If you were convicted of a DUI, you may worry about your future job prospects, as a DUI lawyer Salt Lake City UT understands. While it’s true that securing employment can be more challenging with a DUI on your record, it isn’t impossible. You will just have to work harder than people with clean records to get the job you want. Here are several tips for getting a job with a DUI conviction.
Don’t Apply for Jobs That Involve Driving
Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to know which jobs you will likely be automatically disqualified for. If you have a DUI conviction, there’s little chance that you will get hired to drive a cab or bus. Employers may see you as a bigger risk and won’t put passengers in possible danger. Apply for jobs that don’t involve any driving, such as office or retail work.
Be Honest
Having a DUI on your record can be embarrassing and you may be tempted to leave it out on job applications. This is a big mistake. If the application asks you if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you are required to answer truthfully. Even if you were convicted many years ago, employers will likely still find the conviction during a background check. They will likely be upset that you lied on your application and not consider you for the job. That is why it is best to be honest.
Do not Mention the Conviction First
Some applicants may choose to disclose their conviction right away to get it out of the way. While this might seem like the right move, it can sometimes backfire. Don’t talk about your DUI conviction until the employer asks you about it. This will give the employer a chance to get to know you and build a rapport with you. He or she will be more likely to listen to your explanation then and not immediately dismiss you.
Explain Your Situation
It’s helpful to tell the employer why you drove drunk and what you learned from the experience. For instance, if you were in your early 20s when you got convicted, you can explain that you didn’t understand the dangers of drinking and driving yet and made a mistake. Let him or her know how you’ve changed since then and that you will never make this mistake again.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Rasmussen & Miner for their added insight.