Getting a job for an individual with a criminal record can be difficult. In fact, it seems very unlikely. However, know that not all ex-felons are automatically barred from getting a job. Some individuals with felony convictions can still find jobs in a variety of fields. In the United States, many companies conduct background checks before accepting candidates. Certain convictions may disqualify a person from certain types of jobs. There are certain jobs that ex-felons cannot do. And, it depends on local and federal laws, as well as the nature of the felony conviction. Well, on this page, we will share a list of jobs that may be difficult for ex-felons to do.
List of Jobs that Felons Cannot Do
Individuals with criminal records will face a few restrictions when it comes to getting a job. While there are many jobs that ex-felons can do and many institutions dedicated to employing ex-felons, certain professions will be completely unavailable to ex-felons. Also, other jobs are technically open to ex-felons but practically impossible for ex-felons to achieve. Additionally, ex-felons are prohibited from engaging in some activities that may hinder their ability to obtain employment in certain fields.
When it comes to jobs that are completely banned for ex-felons, the list is quite short and limited to only one government agency: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). For your information, the FBI will not even consider applications from ex-felons, making it almost impossible to get a job with the government agency. However, the same cannot be said for other state or federal agencies.
Other state or federal agencies may be more open to applications from ex-felons, although as we all know, getting a job in a government agency is not very easy. In many cases, it is illegal to reject job applicants because of their criminal record. On the other hand, a conviction may bar an ex-felon from certain jobs, depending on the details of the crime.
1. Law Enforcement
Felony convictions usually disqualify ex-felons from working in law enforcement fields. These positions require candidates to have a clean criminal record. Some law enforcement including:
- Police officers
- Correctional officers
- Or working in other law enforcement roles.
2. Security Clearance Job
Ex-felons will find it difficult to obtain security clearance jobs that are typically required for employment with government agencies, the military, or defense contractors. Often these positions involve access to sensitive information or classified material.
3. Firearm-related jobs
It is highly unlikely that ex-felons with a history of gun-related crimes will get a job that requires them to be involved with firearms. Some of these jobs include:
- Firearm retail
- Firearm sales
Need to know that ex-felons in most states may not own firearms. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In Kentucky, Minnesota, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Wyoming, ex-felons obtain firearms permits under certain conditions.
4. Alcohol-related jobs
Ex-felons with a history of alcohol-related crimes such as alcohol addiction, alcohol smuggling, or illegal sale of alcohol will not find employment opportunities in alcohol-related fields. Some of these jobs include:
- Staff in Liquor stores
- Bartender
- Staff who serves alcohol
As said by Felony Record Hub, an alcohol-related crime lets an employer legally forbid you from working in a liquor store or working as a bartender.
5. Financial services
Money-related crimes such as theft, fraud, forgery, embezzlement, or other money-related crimes will make ex-felons ineligible to work in financial institutions, such as banks and insurance companies. Some of jobs that are prohibited for ex-felons who have committed money-related crimes including:
- Bank officers, such as tellers and customer services.
- Insurance officers
- And, officers in other financial institutions.
6. Education Jobs
All government-run schools and educational facilities often prohibit ex-felons with a history of sex crimes from getting jobs involving children. Also, ex-felons will have a hard time finding jobs in education. Private schools are usually able to choose their own employees, but most private schools will not hire ex-felons to protect themselves from unwanted occurrences. Some of these jobs require you to have a clean criminal record.
- Teacher
- Lecturer
- Tutor in other educational institutions
Most teaching and education positions often require background checks and certification, which can be affected by felony convictions.
7. Work with children
In addition to being prohibited from working in educational institutions, ex-felons who have committed crimes against children or crimes of a sexual nature will also be prohibited from working in the field of work involving children, types of work such as:
- Child therapist
- Babysitter
- Daycare worker
- Social worker
- Pediatric doctor or nurse
8. Medical professions
As we know that most medical professions require massive investment in education, so finding a job in this field will be very challenging. However, for ex-felons, what makes it very unlikely to get a job in the medical field is licensing. A physician’s license includes permission to prescribe medications to patients. Former convicts who have a history of drug-related crimes will of course not be able to apply for this permit. Most states prohibit ex-felons from working in the healthcare industry. This applies to positions such as:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
This law was created to protect citizens and prevent theft of pharmaceutical drugs. However, we can sometimes find ex-convicts working in the healthcare industry for low wages. They often work as nursing assistants, dietitians, or janitors.
9. Government jobs
As we said before, getting a job in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a felony is very impossible. Some types of convictions are also barriers to other government jobs. Ex-felons, especially those with a history of serious crimes such as violence and theft will be prohibited from working in government jobs. Therefore, it is no surprise that terrorism or anti-government actions would immediately exclude such ex-felons from government jobs.
