2010 i got my 1st charge and it was aggravated battery felony.

16 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 31,2022 at 10:05AM UTC

   Check out JPMorgan Chase, they’ve done a lot with Second Chance programs.

2. AnonymousOctober 31,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

   I don't know what state you are in, but I know in IL the application is no longer allowed to ask the question on convictions. If this is coming up on a background check, hiring mangers are supposed to be giving people a chance to explain the situation, but that doesn't always happen. Have you tried researching companies that have second chance programs? I'd try to get in on one of those. Or perhaps start in a lower level position and work your way up. I know that stinks, especially since you have experience, but that would allow you the chance to prove yourself first which should hold more weight.

3. AnonymousOctober 31,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

   Honest question, how do you know the reason why your application isn’t advancing? I rarely receive feedback.

   Is it possible that your resume could benefit from a bit of polishing up? Is it possible that the resume would benefit from an additional/relevant training?

4. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 31,2022 at 6:01PM UTC

   Agree, 100%. So many clients come to me with a story about why they aren't getting interviews/job offers - and those stories always put them in a place of helplessness/victimization. Until you have proof from multiple sources as to why you aren't being selected, you don't know what's going on.

   BTW - This is a big part of what job search/career coaches like myself do - help clients look at themselves and their candidacy with objectivity - and then decide how best to proceed.

5. AnonymousNovember 1,2022 at 10:58AM UTC

   I agree.
   Maybe it is the resume. And I certainly don't mean to be rude, but if the resume is filled with as many typos and grammar issues as the initial letter is, that could likely be the issue.

6. AyianNovember 1,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

   Get your record sealed. It's long past the time limit most states put on sealing a record like yours. It doesn't make your record disappear, but it does remove it from an employment or private sector background check. Typically it costs less than $1k, but will take several months from the time you file the petition and make payment and when it takes effect. You do not require an attorney, it's just some paperwork at the county courthouse that you fill out.

   I hope that this information helps you to feel empowered about your options and allows you to remove a barrier so you can focus on other parts of the hiring process.

7. AnonymousNovember 1,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   If you can go to an employment attorney with your situation they might be able to help with the criminal record situation.

   There are legal agencies out there whose entire duty is to help low income individuals. Try contacting your city hall to see if there is one in your county.

   Also, find a job coach who could help you polish your resume.

8. AyianNovember 1,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   Aggravated battery is more severe than a typical bar fight, which would generally be misdemeanor assault. As someone with an assault charge in the past and a former accusation of a felony, I can inform you that employers who run a background check have policies about "violent" offenses, even if the charge itself was blown out of proportion. For these employers, the circumstances and length of time between them and now is irrelevant; you are a risk and generally speaking, they are unwilling to make them. The one exception to this general rule is the financial sector where they are specifically looking for financial crimes.

   I understand you're trying to be rhetorical with your questions, but it doesn't quite succeed. The implications here should be considered boundary violations in conversation, even with a stranger.

   As I mentioned in a direct comment, an attorney is not required to apply for non-disclosure (sealing) of a criminal record. Additionally, attorneys are not employment agencies and generally do not know about second chance employers.

9. AnonymousNovember 1,2022 at 12:39PM UTC

   Check with Legal Aid in your community. They often will help with sealing criminal records and their services are free (I have done this as a volunteer attorney in the past). Also, work with a career coach who can help polish your resume and interviewing skills. Good luck!

10. LauraNovember 1,2022 at 2:19PM UTC

    How you inquired with your local bureau of criminal investigation about having your records expunged?

11. Michelle S.November 1,2022 at 5:19PM UTC

    I’d redo your resume and while doing that and when filling out your cover letter, you ensure your grammar and punctuation is on point. They won’t even be able to see your record until after an offer is made…

12. Michelle S.November 1,2022 at 5:20PM UTC

    And please don’t mention anything personal (your marriage, kids, etc) during any professional correspondence.

13. Heather CutlerNovember 1,2022 at 11:45PM UTC

    Excellent advice!

14. Julie Jordan-WadeNovember 2,2022 at 1:47AM UTC

    You may have already explored some different options but it's probably time to rethink what you want to try and do for a living. Many sales jobs will give you a shot, even with a record. Or, instead of relying on a company to approve you, what about starting your own business? Women-owned businesses qualify for many types of government aide to get started. And you could still do something in the financial realm if you enjoy that type of work. This way, you're not at the mercy of being judged. If you offer a great service and are good at what you do, you'll build a client base in no time. Your business, your rules. And you may even be able to hire other moms in the future who have had similar setbacks as you, and who will work their tails off to make a fresh start. I'm so sorry for what you went through. Don't let it define your potential.

15. AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 2:45AM UTC

    There’s an option in Indeed for the recruiter to seek individuals with criminal records so there is a market for being hired by the right company.

    I took the heat for ex (years later I wish I had not) and was charged with 2 counts of battery. They said I could file for expungement in 5 years.

    i haven’t had an issue with it on my and I’m in HR. I’m upfront and tell them the story if they do background checks. If they don’t, no need to say anything.

16. DaniNovember 2,2022 at 7:52PM UTC

    Have you checked out https://www.honestjobs.com/ ? Harley (founder) has been doing some great things in this space.

    people deserve chances to show they are not their mistakes!! I wish you the best!