How to Search Someone’s Criminal Record in Careers People
United States · Jobs, employment background checks and second chances
Careers for People With a Criminal Record: Job Opportunities, Background Checks and Hiring Rights
There are real careers for people with a criminal record, including skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, logistics, food service, maintenance, technology and self-employment. A past conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from every job. What matters is the particular position, applicable state or federal law, the employer’s screening process and the person’s qualifications.
If you are looking for work, start with the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop reentry resources and local American Job Centers. If you are an employer trying to search someone’s criminal record for hiring, follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable fair-chance hiring laws before conducting a background check.
Coverage: United States — federal guidance with state-specific employment restrictions explained below.
The most useful answer first
Can Someone With a Criminal Record Get a Good Job?
Yes. Many people with misdemeanor or felony convictions can qualify for employment, apprenticeships, skilled work, public-sector jobs and independent businesses. A conviction does not create a universal ban on working.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises employers considering criminal records to assess the connection between the conduct and the job. Three especially important considerations are the seriousness of the offense, the time elapsed and the actual responsibilities of the position.
Places to start working
Warehouse and fulfillment operations, commercial cleaning, landscaping, food preparation, manufacturing support and some construction labor positions.
Individual employers may still conduct background checks.
Skills worth developing
Welding, industrial maintenance, electrical work, HVAC, automotive repair, carpentry, software development and other occupations with identifiable skills.
Licensing, apprenticeship admission and employer rules vary.
The main strategy is to identify work you can legally perform, obtain useful skills, understand what your record actually says and apply to employers willing to evaluate applicants individually.
Practical U.S. career paths
Careers for People With a Criminal Record: 10 Fields to Explore
These are occupational possibilities, not a guaranteed list of jobs that accept every conviction. The examples focus on ways to develop job-relevant skills and identify restrictions before investing in training.
| Career field | Practical starting positions | How to enter or grow | What to check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse and fulfillment | Order picker, packer, shipping associate, stock handler | Build inventory, warehouse systems and equipment-handling skills; pursue supervisor roles over time. | Employer screening, worksite security and equipment certification. |
| Construction | Construction laborer, helper, site cleanup worker | Move toward carpentry, concrete work, roofing or a registered apprenticeship. | Project-site access, safety certifications and applicable licensing. |
| Manufacturing | Production associate, assembler, machine operator trainee | Learn equipment operation, quality control and industrial maintenance. | Specific plant access rules and safety requirements. |
| Welding and metalwork | Welder helper, fabricator trainee, shop assistant | Develop welding skills through a community college, training center or apprenticeship. | Required trade credentials, worksite rules and employer assessment. |
| Food service and hospitality | Kitchen assistant, line cook trainee, dishwasher, housekeeping associate | Build food safety, culinary, supervisory or hospitality operations skills. | Food handler requirements and employer-specific background policies. |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping | Grounds crew member, landscaping assistant, maintenance worker | Develop equipment, irrigation, plant-care or crew-management experience. | Driving record, commercial equipment and client-site access. |
| Building and property maintenance | Janitorial worker, facilities helper, maintenance assistant | Train in painting, repair, HVAC support or building systems. | Work in homes, schools, healthcare facilities or sensitive buildings may have added restrictions. |
| Automotive and equipment repair | Auto shop helper, tire technician, service assistant | Develop repair skills, complete recognized certifications and progress to specialized work. | Driving privileges, insurance rules and access to customers’ vehicles. |
| Technology and digital services | Web support, freelance design, basic software testing, digital content production | Build a portfolio of actual projects and obtain role-relevant technical skills. | Positions with sensitive data, financial systems or government contracts may require additional checks. |
| Self-employment and small business | Cleaning services, landscaping, repairs, design services, permitted online services | Start with a manageable service, build customers, document income and develop repeat business. | Business licensing, insurance, taxes, local permits and any professional licensing restrictions still apply. |
What about truck driving?
Commercial driving can be another career possibility, but it requires more careful eligibility checking than a general warehouse position. A commercial driver’s license, driving history, medical qualifications, federal transportation rules and particular criminal convictions can affect eligibility.
Before paying for a costly CDL program, contact the appropriate state licensing agency or training provider and ask whether your particular record creates a restriction. A background check for hazardous-materials endorsements or certain transportation access credentials can involve additional federal requirements.
