Should Criminal Records be Removed from a CV?

June 4, 2007 on 2:30 pm | In Resume |

Ideally, all CVs and resumes should not include any negative data. Your CV is a marketing tool, a ticket selling yourself in hopes of getting hired, and the negative data would just spoil the prospects to be called for an interview. However, if you got employed and the company found out about anything negative about you such as criminal records, they may have the option to terminate you without warning for concealing information.

How do you keep an honest background about yourself without having your negative background be your hindrance in getting the job that you want? Here are some tips:

Find out if the company frowns on criminal records – Check out the policy of the company if they require background checks. Companies that practice such would most likely not employ people with past records.

It is best to keep quiet about it, but do not hide it – You can delete bad records from your CV. However, never replace those facts with fabricated information. More often than not, the truth would come out at the most inopportune moments, making you completely embarrassed or worse devastated. Inaccurate personal information would leave you open to firing if your employer discovers it.

Choose jobs where having a record is not much of a minus – Let’s not kid ourselves that such criminal records are not minus points. If you had a high-paying job before getting the record, you probably have to sacrifice that and opt for lower-paying work. Avoid applying for jobs such as accountant, bank operators, and the like. These would offer you temptations as you might repeat the crime with horrible consequences.

Avoid the temptation of committing mistakes – Your choice of profession could give you a second chance in life. Having a criminal history is not much of an issue unless it is perceived as a danger on the job you are being hired for. Choose something that would definitely steer you away from situations where you would become tempted to repeat your previous mistakes, and even do similar ones.

If needed, tell your employer about your record right at the beginning – You could be lucky to find a job that does not put bearing on your criminal record. In that case, you need to inform your potential employer about your past records by adding that in your CV. At the same time, indicate in your document how much you have changed since the last time you were caught. List down some volunteer work you have been into, for instance.

Believe in second chances – Unless your record is for something drastic such as murder or sexual offense, you may find companies that are willing to give young people a second chance to start their lives. In that case, you should clearly reflect this fact at your CV. Match your own skills with the job’s prerequisite.