in the eyes of employers. In addition, make sure to get endorsements for your skills: social proof is a powerful thing.
Status Updates
If you were browsing someone's profile and they hadn't updated their status in ages, what would you think about them? Well, anyone that comes across your profile will think the same thing if it's outdated. According to Hannah Morgan, the key here is to share status updates that appeal to your network and potential employers. Those who update their status weekly are 10x more likely to be contacted by recruiters!
When it comes to creating a LinkedIn profile that says "hire me" when you have a criminal record, you need to do more than the bare minimum. A little thought and imagination will go a long way at the beginning. So implement the tips above and land your dream job before you know it.
At Nolef Turns, we believe that everyone deserves another chance. We have launched a campaign to fight against the "Forever Felon". Follow @nolefturnsinc on IG or Facebook for updates on the many inalienable rights lost due to a felony conviction in Virginia.