What about healthcare, education or finance?
A criminal record does not necessarily eliminate every opportunity in these industries. However, nursing, childcare, school employment, banking, positions involving vulnerable people and certain licensed professions may carry specific statutory or agency restrictions.
Verify the applicable licensing board and role-specific requirements first. Avoid paying for education or certification before understanding whether you can legally obtain the necessary license or clearance.
Choose work that fits your actual circumstances
How to Choose a Career When You Have a Conviction
Choosing a career based only on an internet list of “felon-friendly jobs” can waste time. A better approach is to identify your existing experience, the specific barriers you face and the skills employers need in your location.
Three realistic examples
Example: Recent release with limited work history
Start by finding an American Job Center or local reentry program, preparing identification and building a basic work history.
Entry-level warehouse, landscaping, food-service or manufacturing opportunities may provide a route to immediate income while you explore training.
Example: An older conviction and trade experience
If you already have experience in construction, auto repair or welding, document the work you have done and look for employers or apprenticeship sponsors that assess your current qualifications.
Check any license requirements before applying for specialized positions.
Example: A conviction that may affect a professional license
Contact the state licensing board for the occupation you want. Ask whether a preapplication eligibility review, waiver, individualized assessment or appeal procedure exists.
Keep court dispositions and evidence of work, education and rehabilitation available.
Example: Strong computer skills but difficulty passing screening
Develop a public portfolio with legitimate coding, website, design or support projects.
Apply for roles where those skills are relevant, while recognizing that clients or employers may still conduct checks or restrict access to sensitive systems.
CareerOneStop’s career exploration guide includes career assessments, introductory job ideas and self-employment options. Its training resources cover trades such as welding, HVAC and automotive repair, along with apprenticeship pathways.
Free official career assistance
Where to Find Jobs and Reentry Programs for People With Criminal Records
Many individuals searching for work after a conviction benefit from local programs that understand both employer needs and criminal-record restrictions. The U.S. Department of Labor directs job seekers to American Job Centers and locally administered reentry programs.
CareerOneStop ReEntry Program Finder
Search by ZIP code, city and state, or state. Listings include local organizations that may offer free resume help, interview practice, training referrals and information about record clearance.
Search Local Reentry ProgramsAmerican Job Centers
Find a center that offers career counseling, job-search support, employer referrals, computer access and possibly job training or supportive-service assistance.
Find an American Job CenterRegistered Apprenticeships
Explore paid training in occupations such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry and equipment maintenance. Entry requirements vary by apprenticeship sponsor.
Find Apprenticeship OpportunitiesJustice-Impacted Job Seekers
CareerOneStop provides guidance on preparing resumes, handling applications, interviewing, exploring training and identifying job openings after incarceration.
Start the Job Search GuideHow to use the ReEntry Program Finder
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Enter your location
Search your ZIP code or city and state in the CareerOneStop ReEntry Program Finder.
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Compare available organizations
Look at the program’s address, contact information, age requirements and types of assistance.
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Contact at least two suitable programs
Ask whether the program assists people with your type of employment barrier, offers training, or can make employer referrals.
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Ask about funding and qualifications
Training support may depend on eligibility, available local funding and the type of program. Some services are free, while others require enrollment.
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Build a short list of real openings
Use the referrals to identify employers recruiting for your skills and location. Confirm each position directly with the employer.
Prepare for an employer’s questions
How to Apply for Jobs With a Criminal Record
Many job applications ask about criminal convictions, but the wording and timing matter. Some employers may lawfully ask about particular convictions; others are restricted by state or city fair-chance laws until later in the hiring process.
CareerOneStop advises job seekers to answer questions truthfully but only provide the information actually requested, considering applicable local law.
Step 1: Read the question carefully
An application may ask about felony convictions, particular periods, pending charges or certain offenses. Those questions are not necessarily interchangeable. Do not volunteer information the law says the employer cannot request, and do not make inaccurate statements when a lawful question must be answered.
Step 2: Prepare a short, accurate explanation
If a lawful hiring process requires discussion of a conviction, the most useful explanation addresses the facts, time elapsed, employment qualifications and what has changed since the event.
