If you were arrested for a misdemeanor, are you automatically unqualified for a job?

Question

I put my application in today for a job I wish to get, and it is a job that works with children, and I would be a High School staff member if I were to get hired, here's what happens....I call them up, and leave a message, stating that I would like to fill out an application, they said come on down, so I did, but it said have you ever been arrested? I put yes. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? yes. And then it said....Is there any reason that you are not qualified to work with children? And I put....There isn't a real reason why I shouldn't work with them, I was arrested 4 years ago because I hung around the wrong crowd, everyone deserves a second chance. I mean....at least I was being truthful right?

Answer 1

What was the misdemeanor?  

Answer 2

I don't know how this will work out for your current job app, but normally records are sealed when you turn 18. They still would need to be revealed if you were going into military or law enforcement, but not for most jobs.

Answer 3

they dont arrest people for "hanging around" the wrong crowd. what was the crime? were you convicted? and it depends on the employer if you will be hired.  

Answer 4

Since you were young, this was probably handled in juvi court. As long as this is your only criminal record...from now on...just mark "no" when it asks if you've ever been convicted of a misdemeanor. The employer won't be able to find out otherwise. But dealing with kids and already providing an answer of 'yes', they will probably want more info if you didn't already provide it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they don't hire you.  

Answer 5

It depends on the level of the misdemeanor, and exactly what you did.

Some crimes will prevent you from working with children as a matter of policy.

Answer 6

You have to prove that you've done a complete 180-degree change.  Otherwise, they will just think you are the wrong crowd that they don't want kids to be hanging around.

I don't think it makes you unqualified for the job, but it will definitely make it that much harder for you to get it if there is much competition.

If I were you, rather than being defensive like "Yeah, I did so-and-so, but I'm trying to get better, I swear..." I'd turn it into a positive like "Yes, I did so-and-so in the past, but now that I've realized what I did wrong, I am in more of a position to prevent kids from making the same mistakes, so that makes me a better candidate."

Answer 7

No, it is not automatic. A misdemeanor does not even disqualify you from being a police officer.

However, it will make you less competitive. If it comes down between you and someone else without a criminal record, your chances of getting the job could be lessened.

Answer 8

They convicted a 12 year old of retail theft of alchohol?

I woulda thought they would have left it up to your parents, depending on how much you helped steal, like one bottle of Captain Morgan wouldn't even be worth prosecuting.

No that wont disqualify you from working with kids, because it has nothing to do with children. It might even help your case, if you said that you could help prevent kids from going that direction, because you've been there yourself, i dunno.