Admin with a criminal background

Anything you can do to show a change in your life will help. Mostly people are concerned about repeated offences, and especially in law enforcement. If you can show that you are pursuing a professional course (study, certs, training, schooling) and have a steady job history since you got out, that will go a long way in helping your career.

That said, you are still competing with a lot of folks that have no criminal history. Some people will always take it into account regardless of what you have done afterwards. But you can't let the attitude of others stop you. Become as proficient as you can and you will find those who need your skills.

Firstly, I would never hold someone's past against them, mine is rather sordid to say the least so who am I to judge?

I will obviously be aware of someone's past if it had a possibility of effecting me but it wouldn't play a part in the hiring decision, unless the guy was a repeat offender that has never improved.

Man, if my background had ever been checked (or if it mattered to anyone) I wouldn't get a job at MacDonalds, so I can certainly appreciate your concern though.

Now I am a bit of a hypocrite here becasue i am self employed (something you might want to consider with yoru certs).

All I can suggest is call people, introduce yourself, apply for positions as yuou are asked to (not just sending out blind emails everywhere, I've yet to see that one work ONCE).

I wouldn't see a need to explani your past unless asked, yet again I wouldn't withold information if I was being probed by a prospective employer.

Funny but your career path so far is very similar to mine, I never intended to get into computing even, I hated computer geeks. I sort of fell into it as one person left, things needed to be done, nobody had any initiative and I learned the basics as needed. I eventually got my MCNE but only because an employer agreed to pay for it (plus pay me for my time in school).

I left that company and nowe remote network for them and another former client of theirs, as well as a few smaller offices I picked up.

It can be done, MANY will try and discourage you, as you've probably already found out, but all in all determination and will wins hands down everytime.

You have shown that you have become a positive citizen and have achieved your certs, had some experience on the job (more important than someone just graduating with the latest knowledge by far!)and the fact that you've held your existing job for over 4 years, kudos, will be very positive marks on your 'scorecard'.

I don't know why you would want to leave, other than money or some inner political reasons perhaps, but if you stay where you are and look for work you should find something without cashing in your chips first.

As I said before though, to be successful in ANY job hunt for ANY industry, you must be dedicated, make the calls, get the appointments and show up ready for your interviews.

I've have seen so many qualified people cimplain about being out of work when they show absolutely NO useful job search skills. If you want it, do it. If you get rejection, which everyone does regardles sof their past, don't chalk it up as being due to your past, just keep going with a single focus,you can not and will not lose.

Best of luck,
OM

I say go for it! But if at all possible, don't leave your current position until you have another already lined up. And do your best to not burn any bridges in case you ever need to go back. Oz_Media suggested self-employment, and that might be an excellent route to take. Have you given that any thought? You know that YOU won't let your past get in your way.

You have turned yourself around - with 4 years of examplatory(sp) service to a company. The felony - may hold you back to a few companies - others will look at it as you made a mistake and have paid and turned your life around.

The only way to find out - is to try it - if not it sounds like the company you are working for is pretty dam good. Send out a few resumes - be open and honest that for 19 years you were in jail - during the interviews answer the question open and honestly - I did this - I have turned my life around and have had 4 progressive years of service with this company. Also let your boss know you sniff the field - that may modivate them to move you into the IT area as well at your current employer.

Best of luck and best wishes for a successful future.

I would ask a lot of questions. I would have already found out as much as I could about the crime and your background. Now I will use my people skills to size you up and see if I'd be comfortable having you around; it's as simple as that.

I expect honest answers to my questions. I expect you to be able to tell me what circumstances compelled you to commit murder. I expect you to be able to tell me what has changed in your life to make both you and me 100% confident that you will never react to a situation with violence again -- not necessarily murder, I don't even want you to scream at someone you're mad at or throw your PC out the window if you're having a bad day. And honestly I would probably cut anyone else on my staff some slack if they did that once. But you will be held to a higher standard because as far as I'm concerned you already had your "one chance" and it was a doozy.

I expect that you've had a lot of therapy and are a different person now. Finding religion won't cut it at all with me because personally I don't believe that the major religions actually deter people from committing violence. But another employer may feel differently so if you found enlightenment through religion apply at their company but not mine.

I know that unlike rape, murder is generally a crime of passion and you are actually very unlikely to do it again. If you did it as a gang thing I'd feel pretty uneasy, but you are 20 years older and maybe you don't think like a homie any more. I would never hire a rapist or even make peace with one living in my neighborhood.

Frankly I am as concerned with the attitudes and habits (and diseases) you may have picked up in prison as I am with your crime. Sadly, prison makes a lot of people worse.

I hope you appreciate my candor. I think I speak for a lot of people and perhaps this will help you in your search.

Good luck, and I mean it. If I were a manager right now (I'm not), I'd be happy to give you a chance at an interview.

I appreciate your replies. I've always thought it would be a minor roadblock myself. And that's thinking of the security issues of dealing with company data, passwords, etc. - rather than the personal fears and biases of the employers themselves. I've actually been accepted and treated way better than I had thought possible, and had fears of, as I was preparing for release. I thank everyone for that - and yes, my boss also for taking a chance with me.

