Should I bring up my felony in an interview?

Translation: If you have a criminal history, you may have to explain your past convictions during job interviews. While questions about your legal issues may be uncomfortable to answer, you can use them to show how you’ve made changes, discuss your talents, and turn a perceived negative into a positive.

What do I tell my employer about my criminal record?

Keep it simple, and emphasize the positive. Keep focused on what you have to offer the employer, not your personal story. Say something like: I understand that you have questions about my background. I assure you that I have learned from my mistakes and have corrected past problems.

How far back can employers check criminal background in California?

seven years
If a Sacramento job applicant has a conviction in their past, they may wonder if it will show up on their background check. California employment laws limit employer background checks to the previous seven years. Any convictions that are more than seven years old will not show up on a criminal background check.

Do I have to tell employers about my felony convictions?

When asked, you have to tell employers about your convictions. It is against the law for someone with a felony conviction to not disclose this information. You have to disclose convictions, not arrests.

Should I tell my job coach that I have a felony?

It is against the law for someone with a felony conviction to not disclose this information. You have to disclose convictions, not arrests. If you decide to disclose your disability, it is better to do it yourself than to have your job coach do it.

Should I lie about my criminal record on a job application?

Lying is the worst thing you can do on your application. If you’re an ex-con, be upfront about it. Write “Yes” to that question when filling out job applications, because if you say “No” then you’ve just falsified your information which can lead to benig fired, or worse, if the employer ever discovers the conviction.

How do you talk about a criminal record in a job interview?

Talk about your experience and training. Show that you have a plan for the future. Don’t let your disclosure be the main topic of the interview. After you disclose your criminal conviction, move the interview back to why you are a good candidate for the job.