3 Reasons You Should Consider Hiring an Ex-Con 29 Jan 2018

Definition of Hiring an Ex-Con: Hiring an Ex-Con is an action of hiring an applicant with a criminal record.

Consider this situation: You ran a background check on someone who had great experience, a killer resume, and a personality that would fit in great with your organization. Then the results from the employee background screening come back and it turns out they have a criminal record.

For many hiring managers, this is a situation they dread. After all the time and work that goes into recruiting and finding the right person, learning someone has a criminal background can be hugely disappointing.

What to do? Should you reject them? Or, should you hire them anyway? Sure, people make mistakes and deserve a second chance, but should you take a chance? For a small business owner, this can be a particularly hard decision. Here is why hiring an Ex-Con can actually be a good idea.

Hiring an Ex-Con: Changing attitudes

Right now the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, and nearly one-third of working-age Americans have a criminal record. Put these two facts together and you can see that statistically, there are a lot of job hunters out there with a criminal record. And many of them are productive members of the workforce.

The sheer number of those with a criminal record has led many employers to change their minds about hiring those with a less-than-perfect background.

Here are three reasons to consider hiring someone with a criminal record.

1. Tax breaks. If we’re speaking only in terms of numbers and the bottom line, hiring someone with a criminal record can ease your tax burden. Through the Department of Labor, the government offers employers Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This works in case they hire individuals who are part of a target group, and ex-cons constitute a target group.
2. Federal protections. To encourage employers to hire high-risk applicants, and to help mitigate their risk in doing this, the Federal Bonding Program issues fidelity bonds. This is a kind of insurance policy that protects the employer against any type of forgery. It also protects employers of larceny, or embezzlement committed by the individual.
3. An extra drive. If someone with a criminal record has the qualifications to be considered for a job within your organization, chances are they know the cards are stacked against them. They also know that finding stable employment can be a challenge. Because of this, they tend to truly value the opportunity to prove themselves. This can result in a stronger work ethic and less turnover.

Of course, all this is dependent on factors like the severity of the crime committed. You will have to make a decision that is best for your organization.

Have questions about hiring candidates with a criminal record? Trusted Employees can help. Our professionals will help you make the right choice and inform you about everything you need to know!