As stated earlier, I'd like to move into the IT field fulltime. My company is too small to staff it fulltime - and I've moved up as far as I can where I'm at. I'm in no hurry to go anywhere, but I do see a need for it eventually. Hence my question of should I pursue this vocation. So far, I've been encouraged to do so.

I thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I don't expect it to be an easy job - but I do look forward to the experience.

Networking rocks! :)

It looks to me like you have time working in your favor. Most employers ask whether or not you have been convicted of a felony in the past seven (7) years. Some ask about the last ten (10). You should answer truthfully, but you do not have to disclose extra information.

I was convicted of a felony in 1992 and am currently the IT Director for a behavioral sciences research company. I also run my own consulting firm. My employer knows about my past, but my skills, performance, and loyalty speak for themselves. Heck, it actually worked to my advantage on more than one occasion (that's the benefit of working with a bunch of psychologists).

Good luck! If you've got the mad skills and the passion to excel in this field, your conviction should not hold you back. You definitely will NOT get a Top Security Clearance position, due to the extensive background checks they perform, but you should be able to do just about anything else. In any industry.

First off, if you are a changed person, you are a changed person. Make sure that you let whoever needs to know that, know. Of course, only if you need to. I wouldn't just tell people, but if it's brought up, I wouldn't hide it either. That's the past and hindsight is a bitch. ;p

Second, as far as I know, you only have to report that type of thing on your app if asked for a certain amount of years. I think where I'm at it's seven years. After that, you no longer have to add it to the app if asked.

Just remember, check on the laws where you are, or will be at. Make sure you're in the right, and don't lie. If you do lie, it can be grounds for dismissal.

I can say me personally, if I were doing the hiring. I would look at your qualifications and whether or not you are trust worthy, as I would with any other person. What is done in the past is the past. Unless you are a repeat offender, I personally see that as you learned your lesson or realize that you made a mistake and let by gones be by gones.

Good luck!

Mrafrohead

Since you have paid for the wrong, you might think of starting your own business and hire on as a contractor instead of an employee. some managers look at the record of the past and not the abilities and the character of the preson in the present.

Best of Luck,
Basil

I hate to say it, but don't apply anywhere in Healthcare. Current regulations require background checks, and in most states, Hospitals cannot hire people that have been convicted of certain crimes. Check your local regulations if you want to think about going this route. I have to commend you on your desire to move on. That takes a lot of strength. You might want to look into some sort of small business where you can provide IT support for other small businesses and for private users. We have several of these locally that are extremely successful!

Once you pay your debt to society, so remorse and turn your life around you deserve a chance. Besides only the 'rich' are inncocent in court anyway. The average guys like us can't afford a OJ
Simpson dream team.

I have 6 servers, 300+ PC's, bunches of network printers, CISCO and Cabletron Switches.

...GOOD LUCK...

In a perfect world, a person does something in their past, pays their debt to society, shows continued rehabilitation, and continues on a path of growth in contributing to society...then there is reality...especially in this "fear" crazed society we live in now. I know from my own experiences that THERE ARE PLACES THAT RUN A BACKGROUND CHECK AND WON'T EVEN PURSUE A CANDIDATE ANY FURTHER IF THERE ARE FELONIES OR ANY PENDING CASES INVOLVING A FELONY CHARGE. This is the company policy-nothing to do with handling money, top-secret information, or access to company records and priviliged information. Now with the panicked society we live in, and with the Patriot Act and every other scandal possible under the sun (ie Arthur Anderson, Ernst and Young, Tyco, Enron, WorldCom), I suspect more and more companies will be looking for immaculate records. I wish you the best as there still are companies that will hire, but in this depressed market it has to be tough. If you didn't live in Alaska, I'd give you a real look in an interview. I'm in the Philadelphia area.

To be honest with you as I read your letter -the word "homocide" was like a kick in my tummy.It's easy to say oh yes we would all hire you, but for me personally I would have reservations. I believe that people can change and circumstances can drive any sane human to do despicable things - but if I had to choose the person to have around me 70% of my day then I would choose the person with no homocide criminal record.
We have heard so many horror stories here in SA about employees that turn against their employers and go on murder rampages - I am chicken and would be terrified.
On the other hand, if it was any other criminal record that is not in the top 5 crimes - then it would be a different matter...
What happened anyway ?

Murder is from a career standpoint a less serious crime than shoplifting because it is not a fidiciary breach and therefore does not disqualify a person from being bonded (insured) which is a legal requirement in the financial services and some other industries. That is why in 1970s Chemical Bank in New York focused on murderers and people with drug violations in its ex-offender hiring program. (Urine was monitored to assure that no current drug users were included).

Sometimes it works out, somtimes it doesn't; but never had to let thme go because of their past. As a general rule, I'd say IT people are more likely to care about your skills rather than past than most professions.

