Do All Mugshots Go Online?

When looking for a new job, the question of records always comes up. It’s a perennial thought in the minds of job seekers, especially ones with a less-than-stellar history. The truth is that 34 percent of non working adult men in America have criminal records and are finding it increasingly difficult to find a job, much less keep one. However, if you find yourself in this situation there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of finding and keeping work in order to support yourself and your family.

The most important thing to remember here is that persistence pays off. Even though applicants with criminal records are generally less likely to land the job, this doesn’t mean that you should give up. Just know that it will take a bit more effort on your part, go on the offensive and own your mistakes in order to make a good first impression that lasts with the interviewer.

Here’s what you should do about that record.

The truth is that not all mugshots end up online—but the majority of them do. So lying in order to land a job is a no-go! Even if your records aren’t collated into a larger database and easily discovered, this lie will eventually be exposed. According to Daniel Kim law firm, addressing these issues in your past head-on gives you the best chance for success. While formerly incarcerated applicants are reportedly 50 percent less likely to receive callbacks, trying to cheat the system before a hiring decision is made is sure to eliminate your opportunity of getting the position, at all. HR departments are a tough sell for former inmates, but they tend to be willing to overlook a murky past in order to hire the best candidate. However, beginning your relationship with a prospective employer based on a lie is a recipe for disaster, and even if you do land the job, it is unlikely to remain yours once the truth finally does emerge.

Don’t forget to do your research.

In order to explain yourself with full disclosure, it’s best to get your hands on your actual court documents and booking details. For example, if you are a Tennessee driver arrested on a DUI charge—one of the most common skeletons out there—it’s best to skim through Polk county mugshots in order to find your own face, as well as the documentary evidence surrounding your particular case. In fact, no matter your personal circumstances, understanding the publicly available information about you is a critical step for any job seeker. It may seem preposterous, but records exist in a variety of databases and formats, meaning that a former inmate in Montana with the same initials and birthdate as you might pop up in a background check conducted on you in New York. This is an easily corrected mistake, but if the interviewer decides not to call you back because she thinks you lied on your application you won’t even get the chance to clear up the misunderstanding.

Learning what public records held in your name is important. It gives you the chance to craft your best version of the story and explain the nature of the mistake rather than letting a stranger fill in the missing pieces. Putting your face to the story is crucial if you want to get past the submission phase of your application.

Understanding and showing that you have learned from your past mistakes is a part of life for everyone. Unfortunately, many people must show this growth more than others. Don’t shy away from the challenge, do your homework on yourself and be better prepared than any other applicant who steps into the interview room.