How long before a b&e is not considered when you are applying for a job?

Question

My fiance broke into a house almost four years ago. He didn't take anything and he just left. (Stupid, I know). But it just cost him a really good job. And I was wondering if all jobs look at this and not give a person a chance or do any places not care.I mean he just got a degree in multimedia. He's trying so hard. But this can mess us up for a long time if he can't get anything

Answer 1

It will always be considered

Answer 2

Every application I've ever seen asked, "Have you EVER been convicted...," so he'll have to deal with the consequences for a long time.

The best way around it is to find the best job he can get and perform well. Show he is dependable, trustworthy and hardworking. Use this job as a stepping stone to the next job. He can have the conviction, but explain it was a long time ago, he has matured, and he has worked professionally and been an asset to his employer.

You could also lie on the application, but I wouldn't recommend it. Chances are down the line that it will be discovered (I've seen it happen), and even if he's not fired outright, the company will essentially keep that knowledge in its back pocket, able to fire him at will anytime. Better to come out up front and work your way clean than to seem clean and be found out to be a liar.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Most people I know who hire new employees would not be enthused about having a burglar wandering around in their place of business. They might not give that criminal record as the reason but it will be in the back of their minds and preventing them from seriously considering his resume.

How would a potential employer know that this new employee won't again do something stupid again and go home with the company's computers or petty cash or parts from the stockroom?

Particularly now with good jobs in short supply an employer has a lot more applicants to choose from who don't have that kind of baggage. And if he was hired, then the first time that someone can't find their box of paper clips the morning after he worked late - he would be the number one "suspect."

Answer 4

It's a record for life. Some jobs he will never be able to get. Most employers check your criminal history (don't lie on the application) and consider the time elapsed, and the persons current age, and the age when the offense occurred. Four years is not very long though. He needs to be very candid about it during the initial interview. It would also help a lot if he was under 20yo when it occurred, later in life it will be considered a "stupid teenager" act.