What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Job with a Criminal Record

Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, even if the conviction was minor or has been expunged. Employers are increasingly running background checks on job applicants and those with criminal records may be at a disadvantage. If you have a criminal record, there are some things you should know before applying for a job so that you can increase your chances of being hired.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how employers view criminal records and what steps you can take to improve your odds when looking for work. We will also explain why it is important to consider getting your criminal record expunged if possible and provide tips on how to respond when asked about past convictions during an interview.

By understanding the impact of having a criminal record and taking proactive measures, you can give yourself the best chance of finding gainful employment in spite of any blemishes on your background check.

Call 317-636-7514 to Seal Criminal Records Indianapolis in Indiana.
Call 317-636-7514 to Seal Criminal Records Indianapolis in Indiana.

Recognize the Power of Your Background Check Data

It’s important to understand that employers can and will use your criminal record when making hiring decisions. Depending on the nature of the conviction and the specific role you are applying for, an employer may decide not to extend a job offer. However, some states have laws in place which prohibits employers from considering certain convictions when deciding whether or not to hire someone. Additionally, many employers recognize that people can change and make mistakes in their past; so it is possible to get hired with a criminal record if you demonstrate qualities such as dependability and trustworthiness during the interview process.

Discuss Your Criminal Records With Potential Employers

If it comes up, it’s important to know how to talk about your criminal record if asked during an interview. It’s best to be honest and upfront but refrain from going into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding your conviction. Instead, focus more on what you have done since then such as completing rehabilitation programs or taking courses that demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and development. By emphasizing the positives rather than dwelling on the negatives, you can increase your chances of making a good impression and getting hired.

Talking to a Expungement Lawyer About Sealing Your Criminal Record

Finally, it’s also important to consider expungement or record sealing for any convictions on your criminal background check. This involves petitioning the court to remove or hide records of certain offenses so that they are not visible to employers. Depending on the laws in your state, it may be possible to have some convictions expunged or sealed for a fee. This can give you an advantage when applying for jobs as employers will not see any evidence of past crimes.

Take Back Control of Your Career With the Right Knowledge

In conclusion, having a criminal record does not have to be an obstacle when looking for work. By understanding how employers view criminal records and taking proactive steps such as expungement or record sealing, you can give yourself the best chance at finding employment regardless of any blemishes on your background check. Additionally, being honest and positive during the interview process can go a long way in demonstrating responsibility and trustworthiness so that employers are willing to take a chance on you despite any prior offenses listed in your background check. With these tips in mind, you can be well prepared to find gainful employment with a criminal record.

Are you ready to get started on your petition for Indiana criminal record expungement or sealing? Contact our licensed criminal lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our fees start as low as $850, and initial consultations are free!

Related Posts:

How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Records in Indiana
Is an Unfair Criminal Record From Holding You Back From a Better Job?
Understanding the Benefits of Clearing Your Criminal Record

Do All Jobs Run Background Checks?

If you are interviewing for a job position, whether fast food checkout clerk or dental hygienist, you can expect a background scan to be performed before you are officially hired on. Continue below to learn what you should know about background checks, including how much they are, who can run them, what they reveal, and even how you can seal or destroy undesirable marks on your personal record.

Criminal Record Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Frequently Asked Questions About Background Checks

Are Background Checks Free?

Background checks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are free, while others offer tiers of packages depending on how much information you are looking for. Comprehensive background checks that reveal in-depth information about a person are usually higher in price, while basic scans are generally free or under $10. Government agencies, law enforcement, and employers use the most comprehensive background scanning programs, so there is no hiding anything from them.

Can Anyone Perform a Background Scan on Anybody?

Yes, anyone can perform on a background check on another person, or even themselves. Whether it’s a father preparing to send his daughter off to prom with a new boy, a woman getting ready for a blind date, or a nosy neighbor who just wants some dirt on the person living next door, background scanning sites are available to anyone who is willing to pay or put in the effort. Some background check sites are for authority use only, such as government officials, police, and similar parties.

What Shows Up on a Background Check Report?

As mentioned, background scans reveal information based on the extent of the scan. Basic background checks typically reveal just that, the basics, like name, address, phone number, email, previously known addresses and numbers, family obituaries, and maybe even traffic records. More comprehensive background checks will reveal the same kinds of information, plus juvenile records, criminal records, school history, and hospital records.

How Can I Make My Background Scans Employer-Approved?

Indiana now has a Second Chance Law that allows those who qualify to seal or expunge past criminal charges and arrests from their personal public records. This means that the general public would not be able to access or find your criminal blemish anywhere on your personal record, including employers, but also many others. But when it comes to job applications, licensing, and promotions, you can be in the clear once again.

