Felony Convictions. Is this going to keep me from getting a good job?

Most jobs these days are going to require that you pass a drug test and a criminal background check. Should you report your prior conviction? Yes. You have no choice. If you do not report the truth, it will come back to haunt you sooner rather than later. The good news is that a lot of applications only go back five years. As time goes along, your conviction can be less and less obtrusive.

If the application says "within the last 5 years" and your conviction was 6 years ago, then you do not report it. This is basically a don't ask and don't tell theorem. In other words, always tell the truth, but always read between the lines and ensure that you protect your best interests.

The most important thing moving forward is that you continue to do good things, stay focused, and stay out of trouble. The criminal justice system is not a very glamorous place to be stuck. Stay busy because idle hands are the devils playground.

If you had a conviction within the last 5 years, then simply disclose it and come clean with the interviewer. Practice the explanation in advance. Keep it simple and stupid and accept responsibility for your actions.

Ex. I made a stupid mistake, and I am now back on track 100% and I learned a valuable lesson.

If you have any other advice please respond here. We want to hear from you.