Yes, a domestic violence charge can significantly impact your ability to get a job. Most mid-to-large employers conduct background checks, and an arrest or charge for domestic violence will typically appear on these reports, potentially affecting hiring decisions.
How a Domestic Violence Charge Affects Employment
When you apply for a job, particularly with larger companies, it's highly probable that a background check will be part of the hiring process. During these checks, any domestic violence arrests or charges can be revealed. Employers often view such records as potential red flags for several reasons:
- Trust and Reliability: Concerns about an applicant's judgment and dependability.
- Workplace Safety: Apprehension about potential risks to other employees or clients.
- Company Reputation: Worries about how hiring someone with such a record might reflect on the company.
- Legal Liability: Fear of legal repercussions if an incident were to occur on the job.
The visibility of a domestic violence charge on a background check means that potential employers will be aware of it, which can influence their decision-making process.
Factors Influencing the Impact
The extent to which a domestic violence charge affects your employment prospects can vary based on several key factors:
- Nature of the Charge:
- Arrest vs. Conviction: An arrest for domestic violence, even if it didn't lead to a conviction, can still show up. A conviction, especially for a felony, will have a much more severe impact than an arrest that was dismissed or resulted in a lesser charge.
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Felony convictions are generally more detrimental than misdemeanors.
- Recency of the Charge: Older charges may be viewed differently than very recent ones, especially if you can demonstrate a pattern of rehabilitation and personal growth since the incident.
- Severity of the Incident: The specific details and severity of the underlying incident can play a role in how an employer perceives the charge.
- Industry and Role: Certain industries (e.g., healthcare, education, finance, security, roles involving vulnerable populations) have stricter background check requirements and may be more sensitive to domestic violence charges. Entry-level positions or roles not involving client contact might have more leniency.
- State and Local Laws: "Ban the Box" laws and "fair chance" hiring initiatives in some states (like California) and cities can restrict when and how employers can ask about or consider criminal history. These laws typically apply to convictions, and their impact on arrests without conviction can vary.
Strategies for Job Seekers
While challenging, securing employment with a domestic violence charge on your record is not impossible. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Understand Your Record:
- Obtain a copy of your own criminal record and background check report to know exactly what employers will see.
- Seek Legal Remedies:
- Expungement or Sealing: If eligible, pursuing an expungement or record sealing can significantly improve your chances by removing or limiting public access to the conviction. Eligibility varies by state and the specifics of your case.
- Prepare Your Explanation:
- If you choose to disclose or are asked about your record, be prepared to explain the situation concisely and responsibly. Focus on what you've learned, how you've changed, and any steps you've taken for personal growth or rehabilitation. Avoid making excuses.
- Target Specific Employers:
- Smaller Businesses: Smaller companies may have less formal hiring processes or be more flexible than large corporations.
- Industries Less Sensitive: Explore industries where the nature of your charge is less relevant to the job duties or company's public image.
- "Ban the Box" States/Cities: Focus on areas with "fair chance" hiring laws, which delay inquiries about criminal history until later in the hiring process.
- Highlight Skills and Experience:
- Emphasize your professional qualifications, skills, positive work history, and any relevant certifications. Show how you can add value to the company.
- Networking:
- Leverage personal and professional connections. Sometimes, a strong referral can help mitigate concerns about a past record.
- Consider Temporary Agencies:
- Some temporary staffing agencies are more willing to work with individuals with criminal records, providing opportunities to prove your reliability and work ethic.
Remember that while a domestic violence charge can present hurdles, demonstrating responsibility, rehabilitation, and a strong commitment to your professional future can improve your prospects.