10. Commercial piloting
Getting a job at an airline is quite difficult. Even ex-convicts are not allowed to work at an airline. Even if it were possible, the ex-convict would need to spend years to get a job at an airline. Of course, this job requires certification, which ex-convicts with alcohol or drug charges are prohibited from doing. You should know that airline companies really pay attention to the reliability of their candidates, so they will be more thorough and stricter in recruiting their candidates.
11. Security Staff
Former convicts with a history of crimes related to weapons, alcohol, drugs, and violence cannot work as security staff. Companies will automatically disqualify individuals with such criminal history from working as security staff at their company. If you see ex-felons who are employed as security, they are probably paid very little by the company.
12. Lawyer
Practicing law or becoming a lawyer is impossible for an ex-felon. As we know the path to practicing law includes a college degree, a law school diploma, passing the Bar exam, and renewing your license. This can be very difficult for individuals with a criminal record to go through. In addition, several states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Kansas also do not allow ex-felons to practice law.
13. Commercial truck driver
A person with a record of DUI-related convictions or other traffic offenses may impact eligibility for employment in the transportation industry, including commercial truck driving. So, if you have ever committed a traffic violation, you cannot work in the transportation industry as a commercial truck driver.
14. Jobs related to confidential information
As an ex-felon, you will not be able to work in jobs related to confidential information. In fact, even people with no criminal record will find it quite difficult to get a job in this field. However, it is worth noting that ex-felons are not prohibited from getting a security clearance. They will just find it more difficult to do so. Jobs involving confidential information such as:
- Programmers
- Cybersecurity officers
- Engineering officers
- Officers at certain financial institutions
- Officers at certain construction jobs that require security clearance
15. Certain Private Industry Employees
People with criminal records sometimes have difficulty getting jobs in certain private industries. Since there are several private industries that prohibit ex-felons from working in their companies. Most private companies have the right to select employees and set their own hiring rules. Companies can hire ex-felons and provide positions within their companies to give ex-felons a second chance. However, there are also many industries or private companies that do not trust ex-felons and therefore do not allow ex-felons to work in their companies.
In addition to the jobs listed above, ex-felons may also not work in other industries depending on specific state regulations. For example, the state of Illinois prohibits ex-felons from obtaining the following professions:
- Architecture
- Athletic trainer
- Barber
- Dealing with livestock
- Dietician
- Mover
- Pet shop work
- Public offices
- Roofer
- Sign language interpreter
- Tattoo artist
Some of the Main Reasons for Job Restrictions for Felons
Employment restrictions for ex-felons occur for several reasons, although the scope and nature of these restrictions may vary based on the specific jurisdiction and sentence. The following are some of the main reasons for job restrictions for ex-felons:
1. Public Safety
One of the main reasons for job restrictions for ex-felons is concern for public safety. Employers want to ensure that their employees are trustworthy and do not pose a risk to customers, co-workers, or the public. Therefore, they prohibit former convicts from working in their companies.
2. Legal Responsibility
Companies may face legal liability if they employ former felons who later engage in misconduct or illegal activities in the workplace. By limiting employment to ex-felons, it can help protect companies from potential legal problems.
3. Client and Customer Trust
Some companies believe that employing ex-felons may lead to a loss of trust among their clients or customers. This can of course be a big worry for companies or businesses that rely on their reputation and public image.
4. Culture and Work Spirit
If a company employs ex-felons, there are concerns that it will have an impact on work culture and employee morale. Coworkers may feel uncomfortable and unsafe when working with an ex-felon, especially an ex-felon who has a history of violence, theft, or sexual crimes.
5. Industry Regulations
Health, legal, and financial institutions have strict regulations and licensing requirements. Convictions can disqualify individuals with criminal records from obtaining necessary permits, which can certainly impact their ability to work in the field.
6. Regulatory Requirements
In some cases, employers are legally required to conduct background checks on prospective employees. And, they likely have regulatory requirements that prohibit hiring individuals with criminal records.
Options for Overcoming These Job Restrictions
As explained above, there are several employment restrictions for ex-felons. However, do not worry there are also other opportunities to make a fresh start. For ex-felons who have just been released from prison, you can take part in a special program for workers with a criminal past. Usually, these programs are free or low cost. By taking part in this program, you can get training or certification in a certain field. This will certainly help increase your attractiveness in the eyes of potential employers.
In fact, many companies are looking for people with criminal pasts. Some companies work with non-profit organizations to create jobs for ex-felons. These companies recognize that people with criminal records are often so loyal, skilled, and hardworking that they deserve a second chance. These second chance recruiting opportunities are also usually offered by companies that were originally founded by people with criminal pasts. These companies are eager to give other ex-felons a second chance to rebuild their careers. In addition, you can also ask for help from staffing agencies who can build your resume and show potential employers that you are dedicated, responsible, and worth hiring.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
