Can a Misdemeanor Prevent You from Getting a Job?
When it comes to criminal records, misdemeanor offenses are often viewed with leniency compared to more severe felony charges. However, a misdemeanor can still have a significant impact on one’s ability to obtain employment. In this article, we’ll examine whether a misdemeanor can prevent someone from getting a job, the factors that can affect this outcome, and tips on how to manage this challenge.
First, What is a Misdemeanor?
Before diving into the meat of the issue, let’s clarify what a misdemeanor is. A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal offense typically carrying penalties such as fines and/ or imprisonment for no more than one year.
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Can a Misdemeanor Prevent You from Getting a Job? Yes, It’s a Common Concern
The short answer to the question is, unfortunately, yes. Having a misdemeanor on your criminal record can make it harder to land a job. While a misdemeanor is usually a lesser offense, an increasing number of employers have a "zero tolerance" policy for criminal background checks, which means if a conviction is found on the report, the employer is not obligated to review any other information about you as an applicant.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a misdemeanor will render an applicant unemployable. Other factors come into play that can influence whether or not a misdemeanor might become an issue.
Factors That Influence Job Eligibility with a Misdemeanor Conviction
To understand the impact a misdemeanor has on job opportunities, let’s consider several critical factors:
• Length of time since conviction: As time passes since your misdemeanor conviction, some states and employers adopt the principle of "probationary period": an interval during which potential employees can demonstrate responsible behavior.
• Type and circumstances of the offense: Considered by employers may affect whether a misdemeanor compromises the potential employee’s image as an honest and productive employee. For instance:
- Non-violent vs. violent misdemenaors are looked upon differently.
Drug-related versus theft-related offenses.
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• Professional credentials and skills: Outstanding expertise and qualifications in an employer’s eyes can over- ride a misdemeanor
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