Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Will Criminal Record Stunt My Career?
Q. I've been in the journalism business for at least three years, with the last two being at a small daily newspaper. Some of my clips have been picked up from The Associated Press, plus there are
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countless other stories I would be proud to share with a potential employer. I'm ready to move forward and move on to a bigger and better newspaper.
Unfortunately, I have a criminal record. Most notably, I was convicted of driving while intoxicated almost five years ago. My driving record didn't seem to make a difference in smaller companies, but it seems to make a bigger difference with larger publications.
Does a DWI kill my chances with bigger and better newspapers?
Looking for AnswersA. Your criminal record has clearly limited your options, but it has not foreclosed them.
Large newspapers have hired people with worse offenses than yours. But some companies have blanket policies that say they simply will not hire journalists with records.
There is not a time-saving way to figure out which companies have that policy without admitting your record in an odd way. Take note of places where this has stopped you and note the corporate affiliation. That may reveal some trouble zones for you.
But keep trying.
And in no case should you ever lie on an employment application to cover up your conviction. That can get you fired anywhere.
Coming Wednesday: A Mensa member finds that this qualification is not helping him break into journalism. One editor even seemed to be contemptuous of it. Certainly, journalism wants smart people.
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