But I would say that if you cam to me with NT 4.0 skills and a Windows 2003 MCSE with no experience to back it up - *that* I'd struggle with.

now days peaplo juged you by your past not what you can do sorry

Sidvail,

I would say give it a try. I participate in a prison ministry (Kairos) and have had the opportunity to talk with a number of prisoners who are in prison for various reasons. In talking with them, I have found that most prisoners are no different than those who are not, with the exception of making a mistake.

Now that you have paid for your mistake, persue your dream. You won't be able to do some of the work requiring a clearance, but there are many jobs that do not require clearances.

Good luck.

Jim

Before spending too much time and money, suggest you check on need for secutiry clearances - and can you qualify? My last positions required "Industrial security clearance" to protect inhouse products and/or proceedures. When I first started in Digital computers (1959) a govt top secret cearance was manditory (even for analog computers prior to that).

Hi Sid,
You're doing the right thing. Whatever you do your record will follow you. With some experience in the HR area, my advice is to not hide your conviction because you can be fired if you keep it off your application. On the other hand, don't go out of your way to expose it, unless it is relevant it's nobody's business.

There are two pieces of good news. The first is that your record is for homicide not fraud or stealing. Fraud or stealing would make it difficult to accept you in a position of trust.

The second is Alaska. It's a frontier mentaility where you will quickly find out whether you will be accepted. It is far more accepting of checked pasts that the lower 48. They are less prying about your past and more accepting of who you are today.

Good luck with the right attitude you'll get what you want.

Victor

In your position I would try volunteering for an organisation that you enjoy. All the non profits are required to publish a form 990, and you can look up a lot of information on them on Guidestar.

I would think that telework might raise as many issues at it answers, but it is still worth investigating.

I keep a sign on my garbage can by my desk.
It reads "REASONS I CANT"

Good Luck

It depends on your location how you are living right now, but having been through this, if you are living for Jesus you have to have faith that if God brings you to it he'll bring you through it. I say pray and follow your heart. It can be done, I have done it.

I can't see me or my organisation having a problem employing you. Provided an applicant meets the correct level of qualification and experience for a given job, background (unless a serial fraudster or someone with dishonesty convictions) doesn't really come into our equation. Go for it - but be prepared for knock backs more as a result of the state of the industry rather than anything in your past!

With my tech admin hat on, I would say that you have more chance than someone convicted of theft. It sounds daft since this is a "lesser" crime, but stealing information is the biggest no-no in I.T. If your crime can be shown to have been a one off and there is no chance of repertition then toy stand a reasonable chance if
a) you are good enough at your job.
b) prepared to work, and
c) have good references (everyone needs them!)

I would encourage you to keep on working, obtain as many certs as possible, because they will demonstrate your committment to your goals! Yes.. you'll have to accept the fact that a criminal record will be viewed by some as an issue. Then again, in today's cut-throat world of business, a homicide conviction might be viewed as an asset! But to be serious.. it has been my experience that continued professional developement along a given path is the best demonstration of intent. Keep plugging away. It may seem like a long time, but 4 years isn't much, but certainly a very good solid base. By the way, most jobs/careers depend just as much on "people and business skills" as they do on technology skills. One of my main concerns in interviewing prospects is their ability to "work and play well with others". Will they fit into the teams they will work with? And even more important than past certs, do they appear to be able to absorb new skills quickly? As you have already seen, this business changes so rapidly that yesterdays' certs are often useless in 2-3 years, so the ability to assimilate new technologies, and apply them well is the most critical trait I'd look for.

Good luck, and dont let little discouragements affect your overall goals.

Your efforts to become a productive member of society again (including posting this question)say a lot about you. Go for it! Go for it hard, with all your might!
Of course, you will fight the same kind of prejudice, suspicion, and wariness that you would face in any other job and in the community as well--until you prove yourself. You have to be a little more patient, a little more tolerant than the next guy. And above all be careful not to frighten people--if you have a tendancy to fly off the handle or get angry easily...take great pains to control that or see a counsellor to help control it.

So...as a manager--Yes, I would hire you. ...and like any other new hire I would keep my eye on you ... I would help you to adjust and help others to adjust to you. It will be your coworkers who you have to make a good impression with...

Go get those cerifications. Work a little harder than the next guy. Study a little harder. Get good at it...and you will do well.

Good luck!

If you're really good at what you do...I mean really, really good...and you pursue higher education and continued improvement, your past won't mean much to your employer. My friend is an ex-con also. He did 5 years hard time in a Federal Prison for a bank robbery and 5 more years parole before they cut him loose. My boss hired him when he was still on parole. He turned out to be one of the best engineers we ever had and everyone considered him their friend at the company. Today, he's remarried with a nice house and kids and he owns his own technology company and he's doing fine.

Keep studying. Get educated. Never look back. Things will work out for you. Good luck with your new career.

Jesus said it best: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone".

Go for it. You might want to consider applying to universities (I work at one). They pride themselves on open minds.

