About Andy Expertise I can help prepare candidates for job interviews; assist in discussing problems with your supervisors or peers; help in creating a resume that gets results; answer general work related questions.
Experience I have been in a management leadership role for the past 30 years. I have extensive knowledge re: the interview process, problem solving, team building, communcation with executive management, company mergers, downsizing, outsourcing of jobs, project management, disaster recovery, office politics, management consulting, business ethics,career changes, job relocation to another part of the country & becoming an agent for change within a corporation.
A very dear friend of mine told me about her past a couple of days ago. It all came out by accident. We are about to do some voluntary work. This is to do Holistic therapies. In the form, as in most application forms it asks if you have been convicted of any criminal offence? Plus any prosecution pending. Nothing was said at the time, but on the way home she told me about her past. Aparently 25 years ago she was convicted for shop lifting. I think she had some sort of sentance for 18 months. But she said it wasn't a prison sentance. At the time she was going through a bad time in her life an actually lived on the streets. She paid for her crime deeply. She actually had he son taken off her during that time. I know her know as a lovely lady and would trust her with my life. The problem is she is afraid to apply for a job because of her past. Most application forms ask if you have had a past criminal offence. Ive oftern wondered why she's never worked & now I know why. She is coming up to 55 now.
She has recently had a police cheak & thought that as it was 25 years ago it may not come up but unfortunately it did.
I feel really sorry for her. She really does want to work so what can she do? Please help!
Jackie
Answer Dear Jackie,
There are a few key points that you can share with your friend. Despite her criminial record, she has a right to be employed. One of the keys to getting a job with a criminal record is to choose job openings wisely. For example, applying for a position in retail would probably not be a good selection for your friend. Once she lands a job, it will help her to get future positions because many employers depend on reviewing an applcant's work history.
Honesty is the best policy when applying for a job; lying on the job applications is grounds for termination. When answering the criminal record question on the application, she should take the opportunity to briefly explain the circumstances in the space provided. Another idea is to attach a prepared, written explanation of the situation. Your friend can practice what I call "Your 30 Second Commercial." She should practice her explanation of the past so that she knows exactly what to say in advance of meeting with the prospective employer. Show her how much you care by letting her practice with you acting as the employer.
Your friend needs to focus on her life now & not the past. She has to stop beating herself up over an act committed when she was younger & that she obviously has not repeated. During the interview process, she must remain confident & relaxed. If she is nervous in answering questions regarding her past, the employer will also get nervous about hiring her. This is where practicing the "30 Second Commercial" will help.
Your friend should admit to prospectve employers she made a mistake during her youth but now she is much wiser and remorseful of her past mistake. She needs to steer the interview to the positives of her life now & what she can do for the employer. Some employers may judge her on the past. However, many other employers understand that people make mistakes & are willing to give a person a 2nd chance.
Please let me know if this helps or if any additional information is needed. Best of luck to your friend; she's already a winner with having you as a friend.
Regards,
Andy