Are you afraid that you cannot afford to clean up your criminal record? Think again! We offer criminal expungement services starting at a reasonable $850! Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our lawyers also offer free initial consultations.

Related Posts:

How to Resolve to Get a Better Job in the New Year
Can a Public Defender Expunge My Criminal Records?
How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Records in Indiana

How Does Expungement Prohibit Employers From Discriminating Against Applicants?

If you have a criminal record from your past that is still lingering around and holding you back from a better life, perhaps it is time to learn what the new expungement laws can do for you. One of the most important and beneficial aspects of the new Indiana Second Chance Law is that it strictly prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants with criminal histories. This means you have a chance at higher employment, promotions, professional licenses, and more.

Continue reading to learn exactly what the Indiana expungement laws say about employer discrimination and applicant rights.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

The Indiana Second Chance Law Helps You Get Better Jobs

If you want to know what the Indiana Second Chance law states about employers and discrimination against applicants with criminal records, you will need to refer to the Indiana Expungement Statue, IC-35-38-9-10(b), which specifically states:

“(b) It is unlawful discrimination for any person to…

(1) suspend;

(2) expel;

(3) refuse to employ;

(4) refuse to admit;

(5) refuse to grant or renew a license, permit, or certificate necessary to engage in any activity, occupation, or profession;  or

(6) otherwise discriminate against;

…any person because of a conviction or arrest record expunged or sealed under this chapter.”

The statute goes on to say, “The Indiana Expungement Statue states that a person whose record is expunged shall be treated as if the person had never been convicted of the offense.  So after your successful expungement, on any employment application, or other applications, you can legally answer that you have never been convicted of a crime.”

**See Indiana Code 35-38-9, Sealing and Expunging Conviction Records

How to Apply for Record Expungement

The first step to petitioning for criminal record expungement in Indiana is to confirm your eligibility. Unfortunately, not everyone will qualify, as there are several prerequisites and stipulations. For instance, violent and sexual offenses are not eligible for expungement, nor are convictions in which you were found guilty of the crime. Also, a certain amount of time must pass before you can have a criminal record expunged. Read our blog, “Expungement or Record Sealing: Which Do I Qualify For?” to learn more about criminal record expungement and record sealing eligibility.

Professional Expungement Services in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call our Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyers at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indiana. We are happy to provide free initial consultations to discuss your case without any out-of-pocket obligations. And our rates start as low as $850! Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Take advantage of this opportunity in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Things an Employer Cannot Ask You

If you are applying for a job, there are several types of information an employer can legally ask you to disclose. In contrast, there are also several questions they cannot ask you. Continue reading to learn what a potential employer cannot ask you on a job application nor in an interview.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514


When you are looking for a new job, you can expect a potential employer to ask you questions. In fact, they are sure to ask about all kinds of information pertaining to your vocational and educational history, including references, criminal records, and even credit reports. Employers are also perfectly within their legal right to ask applicants about their job skills, and can even have them take certain tests to assess their job aptitude.

What They CANNOT Ask About

Although employers can ask a lot of questions about you, there are some topics that are off limits; primarily, those that discriminate. Below are a list of topics that are considered discriminatory. The exception to this rule is legality. If there is a legal reason that justifies asking a particular question, then it is permitted. Otherwise, you can politely pass on answering it on a job application or in an interview.

Age
Color
National Origin
Race/Ethnicity
Religion/Creed
Sex/Gender
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity
Marital Status
Disabilities
Pregnancy
Public/Governmental Benefits

Criminal Records and Expungement

Since employers are allowed to inquire about an applicant’s criminal history, many people with criminal records are reluctant or hesitant to apply for a job. Certain types of criminal records can hold applicants back from getting professional licenses, promotions, or even entry level positions paid by the hour. This can affect a person for the rest of their life, and hold them back from a world of vocational opportunities.

Fortunately, some may quality for criminal record expungement or sealing, which can greatly improve a person’s employment potential. A person may quality to either expunge or seal their records. The difference between the two are complex, so it is important to discuss your eligibility with a licensed Indianapolis expungement lawyer who is well-versed in the Indiana expungement laws.

Furthermore, the petition process is rigorous, and requires astute implementation that only a lawyer can provide. You only get to petition for expungement one time in your life, and just one mistake on your application can take it all back in an instant. You need a licensed attorney to ensure your petition is implemented without a hitch.

Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws, and know exactly how to file and obtain a legal expungement, successfully. Call our office at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation to determine your eligibility, today.