As far as you getting ahead and taking "Certs" go for it. You will probably not be ale to get a security clearence having a felony record, but "FAITH" as you alreday know, will get you over any hurdles.
It kept you alive while you were in...
Stay foucused my friend, it will all work out....

I recently got turned down for a contract because I was white, anglo, and doing alright. Client wanted someone of color and more "down and out."
You only need one job. The jobs are out there - you just have to find them.
Suggest that when you're ready you let people know that you have a criminal background, you've paid your debt to society, and you're ready to get to work for them.
Regarding certs - NT4.0 is a building block, and there may be some 4.0 environments for which you'd be a good fit. But I'd advise you to get into job search mode and go full-speed ahead on the current certifications. I have a buddy who's doing his certs now, and I'd be happy to refer you to him for the particulars.
Good luck,

Why should you not get on as you have donme the time.
here in the UK we have a famous TV actor in Soaps who committed a particular vicious crime of blowing the back of a taxi drivers head for his fare money, He was given life inprisonment but allowed out on licence afer nine years, And now earns a fortune on TV.
If he can do it why not you?
The best of Luck!

EPB

I was convicted with 2 theft II felony counts and when I went to work the first two employers I saw said "no way." So, I went back to school, got two computer science AA degrees and a BS in Applied Technology & Multimedia Design.

When I was through I got my dream job, only because my new employer saw that I was not the person I used to be, but a person who wanted to improve myself.

I am now a Marketing Manager and webmaster for a small company that brings in lots of money, which I handle. Not only does my employer trust me, I trust myself. That is an awesome feeling to know that I can actually be a productive member of society again.

I hope you pursue all your dreams. Getting certs is never a bad thing, it just shows that you really have a desire to be the best you can be!

I say "go for it!"

Good luck

Obtaining certs outside of the penal system will help you gain credibility. Murder does not come into play when working as an IT Admin.
Whether it is legal or not, I would want to know the circumstances surrounding your crime to determine whether my employees would be/feel safe around you. I think most employers, whether intentional or not, would use that act as negative criteria when screening for a perspective employee because they do not want to take on any more responsibility (liability) than they have to. Murder is a hard act to swallow and knowing the circumstances surrounding the event would make it easier to understand the individual and just might put the employer at ease enough to hire you. Best of Luck!

Sidvail,

Sorry as an owner of an ISP I would be afraid to hire someone with such a volatile disposition.

Taking one's live is the ultimate sin, and is not forgivable in your life time. Off course I am prejudging you without knowing the exact circumstances.

Murdering one in self defense is justifiable, death due to a vehicular accident or what ever accident justifiable, death due to fighting justifiable. Any of the above mentioned I would consider you for employment.

We are all humans with the ability to rationalize, and that differentiates us from animals. The person you murdered will never see the light of day again, but you have the privilege to do so.

I wish you the best of luck, and I hate to suggest more obstacles, but I think it might be best to mention a couple of things.
1. You spent 19 years - I'm guessing you're probably at least 35, then, probably older? I've been reading similar posts to yours where people in their 40's are having problems because of their age - if you're approaching that kind of range, then that might be an obstacle to you.
2. I don't think the people hiring you will be a major problem, but your to-be-coworkers might not be happy if they know your past. Although I must say, I think I would be happier with an ex-con with homicide than with theft/armed robbery or some other violent PLANNED crime. Obviously, I don't know if your act was spontaneous or not, (and it's none of my business), but homicide would make me think more of a spur of the moment crime than planned. Honestly, though, I'm not aware of having worked with any cons, so I don't know how I would ACTUALLY feel - I can only guess.
3. As mentioned before, lack of experience might be a problem, especially since you're using old server software and you're not doing it full-time. Can you persuade your work to upgrade to server 2000 or 2003? That way, you can get a good few years experience with up to date systems, and you've got the groundwork there since you're using NT4.

Best of luck, and I hope the things I've mentioned above don't prove a problem at all.

I admire your persistence in moving forward with your life and not to discourage you, but in todays "modern business", you cannot lie on an application for employment and even though the disclaimer states "will not automatically disqualify you" any type of conviction will more than likely not get you past the HR department. Your best bet is to try and find a smaller company that will see you as a person, not a statistic. I'm not saying that you can't get a job with a big company, just I think from over 17 years in the industry that your best bet would be a smaller company, one that will give you a chance to explain and prove to them that you are on the right track. Good Luck!!!!!
J. Ritchie
Software Engineer / Network Admin

Short answer in a corporate world No. Short answer in a SMB area Maybe. This is only if you come out and explain why you thought it was necessary to commit the crime in the first place.

Certifications do not make you someone that is hirable by any measure. We have a person who has gotten nearly every certification that there is possible and still to this day can not program a java scriptlet correctly. The certifications only say to a potential employer that you can read and spit back what you have read.

IBM would not hire you because of the criminal background check. IBM is known for firing people because their license tags expired and they got a ticket. You are working a huge uphill battle where you have to prove to the community that you are not a psycho. The problem is that with the criminal record, you have to prove it over and over and over again.