“I have a past conviction from [year]. I completed the requirements of the case and have since focused on building relevant work skills. I can provide references and information about my experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to be evaluated based on the responsibilities of this position.”
Adapt this only if the statements are true. For a pending case, sealed record, expunged conviction or legally restricted disclosure, obtain guidance appropriate to your state before answering.
Step 3: Build a resume around work-relevant skills
Include paid employment, vocational training, apprenticeships, education, verifiable volunteer work and relevant skills. You can describe legitimate training or work performed during incarceration where useful and accurate.
CareerOneStop’s job preparation resources help with employment gaps, references and interview practice. There is generally no reason to place a detailed criminal history on a resume.
Step 4: Prepare documents before screening
If you have a conviction, it may help to know the exact charges and dispositions. Obtain certified court records if the online report is incorrect or incomplete. Keep evidence of relevant training, professional credentials and references ready when an employer requests them lawfully.
Step 5: Follow up professionally
If the hiring manager requests more information, respond to the particular concern rather than providing a lengthy unrelated personal history. You can ask whether an individualized assessment or an opportunity to provide supporting information is available.
Know what the official record actually says
How to Check Your Own Criminal Record Before Applying for Jobs
Before a background check, it may be useful to obtain a copy of your own official record and check for inaccurate or missing dispositions.
There is no single free public website that reliably shows a complete fingerprint-confirmed criminal history for every state and federal jurisdiction.
| Record you need | Correct official source | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Your FBI Identity History Summary | FBI electronic request portal | Review criminal-history information submitted to the FBI and challenge inaccuracies. Direct FBI fee is $18, with fingerprint costs possibly additional. |
| State criminal-history review | State identification bureau directory | Check the criminal-history repository for the state where the arrest or case occurred. |
| Certified conviction or dismissal | Clerk of the court that handled the case | Establish the actual disposition when an agency or background-check company has incomplete information. |
| Commercial employment screening report | Background reporting company identified by the employer | Review and dispute information that appears in an FCRA-covered employment report. |
What if a background check shows an error?
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Request a copy of the report
If an employer uses a consumer reporting agency, federal law may entitle you to the report and required notices before certain adverse decisions.
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Identify the mistake
Check for another person’s record, an outdated disposition, incorrect offense classification, duplicate charges or a record that should be restricted.
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Gather documentary proof
Contact the relevant court for a certified dismissal, corrected judgment, expungement order or other official document.
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Dispute with the reporting company
Use the dispute instructions provided with the report and include supporting documentation. A separate state or FBI record challenge may also be needed.
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Ask that the corrected report be sent to the employer
Follow the reporting company’s correction process and keep copies of your communications.
For employers and hiring managers
How to Search Someone’s Criminal Record for Employment Legally
Employers have different responsibilities from individuals viewing their own court records. Looking up a person’s name in a public criminal court database is not automatically an appropriate or legally sufficient employment-screening procedure.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies when an employer obtains an employment background report from a consumer reporting agency. State and city fair-chance laws may also restrict when an employer can investigate criminal history, including searches of publicly available court records.
Employer criminal-background-check procedure
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Identify the applicable hiring laws
Check federal, state and local rules before asking about or searching criminal history. In some jurisdictions, covered employers must wait until a conditional job offer.
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Determine whether a check is relevant to the job
Identify actual duties, access to money or sensitive information, driving requirements, workplace risks and any statutory screening obligations.
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Provide the required FCRA disclosure and obtain authorization
When using a consumer reporting company, give the applicant the required standalone written disclosure and obtain written permission before ordering the report.
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Use a legally appropriate reporting provider and scope
Order the report under the correct employment purpose and ensure the provider follows applicable consumer-reporting rules. A state court search may need to be supplemented by another authorized source.
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Verify the identity and dispositions
Do not reject an applicant based only on a matching name, an arrest or a charge without verifying the record’s relevance and legal status.
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Evaluate the record in relation to the actual job
Consider the nature and seriousness of the conduct, the time passed, job duties, rehabilitation and applicable legal restrictions. Follow any individualized assessment process required by law.
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Follow pre-adverse-action requirements
If an FCRA-covered report may lead to a negative decision, provide the required report copy and Summary of Rights before taking final adverse action, allowing the applicant the legally required opportunity to respond.
