Q: I was arrested in May of 2008 for the charge of burglary. I took a plea agreement that lessened the conviction to Felony Trespassing (3rd degree) in New Jersey. My question is if potential employers will see something like Trespassing as just as bad as any other felony or if I am worrying too much and thinking I will be constantly passed over for jobs because I am grouped in the same "Felony" category as people who have committed violent crimes, robbery, and etc. I have a college degree and 2 years work experience in a media-related field but keep applying to jobs with the notion that my charges are always going to hold me back from getting a job within the field of media, marketing, and promotion. With so many employers conducting background checks, I just want to see how a Felony Trespassing charge looks to them and if I am still hireable. Thank you so much for taking the time to help a person in need.
-A
A: Hello A,
Your situation isn't as bad as it seems. Trespassing is a relatively minor offense and there are no integrity questions surrounding it. Whenever the question comes up on an application or on an interview, be honest. Typically on an application, the question will be, "Have you been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation?" You will answer honestly.
In reference to convictions, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of
the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)
Example:
Trespassing (isolated incident) 8/12/08 Newark, NJ Probation 6 mos
I used the notation "isolated incident." It gives the impression that you are not a criminal, but a person that just found himself in a bad situation...something that can happen to anyone. If the question comes up, don't go into detail, just give an answer just like that.
The most important thing I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to be honest. there no sense in being dishonest only to lose a job when a background check is done.
I hope this helps
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
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