I was convicted of felon embezzlement 5 years ago. I was hired for an office position after the filing and that employer elected to keep me at the time of conviction. 5 years later I was laid off , along with many other individuals, as part of a staff reduction. How can I explain a felony conviction and the outcome in a positive way on an application and possibly obtain an interview and job - i.e. addiction, turning self in, probation, restitution repayment, counseling, etc. How much is too much detail? How can I keep the focus on today and not the past?

State the conviction and the crime (I'd state the employer and amount too). Say you are happy to provide documents showing the details of the crime, drug rehab and restititution, and drug test results in the last 2 years if any. Without them I don't think you stand a chance.