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Provide final adverse-action notices when required
If the employer proceeds with a covered negative decision, provide the required reporting-company information and notice of the applicant’s dispute and report-access rights.
Why employers should not use blanket exclusions
The EEOC explains that a policy automatically rejecting every applicant with any conviction can create discrimination concerns under Title VII when it disproportionately excludes protected groups and is not adequately connected to the job.
The relevant analysis is not simply whether a record exists. It is whether the specific conduct, age of the record and duties of the position justify the employment decision under applicable law.
Federal and local employment protections
Fair-Chance Hiring Laws for People With Criminal Records
There is no single federal rule that prevents every employer from asking about a past conviction. Employment protections depend on the type of employer, the position and state or local law.
Federal EEOC protections
The EEOC explains that employers cannot use criminal-record policies in a way that violates federal employment discrimination laws. Employers should treat arrests differently from convictions and consider whether relevant conduct is related to the job.
The existence of a criminal record is not itself a universally protected classification under Title VII. However, discriminatory treatment or unjustified employment screens can violate federal law.
Federal government jobs
The federal Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act generally restricts when covered federal agencies and federal contractors may request criminal-history information, subject to statutory exceptions.
The Office of Personnel Management also says that a criminal record is not an automatic disqualification from most federal jobs. Suitability assessments consider the whole person and the relationship between past conduct and job responsibilities.
Federal job applicants can use USAJOBS and review the position’s suitability, background investigation and clearance requirements.
California
California’s Fair Chance Act generally prohibits covered employers from asking about or considering conviction history before making a conditional job offer, with exceptions.
After an offer, covered employers considering withdrawal because of a criminal record must follow applicable individualized assessment and notice procedures.
California Civil Rights Department: Fair Chance Employment RightsNew York City
New York City’s Fair Chance Act generally prohibits covered employers from investigating a job applicant’s criminal history before a conditional job offer, with exceptions. It also places specific requirements on employers considering negative decisions based on criminal history.
NYC Commission on Human Rights: Fair Chance ActBefore paying for professional training
Can a Person With a Felony Get a Professional License?
Sometimes. State licensing requirements vary by occupation, state, offense and the time elapsed. Some convictions create mandatory restrictions, while others may be considered through individualized eligibility procedures.
CareerOneStop’s official License Finder is useful because it identifies which state agency regulates an occupation. However, the licensing agency itself is the authority on how criminal-history rules apply.
Check licensing eligibility in four steps
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Search the occupation and state
Open CareerOneStop’s License Finder and search the occupation you want in the state where you plan to work.
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Identify the issuing board
Follow the listed agency’s official website and read the current eligibility and criminal-history provisions.
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Ask about preapplication review or appeals
Some agencies provide procedures for reviewing whether a conviction affects eligibility before a person invests in an expensive training program.
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Keep relevant court and rehabilitation documentation
Have accurate dispositions, work history, training credentials and other materials the agency requests.
Turn information into applications
A Practical 30-Day Job Search Plan After a Criminal Conviction
The goal is to build a repeatable application process, not to send hundreds of identical resumes to employers with unknown requirements.
| Time period | What to do | Useful result |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Confirm identification and work-readiness documents. Review your resume, known criminal-history details and any restrictions affecting work or travel. | A basic document folder and accurate resume. |
| Days 4–7 | Contact an American Job Center and reentry program. Select three career fields matching your experience and restrictions. | Career direction, local resources and potential training leads. |
| Week 2 | Identify legitimate openings, prepare job-specific applications and practice concise interview responses. | A focused list of employers and applications submitted. |
| Week 3 | Follow up on submitted applications. Attend available job-center workshops, recruitment events or training consultations. | Interviews, contacts and improved applications. |
| Week 4 | Review results, adjust target roles and investigate an apprenticeship or short-term credential where a clear opportunity exists. | A revised job-search plan with stronger skills or employer leads. |
Search terms that can help locate suitable openings
Try searches such as “fair chance hiring” plus your city, “second chance employment,” “entry-level manufacturing,” “construction apprentice,” “warehouse associate,” or the name of a specific trade and your ZIP code.
Job descriptions using “fair chance” or “second chance” language may signal that the employer considers applicants with records, but the wording is not a guarantee of eligibility or employment.