Let's face it everyone, if you have a bad credit file or a criminal history, you are placed in the part of society where the politicians only fear to go when you have the right to vote. Now if you have a credit card balance that is late, they refuse to hire you. Too bad that this is how it is, and I am afraid that it will take alot of money to ensure that this gets changed, but unfortunately, I don't have it or I would be at the courts arguing it myself.

But large corporations has policies in place where they will not hire felons or people who are bankrupt.

Whatever you do.. don't try to hide your past.. be truthful and up front with employers... don't volunteer to much information.. but if the application asks answer it truthfully.. you may be able to add a comment...."will discuss at interview".. this lets them know you are open about it and it also keeps the particulars from others eyes... (ie office gossip). also follow up with a letter of thanks and recent goals and current certs..

The answers you read here are from peers, not CEOs or HR Managers. Real life is that you will continue to be chastized for your past transgression. Even though you are on The Right Track, the train stations will be scarce. My suggestion is either keep the current job, and/or consider independent consulting and getting bonded. No job application to fill out there, and you are judged entirely on performance. If you are a good Network Admin, you will succeed. It is that simple.

I once spoke to an executive who would teach
computer concepts to convicts - as a service
to the community.

I couldn't believe it - so I asked him - would he hire a convict for an IT Job ????

He Said abolutely - and he said he would certainly hire someone who did time for homicide.

Fraud - he said was another issue.

Good Luck

I have a long criminal background my self, and I'm now the administrator for a goverment buissinies i Denmark, I havn't killed any one but done a lot of other things like dealing with drugs, wepaons and other things so I can't see that you wont be as lucky as I.

I have been convicted 4 times for everythig from GrandTheftAuto to dealing with Coke and Estacy and is registred in in Interpool for smuglig drugs over the border to denmark and so on so ANY ONE can get an administrator job so go for IT.

BB

I would give an interview to you to see if you have what it takes. Doing time would not be a big thing. It is hard to find good help.

I have a record and I made it to a Senior position. I didn't kill anyone or rape anyone but I did other crimes that were not minor. I have had to work really hard and do what no one else does. I do security work and streaming video.

You do have a good change if you really want it bad enough.

Here are my thoughts... Since you have been working for 4 years and you have been out of trouble since then, that helps. My advice is to stay with your present job for now and pursue the certifications. Also, keep on learning!

At a job interview, this could be a problem. But I think I would approach it this way. Just tell them that you know what you did in the past was wrong and that you were young and stupid. But also stress that you have been striving to be a good citizen and hopefully a role model.

As some of the thread that I have read, volunteering is a good way to show potential employers that you are committed in stay out of trouble. Try volunteer at places that deal with trouble youths and share your experiences with them. I'm sure a potential employer will look upon this favoritably.

So, basically, stay out of trouble, work hard and most important, keep the faith!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

well let me start by saying i was convicted of a crime and did time when i got out i went to sanjose cali i had certs and experience in my feild i applied for a job at a major computer co we won.t say names ok and made it all the way through and was hired then security came up i had already had a top secret clearance before this will i was then fired or let go to be nice about it because of my back ground i believe that people do make mistakes and people learn by them this job that i had applied for was 130,000.00 a year but in the end now i have my own small co and doing just great but the answer to your ? ???????? some places yes you have to be careful and others you don't but i feel and it is only me you deserves a chance good luck

Hi Sidvail,

It is good that you are trying to mend your ways. I truly hope you will succeed.

An unfortunate prejudice about former convicts is that many employers don't like them. The tendency is to be abruptly dismissed. The key, however, is not to let that discourage you! You have to bounce back!

I highly recommend you start your own computer consulting business; get all the various certifications and qualifications you can, and hang that on your shingle (company sign)! As a third party computer consultant, employers are more interested in what you accomplish for them than past history.

You will also show a lot of gumption and ambition!

I hope that you succeed!

In my country I think that we have a mostly common wiew: When a person has served his/her time the person is free to restart the life from scratch. I would not judge you from what you have done, but from what you are today and what you know today.

I cannot tell you what will happen when you apply for work, humans are subjective creatures. But a decent man should get a decent treatment!

Good luck!

I'm sorry. I wouldn't hire you. The reason why is that in a Network Admin position you will be handling a lot of security issues, you will have access to everything. As a Manager/director I would never take the chance.
Good luck.

I am glad you are rehabilitated, But in the real world if you are over 40 with no experience the best you can hope for is to work as a service tech some where that they don't do back round checks.
I give you credit for your accomplishments. But there are a lot of out of work (laid off) IT'ers out there and to think that you are just going to stroll into the market place and get a job, I don't think so.
Any one who tells you different is lying.
Personnally we have WORKED all our lives and for you to come along and think that you deserve a break is bullsh*t.
People are working 2 and 3 jobs because of downsizing and these jobs are in dept. stores , gas stations and their wives are working as waitreses just to make ends meet.

