Searching for a job in South Carolina can be a challenge, but for those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor, it can be even more difficult. According to the Collegiate Times, research indicates that an employer may not separate misdemeanors from felonies when looking at an applicant’s criminal record. This could mean that a young person with a disorderly conduct misdemeanor or similar conviction could be seen as a liability and may never get called in for an interview.
Misdemeanor arrests are common for the 23-and-under age group, with a third of American adults falling into that category. It may be tempting to try to hide the conviction from a potential employer. However, experts point out that a person who leaves the information off of the application is more likely to get into trouble when the employer runs a background check and discovers there is a criminal record. Particularly for those with a single offense, an employer may appreciate honesty and be willing to overlook the charge if it does not relate to the type of job, but a person with more than one conviction may not be considered hirable. If someone is able to have the offense expunged, a background check will not return a criminal record.
Monster.com recommends that people who have a misdemeanor find out what the state’s laws about employment background checks are, and even run their own check to learn what an employer will see. It may also be helpful to inquire about a company’s background check policies before filling out an application or sending a resume to determine whether a person has a chance with that employer.
