Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Record: A Second Chance at Employment

The Reality of Reentering the Workforce With a Criminal Record

For millions of individuals, the path back into employment after serving time or receiving a conviction can be discouraging. The phrase jobs you can get with a criminal record often turns up few answers, leaving people to feel overlooked or shut out of the economy entirely. Yet, the tide is slowly turning. As second-chance hiring initiatives grow and platforms like Credibled’s Criminal Record Validation bring transparency to the process, new doors are opening for people who are ready to work and rebuild their lives.

Stigma and Barriers to Employment

Employers routinely run background checks, and depending on the industry, even a minor offense can be a red flag. Many roles—especially those in healthcare, education, and finance—have legal or insurance-related barriers to hiring someone with a record. The fear of litigation or reputational harm causes some employers to simply avoid taking the risk. This challenge, documented in this guide to reference checking ethics, makes it essential for applicants with a record to focus on industries that are more welcoming or neutral toward past convictions.

The Movement Toward Second-Chance Hiring

Change is happening. Nationwide initiatives like Ban the Box have led many employers to remove the conviction question from initial job applications. Companies like Walmart, Starbucks, and JPMorgan Chase have all made public commitments to hiring individuals with criminal records. Meanwhile, Your Trusted Partner in Criminal Record Verification, Credibled, offers employers peace of mind through accurate and automated validation, supporting fair and unbiased hiring decisions. By helping organizations make informed choices, platforms like Credibled empower candidates with a second chance.

Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Record

Contrary to popular belief, there are many jobs you can get with a criminal record across a variety of industries. The key is targeting sectors that either legally allow hiring individuals with records or actively support second-chance hiring initiatives.

Industries That Commonly Offer Second-Chance Jobs

Construction & Skilled Trades

Positions like electrician apprentice, plumber’s helper, and general laborer are often open to candidates with criminal records. Trade certifications are valuable but not always required.

Hospitality & Food Services

Restaurants and hotels frequently hire line cooks, dishwashers, cleaning staff, and even front desk personnel without scrutinizing minor offenses.

Logistics & Transportation

Warehousing jobs, delivery services, and driving roles (subject to license and offense type) are among the top jobs you can get with a criminal record.

Technology & Freelancing

Fields like web design, digital marketing, and coding offer remote work opportunities and tend to prioritize skill over background.

Manufacturing

Machine operators and assembly line workers are in constant demand. Most roles require on-the-job training rather than background perfection.

Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business or working in the gig economy is a popular route. Sites like Upwork, TaskRabbit, and Fiverr allow skilled workers to earn without employer screening.

Roles Requiring Extra Validation

Some positions in healthcare, financial services, or education may still be open to individuals with records—but only with added documentation. In such cases, Criminal Record Validation by Your Trusted Partner in Criminal Record Verification can be instrumental in providing employers with the clarity they need to move forward.

Companies Known for Hiring People With Criminal Records

While the list evolves, some employers have made second-chance hiring part of their mission:

The Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation – Offers mentorship and hiring programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Goodwill Industries – Nationwide locations provide job training and employment across retail and logistics.
Salvation Army & MOD Pizza – Advocate actively for inclusive hiring.
Greyston Bakery – Operates on an “open hiring” model that doesn’t require background checks.

Several gig-economy platforms, like Uber or Lyft, may accept drivers depending on the offense type and timing. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork continue to be solid options for skilled remote work.

Platforms like Credibled offer seamless integration, fraud detection, and real-time processing, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

Tips to Improve Employability

If you’re seeking jobs you can get with a criminal record, preparation is everything. Consider these steps:

Be Transparent: Don’t lie on applications—it can be worse than the offense.
Update Your Resume: Focus on skills, experience, and training post-conviction.
Get Certified: Online certifications in coding, project management, or trade skills can help.
Secure Strong References: Platforms like Credibled help you validate references efficiently and credibly.

Consider Getting a Criminal Record Validation

Some employers are simply looking for reassurance. Using Credibled’s Criminal Record Validation, candidates can take proactive steps to present verified, clear records to potential employers—making you stand out among other applicants.

Know Your State Laws

Ban-the-Box: Many U.S. states have outlawed asking about criminal history on job applications.
Expungement Laws: In some states, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or cleared.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Provides guidance for employers on how to treat applicants with criminal records fairly.

Understanding your rights is crucial when searching for jobs you can get with a criminal record. For additional clarity, you can reference our article on How to Deal With Fake References—a concern that often overlaps with credibility challenges post-incarceration.

Conclusion: Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future

A criminal record is not the end of your story—it’s a chapter. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, the search for jobs you can get with a criminal record can lead to real, long-term employment. Employers are changing. Technology is advancing. And with partners like Credibled supporting fair hiring, the opportunities for a second chance are more accessible than ever.

FAQs:

Can I get a job with a felony conviction?

Yes, many employers hire individuals with felony convictions, particularly in logistics, construction, and gig work. Highlighting rehabilitation efforts and gaining certifications can help.

How do employers find out about my criminal history?

Through background checks or reference checks. Services like Credibled’s Background Check can also be used during hiring.

What is a criminal record validation and why is it important?

It’s a verified check that confirms the accuracy of your record, helping to build trust with employers. Credibled offers this as part of its mission to make hiring fair and data-driven.

Can I work remotely or freelance with a criminal record?

Absolutely. Freelance and remote industries are among the most accessible paths for people with records, particularly in writing, design, and development.