Yes, people with criminal history can get jobs. They probably may not be eligible for all the jobs but then nobody is! It is also important for the job seekers to understand the type of job, the expertise required, the education and other eligibility criteria before checking criminal history requirements. Often, people who are perfectly eligible for a job but fail due to their criminal records, tend to withhold such information from the employers. But, it must be understood that comprehensive pre employment screening is done for almost all job profiles nowadays and it is highly improbable for people to escape detection from this type of falsification. It will eventually end up as a further detriment for career progression. People with criminal history must apply for jobs that are applicable to them and even then, must disclose the information. Criminal history and their implications on job eligibility can fall under three categories: Type of offence; Duration of time that has elapsed after the commitment of offence and the requirements of job.

Many minor misdemeanors are generally ignored by the employers but still they would want the candidates to frankly disclose them. The classification of misdemeanors and their varying degrees of seriousness can vary with the employers but most of them follow the structure laid by the law enforcement agencies in their respective jurisdictions. It is illegal for employers to discriminate candidates based on criminal search results, they have been already disclosed by the candidates and also if it does not form an eligibility criteria. All criminal law enforcement agencies stipulate a time frame, after which the records are erased for the individuals. This time duration varies for different states. After the expiry of this duration, the individuals can choose not to talk or disclose their criminal records history. But then again, if the job requirement is specific about this information, it must be disclosed but the individuals can be assured that it will not be held against them when it comes to candidate selection.

Sometimes, the job requirement by itself can be of critical nature which can prohibit application of individuals with certain criminal history from applying, even if the time duration has expired. Such jobs are very clear in their eligibility criteria and also in their instructions for application. Individuals must understand that if they fall under the ineligibility category of such jobs, it is not discrimination but job requirement.