Your rights when you apply
- Most federal jobs: no criminal history questions on the application, in the interview, or before a conditional offer (Fair Chance Act). The exceptions are jobs that need a security clearance, jobs with sensitive national security duties, federal law enforcement jobs and dual-status military technician jobs.
- Many states and cities have fair chance ("ban the box") rules too: NELP counted 37 states, Washington DC and over 150 cities and counties in its October 2021 guide. Most of the state rules cover only government jobs; 15 states also covered private employers. That count may be out of date, so check your state.
- Background checks: if the employer uses a background check company, it needs your written permission first. Before turning you down because of the report, it must give you a copy and a summary of your rights (FTC).
The Federal Bonding Program
The U.S. Department of Labor's Federal Bonding Program gives an employer a free fidelity bond for the first six months of your job, from $5,000 up to $25,000. It costs you and the employer nothing. You need a job offer with a start date before a bond can be issued. Call 1-800-233-2258 to start.
Tell employers about it when you interview: it lowers their risk at no cost.
Find openings and apply with a strong resume
Capstone Careers finds openings near you every morning, writes your resume for each job from what you have really done, and fills in the application. Your resume is written from your real experience, including work and training while you were away. See how Capstone Careers works, or see openings near you.