Lying is not the answer. Your employer will eventually find out the truth. Background checks available online today can pick up anything: arrests, convictions, etc. Just be honest. Let them know you are moving in a positive direction today, trying to stay clean and be a productive member of society, and that you have a strong support program (NA) to help you do this.
The addiction recovery guide (2012) has a few things to say on this subject;
Jobs : Once in recovery, rejoining the mainstream of life can be challenging. One of the barriers that may exist is difficulty finding employment. This section provides access to organizations that help people in recovery re-enter the workplace.
America in Recovery (americainrecovery.org)
America in Recovery is a non-profit effort to promote the hiring of people in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse as well as people with felony convictions. This no-charge hiring web site links job seekers and employers directly with each other.
Community Voice Mail (CVM) (cvm.org)
Provides free, personalized 24-hour voice mail access nationwide in order to empower people in crisis and transition by providing a direct link to jobs, housing and stability. CVM centers are listed by state on their web site.
National H.I.R.E. Network (hirenetwork.org/workforce-professionals)
The National H.I.R.E. Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-Enter through Employment) serves as an information clearinghouse and provides leadership on public policy to promote the employment of people with criminal records. Under Resources and Assistance, there are listings by state of government agencies and community-based organizations that assist people with criminal records. These agencies and organizations can be of assistance in providing job-related and legal services, answering questions arising from having a criminal record, or offering referrals to other useful organizations.
(http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/beyond/jobs; last viewed on 17/06/2012)
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
Maybe the best bet is to find employers who will not be judgemental. The ones that have EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) are least risky.
Well, seems corporate America, according to a book written by an addict with 30 years clean (Recovery at work, Hazelden, 2002) has appreciated the fact that recovering addicts in 12 Step Programs are good for trust and hard work because they have placed honesty as the main element in their recoveries.
Many times in my life Ive been amazed why Ive been chosen for tasks over other more qualified and experienced people. The answer came in a sharing by an old timer who was saying "As we begin living the Program, we develop a certain outgoingness, naturalness and frankness that is seen and appreciated by employers".
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
We are going through a similar challenge at the moment. My wife and I have both faced extensive background checks for jobs we have applied for and while it appears that I made it through, she did not. Unfortunately, they are ignoring state law which only allows an employer to go back ten years (Her crime was twenty-four years ago). So, we are appealing their decision to not grant her a security clearance. We do not have high hopes however. Although this next tactic will probably not help you, we have aquired a measure of good will over the last twenty plus years of clean time and are also calling in some political markers which may or may not be successful. If that doesn't work - we'll look elsewhere for work. Truth is though, I'm betting that if those who we are seeking a favor from can't do anything to help us directly - they'll find her a job that is even better than the one she applied for.
the interveiw went great. the supervisor really wants to hire me. my parole officer wrote a glowing recomendation and faxed it in, somthing that he has never done before. It is now in the hands of corporate. my felony is 7 years old, so.....but i am a licensed professional. She has called me 3 times siince the interveiw with additional questions, and said that it was looking very good. HP is working in my life again!!! Thanks to all, and good luck to all in similar surcumstances.
I have a job interveiw tomorow in a field that dosen't usually hire felons, any tips about how to explain past mistakes/recovery?
Tracy,Pray a lot.If asked say that you have changed,as confidently as you can.Act very sure about your answer.Good Luck.
