A ‘criminal record’ can conjure up images of hardened crims, in and out of jail for multiple offences and a potential threat to communities or workplaces.
Yet most people with a criminal record are just regular citizens who have done something illegal at some point in their lives but have since been living crime-free lives for many years.
Regardless, people with criminal records can face challenges in the employment market. A past record has the potential to derail an individual’s career prospects in some industries or sectors, and increasingly, organisations are undertaking national police checks on potential employees.
What does it mean if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record is the formal record of offences for which you have pleaded guilty, or been found guilty of after trial, through the court process.
In Australia, it is illegal to discriminate against a potential employee based on a criminal record if the crime does not relate to the job. However, an employer can refuse to employ you if your record means you are not able to perform the ‘inherent requirements’ of a particular job.
So, what might I not be able to do with a criminal record?
You may not be hired, or might find it difficult to be employed, in these industries:
Teaching
Retail (particularly selling alcohol, pharmaceuticals or guns)
Clerk or cashier
Childcare
Own business
Healthcare
Government
Business management
Law enforcement
Truck driving or transportation
Hospitality
Finance
Many organisations in these sectors routinely carry out checks on potential employees or contractors, and automatically disqualify candidates on the basis of their criminal record, as a risk mitigation process.
How can I get a national police check or order one for a potential employee?
Cited, an online verification platform from Bright People Technologies, offers police checks at an industry-competitive price, giving employers peace of mind in worker compliance, and putting individuals in charge of their career management.