By: J.B.

J.B. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:34:59 +0000

Congratulations on obtaining your G.E.D. and the high scores! That's a great step in the right direction. I also commend you for doing your homework and trying to suss out a workable job-to-career path.
I can't answer all of your questions, but I have some experience as a job-hunter and can refer you to some helpful articles. I also think a chat with a professional recruiter or other placement expert would be beneficial. They can assess the real potential impact of your criminal record. Basically, I think if you handle it right, this is not necessarily a train wreck. People with worse backgrounds than you find work every day.
The main thing is, you have to be ready to explain each circumstance honestly and in a way that makes people want to hire you. Everyone has made mistakes, and in some situations, it's even beneficial experience for a job (working as a counselor, for example.) Explain why it happened, what you learned and what you are doing about it. But be succinct. (You might want to practice answering these questions with a friend.)
I am not sure your mental health treatment as a teen-ager would even come up. Regarding your credit history, it will depend on what kind of job you are seeking whether it will impact you. I have had past credit issues but so far it has never been brought up by a potential employer. Also note that more and more businesses run background checks on prospective employees these days, so that makes it crucial that you bring up the information first by answering relevant application questions thoroughly and honestly.
Yes, this may allow them to screen you out up front. But if a background check brings up something you should have put on the application, you probably aren't going any further with that company anyway. If you are honest and you can show you have changed and want a chance, many people will meet you halfway. Then the question becomes whether you have the right skills and experience and whether your personality fits into the company culture.
Try to relax and remember how many people out there in the workforce have things in their past they aren't too happy with. Tons of them are working, many of them have succeeded and some of them are now bosses with the power to hire. If you are a good person with skills and determination, someone is going to want you on their team.
You have done a lot of hard work to get on the right track, so keep moving ahead and don't let fear sidetrack you. I wish you the best of luck!
References :
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/laborlaws/a/criminal_record_2.htm
http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/Getting-Started/Job-Hunting-With-Criminal-Record/article.aspx
http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/Getting-Started/Dont-let-your-Past-Haunt-Job-Search/article.aspx

By: Alex E™

Alex E™ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:59:59 +0000

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References :

Comments on: Career change: can you help?

By: J.B.

By: Alex E™