There are some jobs that you cannot get if you have a criminal record. Generally, the difference in types of jobs that employers can refuse to give you is dependent on whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony.
If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor, you may wonder what jobs you can and cannot get. While it depends on the type of crime, a misdemeanor conviction can prevent you from getting certain jobs.
For example, if you were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you probably won’t be able to work as a bus driver or commercial truck driver. If you were convicted of domestic violence, you probably won’t be able to work as a nurse or teacher. You also likely won’t be able to work in law enforcement or as a firefighter if you were convicted of arson.
However, these are just examples of common professions that most people know about. There are many other kinds of misdemeanors that could prevent someone from working in certain fields—such as animal cruelty or stealing from an employer—and there are just as many jobs that don’t require any sort of background check at all.
What jobs can you not get with a misdemeanor
Introduction
Having a misdemeanor on your record can limit your job prospects and even make you ineligible for some positions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that employers have varying requirements. Some may be more lenient than others, while others may be willing to hire you if you complete a diversion program or similar qualification. Let’s take a look at some jobs that can cause problems for candidates with misdemeanors.
The most dangerous jobs.
- Jobs that require you to carry a gun.
- Jobs that require you to carry a concealed weapon.
- Jobs that require you to carry a weapon of any kind, even if it is not concealed.
- The most dangerous jobs, such as police officer, firefighter, and prison guard. These jobs are so dangerous because they involve working with criminals and the general public in potentially volatile situations where violence could break out at any moment!
Jobs with children.
If you have a misdemeanor on your record, you can’t work with children.
Examples of jobs this applies to include:
- daycare workers
- babysitters
- nannies
Financial services and other private sector jobs.
The next time you’re at a cocktail party, try this experiment: Ask around to find out if anyone knows of a job where you could get hired with a misdemeanor on your record. If there’s someone in the room who doesn’t have one, they’re probably not going to be able to help.
In fact, most people will tell you that it’s almost impossible to get any kind of meaningful work without a felony conviction—let alone find employment in the financial services sector or with children (another common place for misdemeanors). Most employers simply don’t want the liability associated with hiring someone who has prior convictions for violent crimes like assault or battery.
Healthcare and government jobs.
You may not be eligible for some healthcare jobs if you have a criminal record. Some job applications ask about your arrest record and you should answer truthfully. If you have been convicted of a crime, it’s best to find out before the interview what type of information the employer will be looking for before making a final decision on hiring, or not hiring, an applicant with a criminal history. Read more about jobs in healthcare that are off-limits to felons here.
Some government jobs are barred to felons who were convicted of certain crimes, while others are only barred if they involve children or vulnerable adults who need protection from abuse or exploitation by employers and caretakers (for example: nursing assistants). In order for someone without a felony conviction to work in this field, they must meet one of three requirements:
- They can show evidence that their felony was expunged from their record through “expungement” laws designed specifically for people who committed offenses when they were under 18 years old;
- They can show evidence that their case was dismissed after being found unfit due age during trial proceedings; or
- They can show evidence that no charges were ever filed against them at all because prosecutors decided not pursue criminal action against them beyond initial arrests made during investigations into alleged crimes committed by other people involved in cases where everyone involved was underage at the time (younger than 18 years old).
Having a misdemeanor can bar you from some employers but others may be more flexible.
Employers are more likely to overlook a misdemeanor if it has nothing to do with the job you want. For example, if you’re looking for a job as a barista and your criminal record shows that you were convicted of stealing CDs from Walmart when you were 15 years old, then the employer may not hold it against you. On the other hand, if your misdemeanor is related to the job in some way—like theft or fraud—then there’s no point in applying at all.
In general, employers will not hire someone with a history of misdemeanors on their record because they don’t want their business associated with criminals. However, many employers will give someone a chance if his or her crimes aren’t too serious or violent.
Conclusion
Be open with your employer. If you have a misdemeanor, it’s important to be upfront with the companies you apply for. They may be more flexible than you think and not want to lose out on your talents because of one mistake. Don’t let a past conviction keep you from moving forward and finding employment!
