Need a Job after Serving Time, but No One is Hiring? Read On

 Posted on February 14, 2025 in Criminal Defense

It is no secret that you need money to afford to live. People coming out of jail trying to reintegrate into society are no exception. And to earn money, you need a job. Unfortunately, after a conviction, many people find that getting hired for a job is no simple task. Even if someone has the exact qualifications required for a job, their criminal record can keep their application from being seriously considered.

Fortunately, as awareness of these challenges has increased, the legal system has been developing ways to address this unfairness. If you believe you are being discriminated against in your job search because of your criminal record, speak with a compassionate Illinois criminal defense lawyer who can explain your options.

How Does Illinois Address Employment Challenges After a Conviction?

Illinois has adopted the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, otherwise known as the Ban the Box policy. The purpose of this act is to make fair employment opportunities more accessible to job applicants with a criminal record. The name "Ban the Box" comes from a common question on job applications: "Do you have a criminal record?" Often, this question has a small box next to it where you are expected to write a checkmark if you have a criminal record.

What often ends up happening is that someone who checks off that they do have a criminal record is immediately taken out of the running in the interview process. They may have all the requirements and qualifications necessary and could be an excellent fit for the role, but they are not given a real chance because of their past.

Ban the Box aims to prevent that from happening. This does not mean that employers are forced to hire a job candidate with a past conviction. However, they are not allowed to ask about the past during the initial stage of the interview. That way, even if the question is asked at a later stage in the interview process, the interviewer will at least have had the opportunity to get to know the applicant before learning about the criminal record, which should help even out the odds a bit.

Ban the Box certainly can help you get your foot in the door, but it does not guarantee you will get hired. An employer cannot ask you about your criminal record in the first stage of an interview process, but he or she can run a background check on you later on. Eventually, if you have a record, it will probably come out, so it is best to make as good an impression as possible right from the start. That way, the interviewer will already have a positive opinion about you when your past comes up.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are looking for a job with a conviction in your background, a qualified Naperville, IL defense lawyer can advise you on your rights and help you pursue opportunities. At Law Office of Philip R. Nathe we believe that everyone should be judged for who they are and not for things they may have done in the past. Call us at 630-416-7600 for a free consultation where we can discuss your options.