Why is it hard for a felon to get a job?

Asked by: Gwendolyn Bauch  |  Last update: June 11, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

Unfortunately, many employers will turn down applicants with a felony on their record as many run background checks when hiring. For some, this could be because of the job requirements. For example, you likely would not get hired as a bank manager if you've committed felony fraud.

Why do felons have a hard time getting a job?

When a criminal conviction comes back in the results it can make the employer biased against the applicant, whether or not the employer realizes that they are discriminating against the candidate.

Why do employers not hire felons?

Many times, employers are reluctant to hire convicted felons, because of the high recidivism rate and perceived increased risk of loss or liability, and so, often have a blanket policy against hiring them.

How hard is it for a felon to get a job?

The challenges are particularly acute for those with drug and violent crime offenses. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found about 75% of hiring managers said they were unwilling to seriously consider applicants convicted of drug, property or violent crimes in a 2021 survey.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

How to get a job with a criminal record | Zachary Moore | TEDxSanQuentin

19 related questions found

How long are you considered a felon?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What is the best job a felon can get?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

What are the cons of being a felon?

Let's take a look at some of the hard-to-believe ways that felons continue to be punished even after they've done their time.
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

What states are felon friendly?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

How do you explain a felony conviction to an employer?

It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets.

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

How likely are ex-offenders to get a job offer?

A crimi- nal record reduced a white applicant's probability of getting a callback by 50 percent. Blacks indicating a criminal past had more severe results. Their chance of getting a job offer was reduced by 65 percent.

How do ex felons get jobs?

Here are a few tips:
  • Contact a community organization. ...
  • Use multiple ways to connect with employers. ...
  • Tell employers about the Federal Bonding Program. ...
  • See if you qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit It gives tax discounts to employers who hire someone with a criminal record or another barrier to employment.

What problems do felons face?

You may not have a social network, financial support, insurance, or the resources needed to secure a job, find a home, meet with a therapist, or reconnect with the community. Former inmates face numerous psychological challenges when released from prison, including stigma, discrimination, isolation, and instability.

What jobs can a felon not do?

Each state is different, but the ban in some states extends to include credentials for athletic trainers, dentists, pawnbrokers, psychologists, massage therapists, major contractors, veterinarians, social workers, physician's assistants and radiographers.

Why are felons not hired?

Employers' reluctance to hire such individuals may be prompted by law or by fear of litigation. Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions.

What is the worse type of felony?

Felony offenses are the most serious type of crime. They are often classified by degree, with a first-degree felony as the most serious and a third-degree felony as the least serious. State laws may also categorize misdemeanors or felonies into classes. These classes include Class A, Class B, and Class C felonies.

What is the best degree for a convicted felon?

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.
  • Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
  • Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Culinary Arts. ...
  • Graphic Design.

How long do felonies stay on your record?

A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway. Rather than the federal courts, state courts handle the expungement process.

What companies do not hire felons?

There are a lot of industries that won't hire felons such as education, financial, medical, security, transportation among others.

Does FedEx hire felons?

Yes, FedEx has been known to hire felons in the past and currently. However, that does not mean all felons can get a job with the company. Like all employers, FedEx wants to protect itself from negligent hiring lawsuits. The company might be negligent if it hires a felon who goes on to re-offend on company time.

How far back do employers look at criminal records?

After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.