From Stigma to Success: How to Get Hired in Maryland With a Criminal Record

Maryland’s incarceration rate is among the highest in the world, with 475 per 100,000 residents behind bars. An average of around 86,000 of these people will be released back into society by the end of the year. These 86,000 people will face multiple challenges while reintegrating, especially when seeking gainful employment. Unfortunately, the stigma that comes with a criminal record often makes finding work difficult or even impossible.

How a criminal record impacts your employment chances

“When you have a felony criminal record, looking for a job is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It could take six weeks, six months, even a year in some cases.” This feeling was shared by Harley Blakeman, who was convicted of drug dealing at 18. During his incarceration, his cellmates encouraged him to pursue his education, earning his GED and continuing into college, determined to turn his life around.

However, upon release, he faced a harsh reality. The rest of society was not as uplifting as his cellmates. “What I found was very different. What I found was rejection… with employment – before college, during college, after college – jobs that I was qualified for, I would interview for. But once I was honest about my past, they would not hire me.”

Despite only a few roles legally requiring background checks, many companies conduct them on all potential hires. Employer bias or risk aversion can lead to rejection when a criminal record appears in a background check.

In Maryland, laws exist to protect job seekers. Md. Lab. & Emp. Code § 3-711 prevents employers from running a background check until they offer employment. Additionally, Md. Code Ann. § 14-1204 prevents credit reporting agencies from disclosing arrests or convictions older than seven years.

Maryland’s Ban-the-Box law

Maryland’s Ban-the-Box law, prevents employers with more than 15 full-time employees from inquiring about a criminal record before the first in-person interview. This allows applicants to tell their stories on their terms, giving them a fairer chance at employment.

When should you talk about your conviction?

Zachary Moore, who served 22 years of a life sentence for a murder he committed at age 15, advocates for radical transparency. He suggests two key moments to share your conviction with potential employers:

• Cover letter: While admitting to a criminal record upfront may seem intimidating, Moore said it actually helped him stand out, for better or worse. “Some of them told me at the beginning of the interview they wouldn’t consider me for a job because of my record. But they still wanted to meet me.”
• Job interview: Addressing your record at the start of an interview allows you to control the narrative. Moore states, “Being up front from the beginning allowed me to control the dialogue, take ownership of my past, and pivot the conversation to my growth and what value I could add to the team.”

Interview tips

Have an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech you would make to pitch an idea to someone during an elevator ride. To start, you should be open about your criminal record and take accountability for it. Then, focus on how you’ve changed through rehabilitation and what you’ve learned. Finally, tie that into what you can bring to their company.

Back yourself up

Moore’s advice is: “Offer to submit evidence of rehabilitation. Evidence of rehabilitation is things you did during or after your incarceration to improve yourself professionally and personally. I took a three-ring binder of every class I took while incarcerated, like anger management, substance abuse classes, letters of support, and recommendation. The same packet I submitted to my parole board is the same packet I submitted to my employers.”

Appearances matter

Remember to dress nicely, make eye contact, and smile. Show up early and be prepared by bringing a copy of your resume and any other documents that the interviewer might have asked for. Work on your posture. Sit up straight and avoid crossing your arms. Slouching can cause you to seem disinterested and crossing your arms may make you look closed off or insecure.

Job opportunities to consider

• Trucking: If you are eligible to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), trucking can be a high-paying job with a great deal of independence. Some convictions that may disqualify you from applying for a CDL in Maryland include DUIs, hit-and-runs, excessive speeding, reckless driving, and railroad crossing infractions.
• Restaurant work: The restaurant industry is notoriously friendly to ex-convicts. Many people get their start out of prison as chefs or servers. It’s steady work around people who are less likely to judge you. Serving can be especially profitable with tips.
• Construction: It’s well-known that your strong work ethic, adaptability, and hands-on skills are more valuable in the construction field than a spotless criminal record. If you can show up, work hard, and do the job right, there’s a place for you on a construction site.
• Trades: Trades often offer second-chance employment. Trade workers are in high demand, and often make a decent yearly salary. Apprenticeships and trade schools can offer you training to become certified in a trade. Examples of trade jobs include mortician, hairdresser, welder, plumber, tattoo artist, and auto mechanic.
• Be your own boss: If you have a skill or passion, consider freelancing or starting your own business, like Blakeman, who ended up founding the successful company Honest Jobs.

Expungement: a path to a clean slate

Expungement can significantly improve job prospects by removing crimes from your record.  Once expunged, these offenses will not appear on background checks, eliminating the need to disclose them. However, not all crimes are eligible for expungement, and there are strict requirements. It is crucial that you seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Carey Law Office, we understand the obstacles you face and are dedicated to helping you move forward. With over 40 years of experience advocating for the citizens of Maryland, we can determine if expungement is an option for you and guide you through the legal process. Your past doesn’t need to define your future– contact us today for a free consultation from our team. Take the first step towards your fresh start.