“Turning Your Past Into a Powerful Future: Resume Tips for Job Seekers With Criminal Records” - Theresa Kettler, CPRW

Navigating the Job Search with a Criminal Record

Looking for work with a criminal record can feel overwhelming—but it’s not impossible. One of the most powerful tools you have is your resume, the document that helps you open doors to new opportunities. With the right approach, you can show employers that you are ready, qualified, and motivated to make a positive contribution. Here are some compassionate, practical tips to help your resume shine:

Focus on Your Strengths, Not Your PastYour resume’s main purpose is to land you a job interview. That means highlighting your skills, training, and work experience—not your criminal background. While honesty is always important, details about your record are best shared during a face-to-face interview, when you can provide context and explain how you’ve learned and grown.

Remember, many states prevent employers from asking about arrests but may allow questions about convictions. (Check with your state’s attorney general’s office to learn what is allowed where you live.) If asked, keep your answer brief, focus on lessons learned, and redirect the conversation toward the value you bring as a future employee.

Showcase Training and Work Experience If you gained valuable skills through training programs, education, or work assignments during incarceration, you can—and should—include them on your resume. For example, list the position just as you would any other job:

Arthur Green Correctional Facility – Commissary ClerkDeveloped customer service skills, maintained accurate inventory, and supported daily operations.

You can also list certifications or educational achievements in your Education section, such as GED completion, vocational training, or industry-recognized certifications. These show initiative, resilience, and commitment to growth.

(If those experiences happened more than 10 years ago, you may leave them off unless they are highly relevant to your career goals.)

Keep Your Resume Targeted Hiring managers want to see experience that relates directly to the role you’re applying for. If your prison work isn’t relevant, don’t emphasize it. Instead, keep the spotlight on your transferable skills—teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, reliability—and any training that supports your career goals. You can always add an Additional Experience section to briefly cover past roles if needed to explain employment gaps.

Use Job Search Resources Available to You If you are part of a work-release program or recently re-entered the workforce, make sure to use job placement services, career centers, and resume writing support available through your community. These programs may also connect you with employers open to hiring individuals with criminal records—sometimes with state tax credits as incentives.

Key Takeaway: Your resume is not about your past—it’s about your future. By working with a professional resume writer or career coach, you’ll learn how to highlight your strengths, position your experiences in the best light, and build a resume that helps you stand out with confidence.