Discover how a pardon helps you by providing an official act of forgiveness that clears your criminal record. This government-granted relief eliminates any legal barriers that your criminal history may pose. Depending on the jurisdiction, a pardon might be called something different, such as a record suspension or expungement. The exact process for obtaining a pardon varies depending on where you live, but generally, you’ll need to submit an application and wait for the approval. Once you’re granted a pardon, your criminal record will no longer be visible to employers, landlords, and other organizations. This means you can confidently apply for jobs, knowing that your past won’t hold you back.
The Importance of Second Chances in Employment
Finding a job is tough, but it can be even harder if you have a criminal record. Past mistakes can follow you for years, affecting your ability to secure employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, getting a pardon can help you move past these obstacles and give you a fresh start. In this blog, we’ll explore how a pardon can help you actually get hired, the benefits it offers, and why it’s so important to give people a second chance.
How a Pardon Helps You Actually Get Hired
Discover how a Pardon can help you secure a new job, particularly if you have a criminal record. Obtaining a Pardon can greatly increase your chances of passing background checks, which are often mandatory for employment in various organizations throughout Canada.
Clearing Your Record: The Benefits of a Pardon
One of the biggest benefits of a pardon is that it clears your criminal record. This means that you can start fresh and pursue opportunities that might have been closed to you before. For example, you might be able to apply for jobs that require a background check, such as working in education or healthcare. With a clear criminal record, you’ll also have a better chance of securing housing and other benefits.
Increased Job Opportunities: How a Pardon Helps You Get Hired
Getting a job is essential for most people, but a criminal record can make it difficult. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal past, even if the offense was minor or happened a long time ago. However, a pardon can make a big difference. When you have a pardon, your criminal record is cleared, which means that employers won’t see any past offenses. This can give you a better chance of getting hired, especially if you’re applying for jobs that require a background check.
Criminal Background Checks
The standardization of background checks has increased over the years as the digital age has made it easier to obtain more information regarding potential candidates in the hiring process. Furthermore, some companies are required to do so by law. These background checks can be detrimental to individuals with criminal records as they are eliminated from the screening process.
Securing Employment after a Pardon
Pardons can help solve this problem. In our society, many people find their positions jeopardized when they do not have a Pardon even while being employed. Existing employees can also be randomly asked to provide background checks if the ownership of a company changes, a new insurance policy is introduced, or the company is undertaking a sensitive contract.
Most provinces in Canada do not allow organizations to discriminate against people who have been Pardoned or had their criminal record suspended. In some instances, people could be able to convince their employers to hire them by stating that their record is unrelated to the position. However, hiring prospects increase significantly when a Pardon has already been granted.
Employer Benefits: Why Hiring a Pardoned Employee is Good Business
From an employer’s perspective, hiring a pardoned employee can be good business. When you hire someone with a criminal record, you’re taking a risk. However, when that person has a pardon, it shows that they’ve taken responsibility for their actions and are committed to making a fresh start. This can indicate that they’re a reliable employee who is less likely to re-offend. Additionally, hiring a pardoned employee can help to diversify your workforce, and it shows that your company is committed to second chances and creating a more inclusive workplace.
Working in Specific Sectors
Individuals who have been granted Pardons may require special permission before they start working in a specific industry. Pardons can help with hiring prospects in several industries. One exception is the vulnerable sector check. People who have committed violent or sexual offenses are eliminated entirely from working in these sectors.
Being hired after receiving a Pardon in a job that requires international travel can make life much simpler. The suspended record allows such individuals to go through background checks and qualify for a visa. Moreover, after receiving a Pardon, people may also become eligible for work at ports, railway stations, or airports. Additionally, Pardons in Canada may not allow entry into the United States without a U.S. Entry Waiver. However, Canadian Pardons might qualify some individuals for preclearance certifications, which are prerequisites for cross-border jobs such as trucking, etc.
Similarly, those with criminal records usually have longer employment gaps and suffer from a lack of experience. Getting a Pardon helps solve this problem by increasing employment aspects in volunteering positions that can help build better resumes and networks.
Overcoming Barriers: Using Your Pardon to Address Employment Challenges
Even with a pardon, finding a job can still be a challenge. However, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success. For example, you can work on building your skills and experience through education and training programs. You can also seek out employers who are more likely to be open to hiring someone with a criminal record, such as those in industries that are experiencing a labor shortage. Networking can also be helpful, as it can give you a chance to connect with employers who might be willing to give you a chance.
Moving Forward with Confidence After a Pardon
Getting a pardon can be a life-changing event. It can open up new opportunities and help you move past the challenges of a criminal record. Having a Pardon can be incredibly helpful when seeking employment, especially when volunteer agencies conduct criminal record checks. It’s important to keep in mind that having a Pardon on hand can give you an advantage in such situations. Additionally, obtaining a Pardon can open up educational opportunities that may significantly improve your chances of being hired. So, if you’re wondering how a Pardon helps you in your job search, it can provide you with a clean slate and access to a wider range of employment opportunities.
PAC’s Ongoing Service Commitment
Email [email protected]
Schedule a Call https://www.pardonapplications.ca/schedule-a-call/
My Account Dashboard https://dashboard.pardonapplications.ca/
About the Author
Fareha Khurram is a Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada.
