For many years, a person with a criminal history would usually have difficulty finding a job. That’s because job applications included a question that could disqualify them quickly. The question was: Do you have a criminal history? It was a yes or no question.
Fortunately, many municipalities and states have enacted legislation known as “ban the box”, which eliminates that question. First, the candidate’s skills are to be considered.
Employers can make inquiries about criminal histories only after they’ve decided a candidate is in the running for the job. Some jurisdictions permit a background check only as part of a conditional employment offer—that is, with the understanding that the candidate will be offered the job upon successful completion of the background check.
This is known as “fair chance hiring.”
Surprisingly, it is estimated that one in three Americans has a “criminal” history. There’s a huge range of what that might include. It is worth your time to find out. Giving someone a job not only helps you – it may be life-changing for the applicant.
Employers who do not comply with fair chance hiring laws are subject to civil penalties ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per incident.
Legal Locator Service has been screening job applicants’ backgrounds for over 26 years worldwide. Call Legal Locator Service at 866-225-2435 (toll-free) or 503-697-5821. Multilingual speaking office. Certified Women-Owned Business.
www.legallocatorservice.com