Any no legit company is going to hire a felon.
Let alone a sys admin from no where.
What are you going to uses as a resume?
become a mechanic or carpenter more chances for you.
This is the truth, as cold as it is.
Sorry if I burst your bubble but better to hear it now than find out later,
If IT people are having to change carrers mid-live do you think you have a chance.
look at the job market or job posting boards.
One job/many applicants.
GOOD LUCK!

I feel that the circumstances surrounding the nature of your crime should be considered, and if you've been above board since your release - you deserve a chance.

As far as being a top exec at a company - you're going to have to do some footwork. The company you've been with for 4 years will help in yoyr endeavor to move up the ladder. References from your co-workers and employers as to your CHARACTER will have to be your edge.

DON'T GIVE UP

Sidvail,
I am now an owner of an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Manufacturing facility. Before I became an owner, I was in management for 10 years with another EPS company. During this period, I hired an employee who was just released from prison for a homicide. I hired him based on two things: 1. He was experienced and his qualifications were beyond those who interviewed for the position. 2. Thinking that anyone who gave this person a second chance would have a loyal and dedicated employee. I spoke with my managers and explained my thoughts to them. Some were concerned, and even scared of this move. I insisted they be professional and give it a chance. The end result, he worked out well. However, I had to force the issue. I had to insist on hiring him. I was the only one who enjoyed the thought of giving someone a second chance with such a past. You MUST proceed with your education, proceed with your career expectations, and prepare for rejections. Dont give up. There are people like me out there, you have to keep trying until you find them. Once hired, you will have to prove yourself by hard work and dedication beyond that of the normal employee. It is unfortunate, but it is the way the work force will judge you. However, this is a test of endurance, skill, and determination. This is a test you can pass - just do not give up until you accomplish your goal. As for the rejections, that is a price you may have to pay due to your past, but not something you cannot get beyond. In turn, it will make you a stronger person and will help re-build your self esteem. Good Luck,
Jeff Geile

I say go for it and get your certs it doesn't hurt to try. As for hiring a person with a criminal background I would need more information depending if it was an accident or was that crime a DUI and the accident caused a death, or you just decided on killing a person because it was Monday it would all depend on the circumstances.

As an employer, I can say that 90% of most larger companies won't even talk to you and all contract positions require a background check so don't even bother. It's really frustrating to get ahold of someone you think is going to be a good fit so you spend a lot of time interviewing, etc and then come to find out the guy's got a record and you can't place him anywhere, anyway! Now some of the smaller companies might not care but you never know until you try!

Look the real answer is staring you in the face. As you can see there are a few good eggs. a few preachers(with no intent), and a few jerks. So perhaps you should base your decision more on geographics, Will I receive a better cert at this school or that one?

The real question to me is would you even get past an HR review ? Your resume might not even reach the hands of the hiring manager, so whatever we say may be moot.

Second question: Would you get hired anywhere ? Regardless of it being I.T. or Accounting. Again it comes back to the H.R. question.

Personally, I'd need to know the details of the crime (if I'm even allowed to ask). How long ago ? Circumstances ? etc.... NT4 is a good base to start with. At least you won't be a Win2x newbie.

Good luck

Homicide sounds like an anger management issue unless it was done for either monetary or social profit ("with the victim out of the way, my life is now better"). So, I would be interested as your prospective employer in knowing whether you have gone through anger management, and whether it did any good (post prison crimes).

There would be extreme exposure for liability by hiring a known felon who was tried, convicted and served serious time for murder, should one day you went "Postal" so to speak.

My advice as an ex-con my self is to go ahead and get your certs, knowledg is power. On the flip side of this issue, you are better off using your knowledge to do your own thing. Most companies these days do extensive criminal background checks and in doing so base their decisions, in part so to speak, on these checks. I personally think that the minute they find anything they disregaurd your app or resume. I could be wrong but I don't think so. I still think that you are better off on your own. My record stems from my youth, over 25 years ago but it still haunts me. I am in business for myself using the knowledge that I have attained through the years, A+, MCSE, CISCO etc...
Go For Your Own, you will be MUCH better off.
R. G.

My advice as an ex-con my self is to go ahead and get your certs, knowledg is power. On the flip side of this issue, you are better off using your knowledge to do your own thing. Most companies these days do extensive criminal background checks and in doing so base their decisions, in part so to speak, on these checks. I personally think that the minute they find anything they disregaurd your app or resume. I could be wrong but I don't think so. I still think that you are better off on your own. My record stems from my youth, over 25 years ago but it still haunts me. I am in business for myself using the knowledge that I have attained through the years, A+, MCSE, CISCO etc...
Go For Your Own, you will be MUCH better off.
R. G.

As an ex-felon myself, and because my charge is differenft from yours, I would not be able to get some positions because of the bonding issue, and found that I have to pursue employment as a self-employed person, where I don't neccessarily have to discuss my past history. I am continuing to get various certifications as well. I would go on my own, if I found that in the course of looking for work that your past becomes a major issue. Anyway, I am cheering for you!

First, as a note, I don't think right now is a great time to try to get into the IT field as a profession. There is a bit of an oversupply of IT personnel in the job market right now. Of course, I'm in Houston, you're in Alaska; the situation might be different in your market.

