So, you made a mistake (or two or three?), but you’ve decided to turn your life around! You paid the price for your crime and now you’re back in school trying to get on the right track…. but employers still aren’t calling? Read on for tips on finding employment with a criminal past.

Know your rights. Being familiar with what shows up on your criminal record, your access to federal bonding, and possibilities for sealing and expunging your record.

Be Realistic. There are some industries and programs that are not at all open to formerly convicted individuals. Make sure that you’re applying for jobs in a field that is open to past offenders.

Learn to Network. You’ve heard the saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” well this is especially true if you have a background. Present yourself professionally ALWAYS; you never know when you may run into a connection for a future job.

Ask for help. The Career Center on your campus can help format your resume, cover letter, and perfect interview answers to make you your most employable self.

Be honest, but careful. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to finding a job with a background. 52% of employers were more likely to hire an individual that disclosed a background on the application before the background check revealed it. That being said, do not lead with your conviction. You are so much more than your past. Don’t let that define you during your job search.

Be Positive! Your job search may be more difficult than you counterpart with a clean background, but don’t get discouraged! All it takes is one “Yes!” to get you in the door to building your brighter future.

This post was adapted from an article posted by US News. To read more, please visit the article at: http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2013/11/19/how-to-find-a-job-when-you-have-a-criminal-record?page=2.

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