What is a Statement of Facts?
Why Do I Need One?
Getting a good job isn't easy when you have a criminal record. In fact, getting a job at all can be hard. Despite the fact that you have done what you needed to do to atone for your crime, and that you are doing all you can to get your life straight when it comes to employment that criminal record just won't leave you alone.
No doubt you dread seeing that 'Have you been convicted of a crime?' question on an employment application. What do you write? If you are truthful and say yes, it's often almost certain that the consideration of your application will end there. If you lie and say no, well it's almost guaranteed you'll be found out, and so the outcome will be the same, or worse.
The fact is that recent studies have shown that 80% of employers - both large and small - now routinely run background checks on those they are considering employing. In most states, they can't do so without your permission, but the fact is you almost certainly know what they are going to find.
And that's the other problem. Most routine background checks merely present the basic facts they find, for example, the court record of a criminal proceeding. There is no context to that document. It does not reflect that you have changed. Maybe the offense was a long time ago and you have never been in trouble with the law since. Or it was a relatively minor offense that has no bearing on the job you are applying for. An employer reading a background check has no way of knowing that though.
Criminal Record Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Criminal Record?
Who Makes Use of Criminal Records Outside Law Enforcement Agencies?
How Can an Individual Check Their Own Criminal Record?
Are Employers Legally Allowed to Use Criminal Records When Making Hiring Decisions?
Why Would an Employer Use a Criminal Records Check in Their Hiring Process?
Does a Criminal Record Legally Bar Someone from Working Certain Fields?
Can an Employer Ask About Criminal Records in an Interview?
A Criminal Record Statement of Facts
What if there was a way that you could explain your circumstances to a potential employer before an interview? If there was more room on that application form, or you had a way to 'plead your case'. The fact is there is, it's called a Statement of Facts.
What Does a Statement of Facts Look Like?
An effective Statement of Facts needs to define the situation as briefly as possible and detail the facts in an easy to read manner that will engage and resonate with the reader, helping them understand the applicant's point of view.
Each Statement of Facts letter you make use of should also be tailored to suit each individual position you are applying for. However, by sending, or presenting, this type of letter you will be significantly increasing the chances that an employer will consider YOU for the position, rather than simply being dismissing you as a candidate because of your criminal record.
Will a Recruiter/Employer Really Read a Statement of Facts?
Your Statement of Facts letter replaces whatever scribblings you could have added in that tiny space. And because most recruiters are acutely aware of the dangers of discriminatory hiring practices, they are almost certain to read it, if only to protect themselves and the company they work for.
Won't Admitting to Having a Criminal Record Upfront Hurt Me?
Where Can I Get Help Writing a Good Statement of Facts?

Effective
A professionally prepared Statement of Facts is an effective way to tell 'your side of the story' and highlight positives over negatives.

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Our trained and caring staff will listen to your story with patience and compassion and then advise you on how best to proceed.

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