Discussing Your Criminal Record in an Interview
For many people with a criminal record, the most difficult part of looking for a job is how to discuss their background in an interview. There are 3 basic choices the job seeker can make on how to answer the question.
3 Choices On How To Discuss Your Record
- Tell the Truth – always the best choice
- Lie About It – it may get you the job at the start, but if it’s discovered you’ll get fired and have to start all over again.
- Avoid It – Refusing to discuss it will kill the interview.
Once the applicant has decided to tell the truth in the interview, there is an easy to learn 4 step process on how to discuss the criminal record. Once the 4 steps are learned, the applicant needs to create a “speech” that they can practice and use in the interview. Once they have their speech ready, they need practice it until it’s automatic and they are comfortable. The tone and presentation are just as important as the words. The tone may start somewhat quietly and ‘down’ but as the answer progresses the tone and emotional feeling should rise so that the interviewer is left with a positive feeling from the applicant.
4 Steps to Discussing Your Record
Step 1 – Tell Them What You Did And Take Responsibility For Your Actions. (Realistic speaking tone)
Be honest and show that you are taking responsibility for your behavior. Do not make excuses; placing the blame on someone else is a very bad choice.
Statements should begin with “I”. Examples: ‘I made some bad choices’, ‘I made a bad decision’, and ‘I did something I shouldn’t have’.
Example Statement: “In 2007 I made some very poor choices about a program I was in, I was charged and convicted of welfare fraud. I spent 30 days in jail, repaid money I had taken, and spent 2 years on probation”
Step 2 – Tell Them What You Learned About Yourself. (Quiet, ‘down’ tone)
You need to express regret for what you did and talk about the lessons you learned. Again statements need to start with “I”.
Examples: ‘I’m not proud of what I did’, ‘my drug use was out of control’, ‘I discovered I had a lot of issues with anger’, ‘I hadn’t realized how much my friends could influence me’.
Example Statement: “Until I was arrested for assault, I never really realized how much anger I had inside me. I still feel so bad about hurting that man, I often wonder if he’s ok today”
Step 3 – State the Positive Changes You have Made Since. (Tone begins to rise).
This is where you present your evidence of rehabilitation.
Examples: Got GED, went through CD treatment, entered therapy, volunteering, took part in a restorative justice program, going to support groups, moved to new living situation, made a whole new group of supportive friends etc.
Example Statement: “When I went to prison I went through sex offender treatment, it was so helpful to me I wanted to go through twice. Now that I’m out, I attend outpatient therapy weekly, and I go to a weekly support group as well. And I recently started working with Out 4 Life as a speaker at their conferences and trainings. “
Step 4 – Talk About How You Will Never Reoffend Again and Your New Life Goals. (Tone should be upbeat and positive).
This is an extension of step 3, what have you done and what are you continuing to do and what will you do in the future to make sure you never repeat your past.
Examples: Identified new life goals, continuing supports you are using, what are you doing to give back to the community, ongoing therapy and groups, etc.
Example Statement: “I know I can’t go back and change what I did, but I am determined to keep my life going in the right direction. I’m currently looking at going to school, and I’m focused on getting employed and keeping my job. I’ve been sober for 2 years, but I still go to meetings every week, and now I’m a sponsor for someone else. I started working with DARE in the hopes that I could maybe help some teenager not make the same choices I made.”
-Just remember-
If They Weren’t Interested In You,
You Wouldn’t Get The Interview To Begin With.
Be Honest, Take Responsibility, and Make Some Changes.