If you are in a competitive market, I think that most potential employers will go one of two ways:

(a) They will take an equally trained/skilled person who has a clean record because IT personnel have to be "safe".

(b) They will take you on out of a sense of charity or a "give him a chance" attitude. You're more likely to find that in a small business with a charitable owner.

Personally, if I were hiring right now, I'd give you an interview and a standard battery of personality and skill tests, the same as I would give anyone else. In your case, I'd look into the history of the crime, the trial, the record in prison, and a bunch of possibly rather personal questions about your present life.

If, for example, you plead guilty and served your time cleanly, that would be a positive mark in my book. If, on the other hand, you caused problems at trial (any contempt type charges), had to be sent to solitary repeatedly while serving, had a record of trouble with guards/personnel, or anything like that, that would be a negative mark. Simply pleading not guilty and having an orderly trial and a "normal" prison experience would be neither positive nor negative in my book.

I'd want to know if you spend a lot of your current time in the company of other ex-inmates. Yes, friendships can be born in prison, as anyplace else, but also there is strong evidence that ex-cons often group up in order to engage in further criminal activity. I wouldn't assume the worst, but I'd want to know.

I'd want to know about the murder; was it a crime of passion that's not likely to happen again (e.g.: you found someone in bed with your wife and went berserk) or was premeditated first degree, or aggravated first degree (e.g.: your took money to kill someone). That would also matter. Yes, someone who went berserk once could possibly do so again, in which case I'd want to know what you've done to prevent that. If it were a deliberate murder for personal gain, I'd definitely not hire.

I think what this boils down to is (a) if you're competing against others for the same job, assume you need to be better trained and more skilled, and (b) be prepared for any potential employer to ask a LOT of questions and to spend a lot of time answering them or providing sources (name of judge, etc.) who can supply the needed data.

If someone does start asking a lot of questions, assume that means they are considering you for the job and that they just want to make sure that the workplace will be safe with you in it. That would be a good sign.

I do not see that your criminal history should be a problem with getting employment with networking. Your conviction is not for dishonesty. I also have a criminal conviction and I do not see that it is an issue with gaining employment, if the employer has an issue with your past then it is their problem and loss. From what you have said, I see that you are open, honest and willing. With the qualifications you have and the experience you should have no problem with getting that dream job.
Go for it, You can do it.

I believe that you may find some permanent employment opportunities open to you, but the market will be made smaller by security policy considerations. Anyone requiring a criminal background check will likely exclude all felony convictions. It is just not practical to review this on a case-by-case basis.
Contract work would still be possible and made more available by additional certifications. Before you move on to independence, consider the replacement value of your current benefits package and any possible career path at your current employer against the time and cost of marketing yourself and the amount of revenue you can realistically generate.
Manage your employment like a business and you will not only gain personally, but also professionally as you apply the same principles that new opportunities will/should use.

If you have the ability and have proven yourself then you have every right to pursue a career in the IT field!! It should be a matter of how well you do the job not social prejudice. Whatever happened to belief in rehabilitation?? If our prison system is not doing its'job then let's get to the bottom of where the real problem lies. I hope and pray you soar like an eagle in your knowledge of computers!

I was once in restaurant management, and one restaurant I managed worked with a local detention center's work release program. Most of the "back of the house" workers I had (dishwashers, cooks, etc) were from the program. My attitude was always to help them as much as I could as long as they were intent on improving their lives. I was never sorry, and, frankly, I wound up with some very loyal employees as a result.

I was released from the Washington State Correction Center in 1969. I learned to code COBOL while there and was on training release for six months prior to my actual release. Everyone I worked with new my circumstances.
I'm sure there was some anxiety when I was hired as a Progrmmer Trainee by the Dept of Institutions. This soon disappeared as I proved my worth.
I left the State in the early eighies. I was an Assistant Manager of Information Systems. I contracted for many years and then after 9/11 that was not a good place to be for "Mainframers".
I returned to the state and was hired by a gentleman that I had hired.
I am now an Information Technology Application Specialist 5.
What you get out of this business is directly relational to how much you put in with a pinch of patience.
Gary

The truth is that only very large companies routinely do Criminal Background Checks as part of their hiring process. It's just too expensive for smaller, privately held companies to justify.

If you are selective about the companies you consider working for, it may never come up as part of the interview process.

The only potential flag for a smaller company is the question on employment apps regarding felony convictions. I would recommend that you avoid filling out the app and attach a resume instead to avoid having to lie about it.

However, if the HR Dept. insists you fill out the app, you are faced with a choice -- lie and say you've never been convicted of a felony (and run the risk of being found out and terminated for lying later), or tell the truth and hope you are given the chance to explain.

I am sorry to say that if given the choice between a convicted felon and someone with a clean criminal background, most companies are not going to hire someone with a criminal background.

So...your options are more limited than if you were never convicted, but it is not impossible to find employement in IT with a criminal background.

