Background checks are an inevitable part of modern-day life, and depending on hiring standards, they can make or break your chances of employment. Hiring standards vary by employer and may be regulated by state or federal law. A background check simply screens an individual to test whether or not an applicant meets the hiring standards set by a particular employer. However, there are some general red flags that typically influence an application status at most levels of employment.
Approximately 96% of businesses perform background checks on candidates, and a vast majority of those employers use criminal record searches. Although background checks include current pending charges, misdemeanor convictions, felony convictions, acquitted charges, and dismissed charges, most employers consider the nature of the crime. In order to protect the employees, customers, and the company’s reputation, violent and sexual offenses are rarely swept under the rug, and most employers would consider these types of convictions red flags. However, 67% of employers say that they allow their applicants to explain their criminal history before completely ruling them out. If you are applying to jobs that require high security clearance or involve interaction with children or elderly people (including school bus driving) and your criminal record contains any major offense, evidence of mental health issues, sex offenses, or cyber crimes, you will be denied from the job. The employer is usually in favor of the applicant with a clean record.
A clear record empowers you. If your criminal record has prevented you from getting the job of your dreams, you should consider getting your record expunged or sealed from the public eye. Contact Easy Expunctions for more information on affordable record-clearing.
