How Obtaining
a Criminal Pardon Improves Employment Prospects
Anyone that has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime
in Canada and the United States is at a distinct disadvantage
when it comes to gaining and keeping a job. A person's criminal
record is readily available to the general public and can
be easily accessed by anyone that wishes to check it, including
current and potential employers. In today's computer age,
all it takes is the click of a computer mouse to access a
wide variety of information on any individual, including details
of their criminal record history.
It is standard procedure for many employers to conduct criminal
record checks on all job applicants before hiring. It stands
to reason that a prospective employee with a criminal record
has less chance of being hired than a comparable candidate
without a criminal past. Many employers would be hesitant
to hire a candidate when it was revealed that he had a criminal
record. Even if the charges on record are viewed as minor,
they may cause employers to question the prospective employee's
character, as well as their honesty and judgement. In many
professions, possessing a criminal record would all but eliminate
any chance of being hired. Some jobs require that employees
be bonded; however, bonding companies are cautious when insuring
a person with a criminal record and typically charge employers
more-often more than the employer is willing to spend.
Fortunately, it is possible, in most cases, to have a Canadian
criminal record removed with a pardon. A criminal pardon will
ensure that all of a person's criminal records and charges
are separated from other personal records and rendered inaccessible
to individuals and organizations such as employers, educational
institutions, volunteer organizations, and bonding companies;
in essence, it is sealing the criminal record. In addition,
anyone who has been convicted under Canadian law can apply
to the Canadian government for a pardon once their sentence
is completed and a certain period of time has passed.
There are many advantages in obtaining a criminal record pardon,
especially for those seeking employment or career advancement.
The Canadian Human Rights Act protects individuals who have
received pardons from discrimination, particularly from employers
and landlords. The Criminal Record Act eliminates the need
for employees to reveal pardoned convictions on government
employment forms. By using the professional services of a
firm that specializes in obtaining pardons, the complicated
pardon process can be completed in as little as 8 months.
Competition in today's job market is tough, and employers
are more meticulous and discriminating in the selection process
than ever before. They have ready access to all types of data
when researching the backgrounds of potential employees. Having
a criminal record puts a prospective employee at a crippling
disadvantage. For individual's seeking employment, obtaining
a criminal pardon can do more to improve their employability
and career prospects than anything else they might do. For
employees who live with the constant fear that at anytime
their undisclosed criminal record could be revealed to their
employer, causing embarrassment and wreaking havoc on their
careers, obtaining a criminal pardon could offer peace of
mind. A Canadian criminal pardon levels the playing field
for those with criminal pasts, enabling them to find success
and security.
Canadian Pardon Services works both sides of the Canadian/U.S.
border to provide legal services for those with past criminal
records. For more information about obtaining a Canadian pardon,
please visit Canadian
Pardon Services or call Dewey Nguyen at 1-800-298-5520.
