Overview
Job interviews can feel daunting when you have past drug charges, but your mistakes don’t define your future. By understanding your rights, preparing honest responses, and focusing on growth, you can approach employers with confidence. With practice, strategy, and second-chance opportunities, you can successfully rebuild your career.
Introduction
Job interviews are already nerve-wracking enough without having to discuss drug charges in your past. They can feel like a roadblock when you’re trying to get ahead and make an honest living.
However, your past doesn’t define your future. With preparation, the right mindset, and honesty, you may be signing on the dotted line of your new job contract in no time. Here are some helpful tips as you get ready for your first job interview:
Understand Your Criminal Record and Rights
The penalties for drug possession extend beyond jail time, fines, and restrictions on your everyday movements. You can also feel as though prospective employers are penalising you for having made mistakes in your past. That’s why understanding your criminal record and rights can be vital before you attend your first job interview.
Depending on the nature of your charges and your state’s laws, sealing or expunging your record may be an option. Employers may also only need to know about specific charges, not all of them. Most employers will request a background check, but they must follow certain rules for the actions they take based on what they find.
Be Honest and Intentional
If a potential new employer asks you whether you have a criminal history, it’s not in your best interest to lie about it. If they end up running a background check, they’re going to learn about the drug charges you’ve faced, anyway.
Be honest but intentional with the information you provide. For example, you might say that you made a mistake in the past, but you’ve made up for it by receiving treatment and engaging in volunteer work, ensuring you’re the right fit for their position.
Shift the Focus to Growth
It’s only natural that an employer will want to know about the criminal charges you’ve faced. They may even have more follow-up questions than you’re comfortable answering. Don’t be afraid to shift the conversation to personal growth.
Discuss the steps you’ve taken to improve as a person and frame the mistakes you’ve made as a turning point that has pushed you to become more resilient, responsible, and determined.
Practice Your Responses
You’re bound to feel nervous when discussing your criminal past with someone who may soon be your boss. When you’re anxious, you can stumble over your words and fail to say the things you desperately want them to know.
That’s what makes practice so important. Plan your responses to the questions they will likely ask about your criminal history so you can speak with confidence. You may like to practice with a friend, family member, mentor, or even in front of a mirror.
Be Strategic with Your Applications
The sad reality is that not every employer is willing to give someone a second chance after they’ve been charged with a crime. As a result, you may feel as though you’re wasting your time even applying.
Start researching the employers in your area who are known for their compassion, empathy, and second-chance hiring. Workforce development programs and community organisations may also be able to point you in the right direction.
Your history of drug charges or other offences doesn’t have to define you, and you deserve to earn a living and get your life back on track. By being honest, showing that you’ve turned your life around, and investing time and effort into interview preparations, you may be well on your way to your first day of work in no time.
