In today's economy, the littlest thing could put you out of the running for any job.  It's not considered discrimination to not hire someone because they have a criminal record, and most companies see a background as an easy way to mark you off the list of potential candidates.

The truth is, any black mark on your record is a significant challenge, but it can be over come.  You just need to put your absolute best foot forward.

Here are some tips for doing that.

› Understand there are certain jobs, industries and companies that have conviction policies.

• Terrace Paper Company has a no conviction policy.
• Habitat Company will hire you if you have no convictions in the past 10 years.
• Chicago Public Schools will not hire anyone with ANY criminal background.

› Make sure you know the requirements of any job you apply for and know that you have the best chance of getting a job you are QUALIFIED for.

› Have an error-free, professional looking resume with verified dates of past employment and education/training

• Call past the Human Resources Department of past employeers and ask for employment verification.
• It is very important to have correct dates; don't let a small mistake like the wrong start date be the reason a company uses to say you are not professional enough to work for them.

› Background information questions take many forms, and it is important to be clear on what you are being asked.

Examples:

• Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation?
• Have you been convicted of a crime in the past 7 years?
• Have you been convicted of a felony crime in the past 5 years?

› The key words in these questions are very important.

• Convicted: You are only required to report crimes that you have been found guilty of in a court of law. Arrests and dismissed cases do NOT need to be reported.
• Time frame: If an application asks if you have "ever" been convicted, you must report all convictions. If you were convicted of a felony in 2000, and are only asked to report crimes in the past 5 years, you do NOT need to report this crime.
• Type of crime: If you are asked to report "any" crime, you must report misdemeanors and felonies alike.

› The next question is usually "If yes, explain."  You may have heard you should write "Will discuss in interview."  This is not always the case.

• For 1-2 convictions: List year of conviction, felony or misdemeanor, proper name of conviction. Ex. 2008 Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance; 2007 Misdemeanor Retail Theft.
• For 3 or more convictions: The best option is to write something along the lines of "I have prior convictions that I will openly discuss in an interview as I believe my skills are a great fit for [name of company." This is being honest because you are telling the company you do have convictions, but it doesn't present itself as a laundry list of crimes.  It also adds the additional note of saying that you feel your background does not overshadow what you can bring to the job.

You got the interview, and now it is time to SELL YOURSELF.

› Do your research:  Know why you want to work for the company you are interviewing at, why you want the job you are interviewing for, and why you are qualified to do that job.

› Dress to impress: Remember when you go on an interview, you don't have the job yet.  Even if you are applying for a job at a casual work environment, dress professional because it shows you will go the extra mile and you are serious about wanting to work for this company.

› Answering the conviction question: Once again, state the conviction.  Take responsibility for your actions and then reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job.

• "I do have a 2008 Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance conviction.  It was at a time in my life that I was not making the best decisions, but I take responsibility for what happened and I chose to learn from it.  Right now, my focus is how I can better myself and all the great things I can do for your company."
• You can spin this answer in a way that by the time you finish answering, the interviewer might not even remember the conviction, but rather, they will remember that you really want the job!

› Thank the interviewer and ask for a business card.

› Ask if you can follow-up with him or her in a week or so if you do not hear from them.

› As soon as you get home, write them a handwritten note thanking them for taking the time to speak with you and reiterating why you want the job and why you are such a great applicant.

› If you don't get the job, don't let that keep you down.  Keep applying and keep networking!