Workplace Security: Am I Legally Required to Mention Minor Offenses? 

You can’t blame employers for doing all they can to keep the workplace secure for the benefit of the many. You may be in the gray area though when it comes to what you should put on your application in regards to any minor offenses. Keep in mind that these days most employers do a background check, so don’t think that something serious can remain hidden. Don’t waste your time or theirs.

Yet there are things that aren’t going to affect your ability to get the job, so you don’t want to disclose them and give a bad impression of yourself. For example, if you have been in trouble in the past for getting behind on child support or you had DUI 10 years ago. However, if you had a DUI recently and the job you apply for requires you to have a valid license then you may have some trouble.

Some job applications will ask if you have ever been in trouble with the law and then you should answer completely. This is different from a job application that asks you if you have ever been convicted of a felony. They are two completely different questions so what you put on that application can depend on how the question is worded.

If you aren’t sure what will come up on your background check, conduct one on your own. For a very small fee, you can pay online and fill out a simple form. It will give you all of the same information that a potential employer is going to see when they ask for a background check on you. If it shows up on that report, you had better include it on your application. If not, then there is a good chance you will be able to avoid disclosing it.  For more info on self background checks, click HERE.

During the behavioural interview, the issue may come up, and then you need to come clean. For example, if you are asked if you have had any traffic offenses in the past three years. If you have had tickets, accidents, and more you need to disclose them. In fact, you should consider getting a copy of your Department of Motor Vehicles report for jobs where your driving record will be considered. That way you know what is on there before the interview.

If you do mention any types of minor offenses, you need to also include a written explanation. Stick to the facts, keep it short, and show responsibility for what occurred as well as the actions you have taken to help you move past that issue. The goal is to show that the minor offense was a challenge but that it didn’t prevent you from moving forward and that it won’t prevent you from doing the job that you are applying for.

Do your very best to limit disclosure of anything that really won’t affect you getting the job. You need to be presenting yourself in the best possible light that you can. That way the potential employer will be very impressed and consider hiring you over the other candidates.