Many of those with arrests and convictions have a difficult time finding employment. Do not let your criminal record get you down. There are ways to find employment with a criminal record. Some employers will overlook past convictions with leniency, while others will not even consider employing those with criminal record. However, there is hope. Read on to learn how to find employment with a criminal record.

Utilize the worker-trainee program. This is a government program to help the unemployed or the displaced worker. It offers employment support for those who cannot find employment for various reasons, including those with a criminal record. Agencies will hire those in this program for three years and if you complete the program, and demonstrate good work habits, they will hire you for a full-time job. Many of those with criminal records have success in achieving a full-time career using this program. Contact an unemployment agency in your area for more information on this program.

Show remorse about your criminal record to potential employers during interviews. If you show your employer remorse and your rehabilitation efforts, you have a higher chance of getting employment. Do not show bitterness or anger when talking about this in an interview. Show how your convictions have made you grow and your humble attitude towards it. Your positive demeanor may very well get you hired.

Expunge your criminal record. This will seal those arrests and convictions, so you will not be obligated to report your criminal record to an employer. For those who have not had your criminal records sealed, it may not affect your employment in some cases. Today's employment applications only ask for your arrests and convictions that have occurred within the last seven years. If you have not been convicted of a crime within the last seven years, then you will not need to mention your criminal record. Ask an attorney to help you with getting your criminal records expunged. Policies for this procedure vary from state to state.

Apply for Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct. The Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is a pardon for those who have had been convicted of misdemeanors and those with only one felony. The Certificate of Good Conduct is for those who have been convicted of more than one felony. Both of these certificates are important if you want to work in public office or for licensing jobs such as in pharmacy, public notary, or real estate. Without these certificates, you will not eligible for those positions. These certificates open your employment future with more choices and freedoms. You can receive a Relief from Disabilities Certificate right after your conviction, but those who apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct must wait at least three years after sentencing.