My friend, I don't know what will happen there, where you are, but if you can not be hire by anyone, you can try another place or state or even another country, where nobody knows nothing about you. For example, in my country: Cuba, the most important thing is what you are capable to do in the present moment, talking about criminal records. If you already pay for your past acts, you will never have a problem to get a job, at least you are not able to do it. At the end it's all depend on you.

The past does not equal the future. You have the attitude to do some thing with your future by the sounds of things in the IT Industry. You should go for it no matter what, that's the only way you're going to find out. Do not listen to negative persons who may look at it from your past and give a negative view. If you have the hart and attitude you are 80% already there, to get what you want just be "consistent" in your efforts in achieving your goal/s and believe in yourself - it doesn't matter what other think, it what you thing that matters. Some time it best not to ask what other think - If you listen to the negative attitudes of other you?re only going to fall victim and loose focus.
I have a crazy history myself and I own my own IT business in software development and provide Network Solution in Windows NT environment to corporate client.

You need some tools to help you - I strongly suggest that you listen to Personnel Power CD's from Anthony Robbins to help you along the way - you will not regret it.... These CD?s will condition your mind and pave the way to achieving you final result and more.

You must condition you mind to not think about your past ? easily said then done... may be - but if you can train your mind to do this you will see big progress and results.

The All the Best

Jehan

Sidvail,

If your only mistake in the past is what was mentioned, your record after your time is proof that you are doing well. You can collect references from your current employer and fellow employees. With that in hand and any further education and certifications, you should be well on your way for making a good career move for the future. Go for it.

I like to have people on my team who are going
upwards in their careers.

I would see that the delta change in your life
has been positive so you would be on my
shortlist.

BTW: Does one really check a candidate for
criminal record?? In my 7 years in IT
management, I haven't!!!

Nobody is perfect and you can't be guaranteed that somebody is what they say they are. But, statistics show significantly lower repeat offenses by ex-cons that have gone through programs run by Prison Fellowship vs. the general prison population.

I think bigotry does play into a refusal to consider this.

On most applications it askes if you have been convicted of a felony. Answering this honestly may take you out of the running for some. But will impress the right people in the right job for you.
I have always belived in second chances and I know that there are alot like me. The fact that you have come out with the attitude that you will make a good honest life for yourself and have made the effort to gain knowledge and persue a carrer will help in your search.
I wish you good luck and never give up.

Never divulge negative aspects about yourself. Always make the other person do the work to find any faults and make them work harder to find your faults then they make you put forth your positive aspects. With every fault that they find about you, hold their feet to the fire and make them justify everything in the same manor that they expect from you. Nobody deserves more for themselves then they expect from others dot period.

No matter what anybody states here most people would shit their pants if they knew that they were interviewing or working with a killer. They would be far more afraid of upsetting you then anything else. If they make it easy for you then reciprocate and if they make it hard, dido. No matter what when you go on an interview the main topic is your ability to do the job and your mission is to stay on topic and you don?t do that by divulging your negatives. If someone focuses on your negatives then you have one foot out the door and the foot on a Banana peel. If they find out then use fear to your advantage. Instead of letting then have a free ride on your negatives and grind you into the ground. Let them fear about upsetting you. Turn your negatives around and make them justify their concerns about them. When you get caught doing a crime you pay the fine and do the time. You have done that. All further punishment is completely unjustified. Use killing to your advantage. You did it at least once and if you can?t have a life then let them think that they may loose theirs.

Sidvail,

It sounds like you have been rehabilitated, have paid your debt to society and are ready to move on with your life in a serious and productive manner. Bravo, and best of luck to you!

Meanwhile, America's so-called "President" is a drunk-driving, coke-snorting, army-deserting crook who has killed far more people than you ever did, and he is completely unrepentant.

OK, so America did choose to hire the other guy four years ago, but what the heck -- our "President" is the toast of multi-millionaires across the nation!

I think sidvail has done what I would expect a prospective employee to do. Be honest and make me aware of his conviction.

The way I see it is if an employee covered up this or other important information and it came out later you would not give them the trust they may otherwise have enjoyed.

I firmly believe in taking someone on their merit and if someone had the honesty (guts) to make me aware of this type of past they just went up a few notches on my employability scale.

I am sure there will be some readers who are totally opposed to this view, just think about it for a minute.

This guy has just been more open and honest than the average employee is so why not give him a chance to prove himself to you.

I have sat across the table during interviews and had people openly lie about things that would obviously come out in any basic background check hoping they were convincing enough that we would not check...WRONG. Most employers make at least a basic check before employing someone.

Who would you employ?
The person that was totally honest or someone who may have bent the truth even a little bit to impress you.

Of course it would also depend on the nature of the work involved and the type of problem they may have had in the past, either way I would also be honest and make them aware of the exact reason I could not employ them or if they were successful I may suggest some supervision or audit process initially. This would provide both the employee and I a safety net if the problem was ever used against the employee by other staff members.

I have had it happen and having this information at hand allowed be to give my full backing to the person to resolve the situation.

Thank you Sid for your open and honest approach.

Pat - Pasgroup