When to be forthcoming about criminal record

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

Long story short, I have a criminal record. Actually spent a substantial time in prison. Straightened my life out, decided to use my time constructively and studied.

Managed to complete my BCS degree in Computer Science through UNISA, and yes I had to pay it myself.

The question now is, when do I tell people about it. Do I put it on my CV from the start, or if I do manage to go for an interview, do I tell them then?

I have seen some jobs where they specifically say you need to pass a criminal record check. So those I won't even apply for. But most job ads do not mention it.

No way to not mention it at all, as there is a massive gap in my life, that cannot be explained without the truth. Plus I rather try and live my life, doing the right thing. Honesty is better, it is only at what stage do I disclose?

 

[WesleyDB]

Unless they ask you out right about a criminal history during the application process you shouldn't have to disclose it. I do respect the fact that you found a way to turn your life around and I hope you find an employer that's willing to look past that.

 

[Inn3rs3lf]

Not sure on the disclosure, but just wanted to say well done for pivoting and working yourself into a degree that actually has weight to it - especially after such a turbulent background.

Best of luck for the future - you should be extremely proud!

 

[Sinbad]

How long ago?

Can you get it expunged?

 

[RonSwanson]

The ANC will accept you with open arms no questions asked, comrade. All of them have smallanyana skeletons, some just have a whole lot more skeletons than others. Maybe you can help them hang onto their domain names?

Seriously though, you need to consider that fact that most (decent) organisations would not place you in any position/role requiring a high level of trust. It all depends on the crime that you were found guilty of, so for example it was fraud then an organisation would be well within their rights to deny employment if they are looking for someone to work on their financial systems, for example. Or if it is a service organisation providing systems / support to financial institutions.
But there are many other things that you possibly could be doing that may not require that level of trust, in other words, no organisation could reasonably discriminate against you if a high level of trust is not key to the role. So be sensitive to this, don't apply for these types of positions.
As some have mentioned, you don't have to use your record as a conversation starter, but at the same time, when asked about the gap in your CV, don't lie. Man up to it, and explain that you did your time.
Good luck!

 

[RedViking]

Or maybe find a way to work for yourself?

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

How long ago?

Can you get it expunged?

I was released a year ago, but as far as I know you can only get it expunged after 10 years, and only if you did less then 12 months. I did many many years inside. So that is not an option.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

Or maybe find a way to work for yourself?

I currently do work in a very small business, but I'm the sole developer. Doing everything, from the initial requirements gathering, analysis and design, to the coding. But I desire to work in a setup where I can learn from seeing others doing it. I'm grateful for what I have, but I also want to grow, and having a chance to work with others would be awesome.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

Not a bad option if all else fails. There's plenty room for entrepreneurs in SA.
And begin by not referring to yourself as a Convict. That's a thing of the past. You've done the time and you're a free man.

Yes that is true, just couldn't think of another name...lol

Yes even though I did my time, guilt will always be there. Done bad things and did pay the price.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

The ANC will accept you with open arms no questions asked, comrade. All of them have smallanyana skeletons, some just have a whole lot more skeletons than others. Maybe you can help them hang onto their domain names?

Seriously though, you need to consider that fact that most (decent) organisations would not place you in any position/role requiring a high level of trust. It all depends on the crime that you were found guilty of, so for example it was fraud then an organisation would be well within their rights to deny employment if they are looking for someone to work on their financial systems, for example. Or if it is a service organisation providing systems / support to financial institutions.
But there are many other things that you possibly could be doing that may not require that level of trust, in other words, no organisation could reasonably discriminate against you if a high level of trust is not key to the role. So be sensitive to this, don't apply for these types of positions.
As some have mentioned, you don't have to use your record as a conversation starter, but at the same time, when asked about the gap in your CV, don't lie. Man up to it, and explain that you did your time.
Good luck!

I agree, I would avoid those types of job applications where trust would be required. I just want to progress from a junior to an intermediate level. Getting experience, that is what I long for.

 

[Nqindi]

Good on you bro. I admire your drive to better yourself. Good luck.

Edit: I used to work with a guy who did some serious time for some really nasty stuff. So it's possible to get a job. Just focus on the small companies that are unlikely to have rigid recruitment policies.

 

[newklear]

If you were a Frans, then you might have to be straight forward with your prospective's. If you were a Number then I would keep quiet all together.

 

[RonSwanson]

I agree, I would avoid those types of job applications where trust would be required. I just want to progress from a junior to an intermediate level. Getting experience, that is what I long for.

