When I was 20 years old, I committed a misdemeanor act that got me 6 months probation (no jail time). Since then I've, finish college, moved up in my career and have had nothing but success in my job. I recently qualified for a management opportunity and I was turned down because I had a criminal record. I was young when this happen and would never resort to such an act again. Why do some employers do this? How is one suppose to move forward with their life if something they a desperately trying forget is being thrown back in their face?

The purpose of giving a criminal a second chance to avoid that person from committing a criminal act again. While I would never go this route again, how do we expect people that are released for jail/prison to truly try to do right if everyone slams the door in their face and never gives them a chance? What one fails to realize is that by society doing this to people, that person could one day be the person that victimizes us, because we've written them off, making the feel abandoned by society.

What is a person as myself to do to show an employer that I am educated, determined, and a very career focused professional?

Hello nub:

The first thing is STOP making yourself a victim. You're NOT.

If the company you're working for doesn't recognize the talents you have now, but instead focus's on your past, this isn't the company for you.

Here's the bottom line. It's not easy for an exconvict to get ahead... But it's not impossible either. You're just going to have to work a little harder. Ok. So what?

excon

Your employer does sound rather backwards. So many companies have replaced common sense with policy that way they don't have to worry about someone making a decision.

Have you thought about seeing if you can get the record expunged?

You're right ExCon, this probably isn't the right company for me. I am a firm believer in "Everything happens for a reason".

And yes I'm working getting it expunged from my record. This is so far looking promising.