The Effects of a Criminal Record on Your Employment Prospects
                      
The Effects of a Criminal Record on
Your Employment Prospects
 
By: Sekcheck Fingerprinting Canada
https://sekcheck.ca
                                                                                         
                                                                                        Address: 255 – 13711 72 Ave, 
Surrey BC V3W 2P2
Phone: +1 866 549 7779
E-mail: [email protected]
The Role of a Criminal Record Check for Employment
Employers often conduct a criminal record check for employment as 
part of their hiring process. This step ensures the safety and integrity of 
their workplace while verifying a candidate’s eligibility for specific roles, 
especially those involving financial transactions, vulnerable populations, 
or sensitive information. In some industries, such as healthcare, 
education, and law enforcement, passing a criminal record check is 
mandatory by law.
A criminal record can result in:
 Limited Job Opportunities: Employers may hesitate to hire 
individuals with past convictions, fearing potential risks.
 Reduced Earning Potential: People with criminal records often 
find themselves in low-paying jobs due to limited options.
 Stigma and Bias: A record can lead to societal stigma, affecting 
professional and personal interactions.
How to Remove a Criminal Record?
If a criminal record is hindering your employment opportunities, pursuing
a pardon (record suspension) is an effective solution. A pardon seals 
the record, ensuring it is not accessible during a criminal record check 
for employment. Here’s how you can proceed:
1. Determine Eligibility: Not all records qualify for a pardon. 
Eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction and the time 
elapsed since the sentence was completed.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: These include court documents, 
proof of completed sentence, and a valid government-issued ID.
3. Apply Through the Parole Board of Canada (PBC): The 
application process involves submitting forms, paying fees, and 
waiting for the decision.
4. Seek Professional Help: Agencies like SekCheck can guide you 
through the process, ensuring all steps are completed accurately.
Costs and Processing Time for a Pardon
The costs and time involved in applying for a pardon can vary:
 Application Fees: The PBC charges a standard fee 
for processing a pardon application. Additional costs may include 
obtaining court and police records.
 Processing Time: The PBC takes several months to process an 
application, depending on its complexity and completeness.
 Professional Assistance Fees: Agencies that assist with pardon 
applications may charge a service fee, but their expertise often 
accelerates the process.
Tips to Improve Employment Prospects with a Criminal Record
While working toward a pardon, here are some strategies to enhance 
your employability:
 Be Honest: If asked about your criminal record, provide truthful 
but concise answers. Honesty demonstrates integrity.
 Focus on Skills: Highlight your skills, qualifications, and positive 
attributes during interviews.
 Consider Employers Open to Second Chances: Some 
organizations actively hire individuals with criminal records.
 Network: Building professional relationships can lead to 
opportunities where your past is less of a concern.
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