Managers.... Give Me the Truth

[OneMistake]

So... 15 years ago I screwed up big time and landed some drug felonies (one incident). Since then I've managed to accomplish a lot in this field and have a pretty good resume. This was only possible because of pre-9/11 security lapses that left the felony question off some applications I filled out. So fortunately, I found a couple of good jobs that helped me build a solid career.
Like many of us, I find myself wanting to move to bigger places (top 50's). Unfortunately... there isn't an application out there that doesn't ask the felony question these days... not to mention the guarenteed background checks.

Question: Is there any chance in hell that one in the above circumstance would ever again land a job? Is there anyone out there that would interview me on a level field? Should I just pack it up and go start my own business in a hopeless last ditch move?

[ March 27, 2007, 04:39 AM: Message edited by: OneMistake ]

[Fargin Icehole]

Originally posted by OneMistake:
So... 15 years ago I screwed up big time and landed some drug felonies (one incident).That narrows the possibilities of your identity in this industry to about 5,000 people.

Be a drug dealer. Big bucks. $$$$$

It beats the migrant worker salary we get now.

[ March 27, 2007, 05:28 AM: Message edited by: Fargin Icehole ]

[LENSCRAFTER]

Originally posted by OneMistake:
So... 15 years ago I screwed up big time and landed some drug felonies (one incident). Since then I've managed to accomplish a lot in this field and have a pretty good resume. This was only possible because of pre-9/11 security lapses that left the felony question off some applications I filled out. So fortunately, I found a couple of good jobs that helped me build a solid career.
Like many of us, I find myself wanting to move to bigger places (top 50's). Unfortunately... there isn't an application out there that doesn't ask the felony question these days... not to mention the guarenteed background checks.

Question: Is there any chance in hell that one in the above circumstance would ever again land a job? Is there anyone out there that would interview me on a level field? Should I just pack it up and go start my own business in a hopeless last ditch move?There is a chance you can get hired. I just dealt with this 4 weeks ago. Had a great candidate... I approved her for hire and didn't even NOTICE her answer to the felony question until I was on the way up to HR with her application.

I asked the HR person about it... she told me that the important thing was that she was honest. "We'll find out anyway... it's always better if they are honest up front."

So I hired her.

Now... she has already called in sick 5 times... but that's another story...

[ March 27, 2007, 05:38 AM: Message edited by: LENSCRAFTER ]

[Bureau Chief]

Why would you want to get back into this business again? Its DYING! In my opinion, it would take an exceptionally understanding manager/HR department to consider you with a felony record, much less multiple felonies. The risk of another problem is just too great, especially in a business that is all PR. You might consider talking to an attorney about getting your record expunged. Many states have a process for this, for individuals that have achieved a clean and accomplished life after an intitial screw up.

[OneMistake]

I wanna stay because I just enjoy the business.

While most HR's realize it is against federal law to deny employment soley because of a felony not related to one's job, it's impossible to prove because the question is up front on the application. That allows the candidate to be canned in the application process with no need to justify the reason.

I guess I'm interested in knowing if there's ND's out there interested in reviewing my resume on a level playing field... or at least interested in understanding more. If there are, let me know. I'm interested in continuing reporting or Assignment Desk in the Southeast, Eastern Midwest or Mid-Atlantic.

Thanks for the replies.

[Bill-1]

I can't see a couple of busts 15 years ago being a big deal. The challenge is going to be letting the person making the decision to hire you know how long ago it was. Assuming you've been cool since. Pretty much everybody I know in this industry had some sort of mis-spent youth.

[east coast producer]

I thought criminal convictions fall off your record in 7 or 10 years....

Run a criminal background check on yourself in the state it happened and see what happens.

(P.S. Can I score a eight-ball?)

[LittleBabyPuppy]

Can't you just get it expunged so you won't need to worry about it again? I'm sure an attorney could do that easily...for a few grand.

[OneMistake]

Trust me, I don't qualify for these. I've exhausted everything, including a request for commute from the governor (even that doesn't erase it). My current employer did submit a check, and it came up (thank you 911!) Currently I'm in the process of begging the prosecutor to at least rescind the conviction... but even then, I'm afraid it still has quite the negative vibe.

So much for a country founded on God.

