Having a criminal record certainly isn’t going to help your career, but it doesn’t have to completely derail it, either. There are steps you can take that will help you overcome this bothersome obstacle and get on with your life. Here are four options you should consider if you have a criminal conviction on your record.
Try to Get Your Record Expunged
The first thing you should do if you have a criminal record is try your hardest to get your record wiped clean. Criminal record expungement isn’t always easy, but with the help of a lawyer it is often possible. The process is usually lengthy and has its fair share of hurdles, but when it’s complete you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief and move forward in your career with a clean criminal record.
Get Your Resume Professionally Evaluated
Resumes are always important, but they become even more vital when you have a criminal record. Employers are going to notice your conviction straight away, and your resume will have to do the extra work of convincing them that you’re still worth a shot. If you’re not confident that your resume is as solid as it can be, consider sending it to a free resume evaluator. Having an expert look it over can help polish it up.
Be Realistic About Careers You Simply Can’t Pursue
The sad reality is that there are certain careers that will be out of your reach as long as you have a criminal record. Now matter how much you love children, teaching and child care are off the table. Most jobs in healthcare and law enforcement will also be impossible to land. It can be painful to write off these types of appealing careers, but there’s no sense wasting time in the pursuit of jobs you’ll never land.
Compile a List of Viable Careers
There are still plenty of career paths available to people with criminal convictions. It makes sense to make a lengthy list of all possible careers so you can visualize the full range of options at your disposal. Lots of trades, including electrical work and carpentry, provide opportunities to those unfortunate enough to have a criminal record.
Where there’s a will there’s a way, even when you have a history of criminal convictions. Follow this advice to overcome the obstacles in your path and forge a successful career despite your record.