How to avoid job scams
The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers may impersonate employers, advertise attractive remote jobs or ask applicants to pay a supposed background-check or equipment fee.
Verify openings through the employer’s actual website. Do not pay someone to guarantee employment, and avoid sharing Social Security or banking information before verifying the legitimacy of the hiring process.
Real questions from applicants and employers
Careers for People With a Criminal Record: FAQs
What are good careers for people with a criminal record?
Potential options include construction, skilled trades, manufacturing, warehouse operations, food service, landscaping, maintenance, automotive repair, some technology positions and self-employment. Eligibility depends on the specific conviction, job duties, employer and applicable law.
Can someone with a felony conviction get a good-paying job?
Yes, a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify a person from every career. Skilled trades, technology and other occupations can offer long-term earning potential. The applicant must satisfy the role’s qualifications and any criminal-history or licensing restrictions.
Where can I find companies that hire people with criminal records?
Start with CareerOneStop’s ReEntry Program Finder, local American Job Centers and the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship resources. Search for “fair chance hiring” or “second chance employment” in your area, and confirm each employer’s current requirements.
Can an employer search someone’s criminal record without permission?
When an employer orders a background report from a consumer reporting agency, the Fair Credit Reporting Act generally requires written disclosure and permission. Separate state or local laws may restrict when criminal-history searches, including public-record searches, are permitted. The rules depend on the employer and jurisdiction.
Can employers reject applicants just because they have a criminal record?
An employer may consider relevant convictions where lawful, and some jobs have statutory restrictions. However, federal discrimination law, state and local fair-chance laws and background-check procedures may limit blanket exclusion policies or require individualized assessment and notices.
Do federal government jobs accept applicants with criminal records?
A past arrest or conviction is not an automatic disqualification from most federal jobs. The hiring agency evaluates suitability and job-specific requirements. Certain positions require additional screening, security clearances or statutory eligibility checks.
Should I disclose a misdemeanor or felony on a job application?
Read the exact question and follow the applicable state and local rules. Some employers are prohibited from asking until after a conditional offer, while other positions have specific disclosure obligations. Answer lawful questions accurately and seek legal or reentry-program guidance for sealed, expunged or restricted records.
Can I become an electrician, plumber or welder with a felony?
Possibly. Registered apprenticeships and trade programs have different admission standards, and applicable state occupational licensing laws may restrict certain work. Check the apprenticeship sponsor and state licensing agency before investing in training.
How can I see what an employer might find on my background check?
You can request your own FBI Identity History Summary, obtain a state criminal-history review or search the relevant public court records. These sources do not always match a commercial employment screening report. If a consumer reporting agency supplies the employer’s report, you have rights to review and dispute inaccurate information.
Is there free job-search assistance for people with criminal records?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop ReEntry Program Finder lists organizations that provide free employment and training assistance, while American Job Centers offer free career counseling and job-search services. Individual program eligibility and available services vary.
Official U.S. employment and criminal-record resources
Verified Resources for Job Seekers and Employers
Department of Labor-sponsored career planning and practical reentry employment guidance.
Find local organizations providing free employment, training and other reentry support.
Locate free workforce assistance, job-search workshops and training information.
U.S. Department of Labor guidance for justice-involved individuals exploring paid training.
Search apprenticeship opportunities by occupation and location.
Identify occupational licensing requirements and the responsible state agencies.
Federal employment discrimination guidance for applicants, workers and employers.
Applicant consent, report access, corrections and adverse-action rights.
Employment background-report authorization and FCRA compliance.
How federal suitability reviews consider criminal history and other factors.
Applicant protections and employer screening restrictions in California.
Local hiring protections and requirements for criminal-history investigations.
About this guide: This U.S.-focused article explains career opportunities, reentry employment assistance, lawful hiring background checks and applicant rights using resources from the U.S. Department of Labor, EEOC, FTC, Office of Personnel Management and state and local civil rights agencies.
Important limitation: No occupation or employer listed in this article guarantees hiring for people with any particular conviction. Employment law, licensing restrictions, open vacancies and individual screening policies can change. Verify specific eligibility with the employer, regulatory agency or qualified legal adviser.
Independence: CriminalCourtRecord.org is an informational website, not a government agency, employment-placement company, legal service or consumer reporting agency. It does not conduct employment background checks or make hiring decisions.