1 John 1:9

[DoneThatToo]

Well I am by no means big market but have hired people with past felony drug convection. I would think that after 15 years of solid background and honesty you should be able to land that job. Between pre-emp drug screen and random tests it would not be a problem for an employer to monitor for any current violation.

[NewsMom]

We hire people, not resumes. If you get to the interview stage, that's when the hiring manager decides if you're the kind of person they want. (Does anyone ask for the paperwork/application BEFORE you're interviewed these days?)

I'd leave the application question BLANK until you get to the interview. Then, I'd make it an early (probably not FIRST, but early) matter you want to be up front about.

I wouldn't have a problem looking past a really OLD conviction. But I'd look into your references (even those you don't list) very, very carefully.

[Another side]

The only thing I would add to the excellent advice already given, is that YOU need to become more confident ... in the end the question is, What do you have to offer?

And if you're confident in that, quit begging, quit pleading, and present your case -- and your background -- rationally, truthfully and respectfully.

A 15-year-old drug conviction may not be your problem; your problem may be YOUR inability to communicate that part of your life is truly in the past and done.

[KYOneManBand]

After reading the post, I've been torn whether or not to post. Here it is, and my guess is my identity (not that I'm all that big of a name) will easily be identified.

I'm right there in the same situation. Unfortunately, my law "run in" and felony conviction was 4 years ago, not 15. It didn't involve drugs, but instead a poor decision to protect someone instead of coming clean when I should have. I spent some time in the Fed, and after, decided to get back on the horse and send out tapes. Initially, I got a LOT of call backs (for a small industry and a relatively high-profile case, this surprised me), and two solid job offers.

At both stations I did not fill out an application before being offered the job. However, I told the news director at each shop about my situation once the offer was on the table.

At one station, the ND said it wasn't a problem, that he appreciated my honesty--the job was still mine. A day later, he called and said after a few people in the newsroom made a complaint to the GM, he was told he couldn't hire me and rescinded the offer.

At the other station, the ND initially said it was no problem, he just had to get it cleared through HR. I knew something was up when the next day the job was reposted and he wouldn't return a call. With that said (sorry for the long, and getting longer, story), you posted in your posting:

"While most HR's realize it is against federal law to deny employment solely because of a felony not related to one's job, it's impossible to prove because the question is up front on the application" Do you have a reference to this? I can prove I was denied for the job ONLY because of the conviction.

Now, to offer you some good news. I went back to school and got my Master's Degree in Mass Communication. While there, I got a job as a student intern/reporter for the school's NPR station. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I did really good work, and it was clear I was passionate about news. I was soon offered a full time job and am about to be promoted to News Director.

When hired, I had to apply and undergo a background check. I lucked out that our GM is the type of person who sees you for who you are and the work you produce. Because I had worked as a student intern, she knew it wasn't an issue. Interestingly enough, my station covers news in the same market where the legal debacle happened. To this point, it's not been an issue.

But, like you, I am passionate about TV news and I'd like to get back in. I will always still tell ND's what happened. Plus, for the first time, I make a decent salary that would be cut DRASTICALLY if I went into a TV reporting gig. I'd still do it. The thing that really stinks is because of the legal issues, prison, and life after, I'm a much better reporter. I understand the judicial process as well as anyone. Live a year among a few hundred drug dealers, frauds, embezzlers, etc., and you gain insight into a lot of the people you report on. (In fact, I WAS in prison with a high end pot grower whose bust I reported on. Let's just say he wasn't too pleasant towards me.)

I wish you luck. Sometimes we make poor choices. When we're put in certain situations, it's easier than one might think to make the wrong choice. I say that not as an excuse, but personal experience. However, one poor choice in life doesn't mean you will always make them. I know that--I wish more people agreed. As far as NDs out there who are willing to look at a proven and dedicated reporter, it'd be great to send you a tape.

[Produce man]

Just tell them that your convictions make you uniquely qualified for thr crime beat.

[Clubbeat]

Other than the fact that you might not get the stories involving searching out the local crack dealers for an in depth piece on how the crack trade is being dwarfed by the meth trade, you should be fine. smile.gif

There's plenty og godd advice here, but i think the biggest thing you should keep in mind is that you have plenty to offer. Like one of the posts already stated, hiring managers are looking for people who not only can do the job, but are a good fit for the company/department.

Just keep being honest, make sure you can pass a piss test, and show them that you're qualified to be there.

Good Luck!