Q&A career coach

I was convicted last year for misdemeanor DWI. How do I treat this matter appropriately during the jobsearch process so I can move on to my next rewarding challenge? Do I have to disclose it on the application or volunteer it during an interview?

Most employers conduct preemployment background checks, which usually includes checking for criminal information, so there is little chance that your conviction won’t be discovered. As far as what you have to share, many states have different laws about which crimes and/ or arrests have to be disclosed — or might be considered in the hiring process.

Anyone with a criminal history should conduct a background check on himor herself before beginning a job search, so he or she can see exactly what a potential employer would. Secondly, if anything erroneous appears on your file, or can and should have been expunged, clean up your record. Finally, check online to find out which information is required by your state to disclose, and be honest in the application. If you are not asked such questions in an interview, I would preemptively alert an employer conducting a background check, and explain the reasons they should hire you— and how you’ve learned from your past mistakes.