The easiest method to overcome this barrier to employment is to talk to potential employers about your criminal background. Many prospective employers may urge you to write an explanation letter to help them see your situation in the appropriate perspective.
The written word is ideal for such an explanation. You may take your time crafting the perfect response, and it will be kept on file as part of your application. Even if you are hesitant to include your personal narrative in your application, doing so might help you land the position for which you are applying.
Veterans need to be able to articulate their criminal history in narrative form. The recruiting procedure, obtaining a security clearance, or working for the VA might all be affected by your criminal record. If you are honest and forthright about your criminal history, you may boost your chances of being accepted.
In this piece, we’ll discuss why it’s important to write down your criminal history, how to check your records, and what to say when applying for a job or dealing with the government about your convictions.
What is a Narrative Explaining Criminal History?
When dealing with a criminal past, it is essential to understand what a narrative describing that past entails. A criminal history narrative is a detailed account of an individual’s involvement in the criminal justice system, including their arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. The account provides context for the offender’s criminal record and may shed light on what led up to the crime.
The purpose of a criminal history narrative is to give a fair and accurate account of the person’s involvement in criminal activity. The offender is given the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, express remorse, and describe how they have grown as a result of the incident. Veterans, especially those looking for VA benefits or employment opportunities, may be required to provide a detailed account of their criminal background as part of the application process.
Veterans should verify the information they offer in their narrative describing their criminal background against the VA’s criminal records to guarantee accuracy. Veterans can improve their chances of getting VA benefits or finding work by being forthright and honest about their criminal background and delivering a well-written narrative.
Why you may need to write a narrative explaining your criminal history
A narrative explanation of your criminal history may be requested from you if you are a veteran with such a record. One scenario in which a detailed explanation of your criminal past can be required is when applying for a job or program that mandates background checks. If asked about your criminal background, you must answer truthfully and completely; otherwise, you may face severe repercussions. In addition, a VA criminal records check will reveal your past convictions, so it’s best to be forthright and give an accurate explanation. By detailing your criminal history in writing, you may show that you are prepared to accept responsibility for your acts and reassure others that you are making progress toward a better future. When it comes to criminal records in Virginia, remember that honesty is the best policy.
How to Explain Criminal History
If you have a misdemeanor and are asking how to acquire a job, the answer is to be truthful about your background. You should bring up your past experience right away in the application procedure. Instead than trying to avoid dealing with your history until it inevitably arises, it’s best to bring it up proactively.
It demonstrates responsibility to bring up your criminal history before being asked about it, even when you do not wish to go into detail. Bring it up, but do it in the context of other, better qualities. You should avoid letting your criminal record be your calling card in the employment market. Provide information from your past jobs that demonstrates your skills and reliability.
If asked about your criminal history, give just brief facts. There is no need to wait for an answer after it has been released. Stop dwelling on your previous failures and move on to praising your accomplishments and experiences. Keep your door open in case the interviewer has any queries. In a job interview, you should avoid being defensive. Taking on a defensive stance will make people doubt your abilities.
Answer questions regarding your criminal record truthfully but briefly if requested. Don’t volunteer more details than necessary during an interview. Own up to your actions and explain yourself as little as possible. You should never give the impression that you are excusing illegal action, no matter how trivial you may view it to be.
Always add something good about the talents and traits you offer to the position after answering questions. You should avoid ending the conversation on the subject of your past convictions. Show how you have turned things around and learned from your mistakes.
It’s a good idea to prepare answers to questions about your criminal record in advance of the real interview. When people are anxious, they often speak too much or ramble on during interviews. Prepare an answer to the question of whether or not you have a criminal record, and stick to it. In this way, you may be succinct and to the point even when you’re under pressure.
How to Answer Criminal History Question on a Job Application
When discussing your background with a potential employer, it is always preferable to be honest. That said, you shouldn’t feel like you have carte blanche to spill the beans on everything, though; doing so might hurt your prospects. How can you strike a middle ground?
Pay Close Attention
To begin, give your whole attention to reading the application for job. You shouldn’t misinterpret or lie on an application, even if it doesn’t inquire about your criminal history (some companies may be barred by state law, and others may wait to ask until the interview).
It’s best to respond with a straightforward “yes” or “no,” but you can offer a brief explanation (if asked or if you feel the need to) to clarify specifics, such as the date, the outcome of any legal proceedings, or the length of time you were incarcerated. A simple “yes” or “no” might be followed by the promise to discuss your background in an upcoming interview.
Clarification Letter
However, a letter of explanation may be required for certain applicants; if this is the case, you should provide all relevant information in your letter. Avoid rambling and don’t offer any justifications for your actions. It’s preferable to be forthright about your costs and time commitments, then to spin those realities in a good light by emphasizing the lessons you acquired. The company won’t care what you think about your own situation.
Investigate your past criminal history before submitting your application. Knowing your background thoroughly allows you to provide truthful information while applying for jobs or participating in interviews. It may look like you’re attempting to hide anything if you don’t tell an employer about a conviction or arrest and they find out about it through a background check. If the potential employer has any doubts about you, they may reject your application outright.
Know Your Local and Federal Laws
You should know your personal record, but you should also know whether or not your state’s laws ban employers from inquiring about your criminal history. Both the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) include provisions that protect job applicants and employees from discrimination based on the results of background checks.
Additional considerations when writing a narrative explaining criminal history
There are a few more things to bear in mind while you write your narrative explanation of your criminal history:
- Some advice on how to respond to any queries or concerns: The reader may have various worries and queries about your criminal background, depending on the context. If you have a criminal record and are seeking for a job, the prospective employer may have reservations about hiring you. Make an effort to foresee these questions and answer them in your story. Do not sugarcoat the truth; instead, highlight the constructive actions you have made to rectify the situation and ensure it does not recur.
- Seeking legal counsel when appropriate is crucial: Seek legal counsel if you have any questions or concerns concerning your criminal record. Discussing your criminal background with an attorney can help you better understand your rights, responsibilities, and potential legal implications. Getting a copy of your criminal record and making sense of the information it includes is something they can assist you with as well.
Conclusion
It’s imperative that you be forthright and honest while detailing your criminal history in writing. Although it may be uncomfortable, being honest about your criminal history may help establish your reputation with future employers and other stakeholders. If you want to show that you’re serious about making changes in your life, dealing with your criminal past is an important first step. It is important to clarify your criminal background and to highlight your positive changes since then. The same goes for visiting an attorney or reaching out to loved ones for moral support if you feel lost or confused. Last but not least, always double-check your work.