Getting a degree is a good start, because in a way it could demonstrate tenacity and resolve, but prospective employers want to know about what it is that you can actually do, what problems you can solve for them.
What are you good at, and what do you enjoy doing most?

 

[B-1]

With the level of dishonesty in our country I imagine very few companies don't do at least a basic background check. So being up front about it is probably the best way to go. I'm not sure what the reaction to it is going to be though. Sometimes the crimes may even be a positive if it was computer related and you are applying for security audit type positions. Best thing to do is try and see how it goes, adapt and try again until you find something that works for you.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

Getting a degree is a good start, because in a way it could demonstrate tenacity and resolve, but prospective employers want to know about what it is that you can actually do, what problems you can solve for them.
What are you good at, and what do you enjoy doing most?

I'm currently employed as a programmer in a very small company, where I'm the sole programmer. Doing development for the owners other business. So currently I do everything in the development cycle, from the design, coding to the implementation.

I love solving problems, and that is one of the biggest reasons I went this route when I studied. Just that I'm not having any prospect of moving up where I am. I'm also not learning how to do things the "correct" way as I'm doing it all myself. So I have a desire to learn from others by working in a proper development environment.

Would love to be able to do more SQL, doing it everyday building the system I'm doing currently, but again I have no idea if this is being done proper.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

With the level of dishonesty in our country I imagine very few companies don't do at least a basic background check. So being up front about it is probably the best way to go. I'm not sure what the reaction to it is going to be though. Sometimes the crimes may even be a positive if it was computer related and you are applying for security audit type positions. Best thing to do is try and see how it goes, adapt and try again until you find something that works for you.

You do not go to prison for as long as I went, for computer related crime. I spent almost half my life in prison, and I deserved it. But yes now I'm 41 with a massive gap in my employment history. Just needed to know how to approach this, as I need to apply for more junior positions and it will be asked, what have I been doing the past 20 years.

 

[ReleasedFromCaptivity]

If you were a Frans, then you might have to be straight forward with your prospective's. If you were a Number then I would keep quiet all together.

Did never join a gang, got sentenced, within the first month stopped using drugs, went to school started doing N courses and from tjere moved to doing my degree. So yes I'm a frans is you want to call it that.

 

[Tabac]

Big corporate companies do a criminal check. My opinion, it's rather unfair on someone like you. But that's what it is.
Good luck.

 

[WhiteRaven]

@Convict I fully agree that the name has to change, as long as you keep identifying that as who you are, it is who you will remain (in your head anyway). You are not a convict, you are now functioning member of society just like every single one of us.

I can only speak for myself so here is my view.

As a standard we do background checks on all of our candidates as soon as an offer is discussed, nothing upsets me more than right at the end of it, I get a hit for criminal record. If I had known upfront it could have been a discussion with my client, instead it normally changes it to a flat out no.

Don't add it to your CV, create a skills based document that highlights your education, experience and skills matrix. Include a personal summary giving insight into your personality and what you are wanting to achieve. Add a photo to your CV, it "humanises" you. Only once someone has contacted you and if you are comfortable with it, disclose your history with a gentle approach, I have always found honesty to be key in these cases.

Chances are that you will have more luck having these discussions with a company than a Recruiter, we have been programmed to not consider people with criminal records. That being said, remote opportunities are available giving you the chance to work with global teams and learn from them, I also agree that you may have more luck with smaller companies than corporates.

You going to have to be patient and persistent, it sucks but that is what it is.

Please pop your cv over to me, so I can keep it on file. You never know I may receive a requirement for a junior with open minded individuals. [email protected]

 

[Tacet]

I agree, I would avoid those types of job applications where trust would be required...

Why? I don't see that you have anything to lose by applying there as well. If you don't apply, you're not going to get the job. If they say no, you're also not getting the job. Sure, in a job application where trust is an issue your past will probably count against you.

On the other hand - if you find a job you like, or start a successful company, and 15 years from now you see a job application from someone with a record, but who did their time, got out, worked for a degree, been gainfully employed and who seems to be taking responsibility for their own life, wouldn't you consider taking them on?

Some people will see you as a risk. Some will judge you based on your history. But there are those out there who will be able to accept your history as being history, and evaluate your potential as an employee based on who you are now. Don't risk missing out on them by not applying.

And don't get discouraged by applications that are turned down. I was one of the lucky people to be in a really good school, so when the time came for bursary applications my marks were extremely good. I applied at more than 40 places for an engineering bursary. More than 40 said no. But two said yes, and that was totally worth the 40 failed applications.