Shoplifting

A year ago I was arrested for shoplifting in Illinois - it was the worst decision of my life and something that I will regret forever. I finally had the arrest expunged a month ago and now I am applying for jobs. I got my criminal file from the county and the arrest doesn't show [so everything was successfully expunged]. However, I am now applying to fortune 500 companies and am so scared that they will still find the arrest with extensive background checks or through third party firms.... even though I can legally say I was not arrested or convicted, should I just be honest and tell HR? How likely will they find it if I don't tell them ? I don't know what I should do...I am riddled with guilt and scared beyond belief. I would appreciate any advice, I have not slept for days ... this is going to haunt me forever.

People make bad choices. You made a bad choice. One bad choice does not necessarily have to haunt you forever. 

Full disclosure is always the best policy. Your record was expunged but you hit the nail right on the head when you mentioned third party firms. Background checks can be extensive and organizations do not rely on a sole source of information. Information is gathered from third party firms, employers, references, etc. If anyone but you knows about your shoplifting, HR is bound to find out about it too.

Bottom line for me as the average HR Manager, tell me about it. What did you do, how old where you, why did you do it, and what did you learn from it? Is your record clean otherwise? Can you honestly ensure me that it will never happen again? I can be much more open and willing to consider and weigh than if you attempt to hide. It goes to integrity and honesty. Shoplifting I can get past; dishonestly I cannot.

Good luck to you.
 

Comments

[HRagitator]

In most cases, I would agree with the advice you've given here, but I'm not sure it applies to this individual. Of course this is a matter of personal opinion, but you're suggesting that she or he is not being honest if they don't tell you about every detail of their past. They are not lying if they don't tell you, and they're not required by law to disclose something that's been expunged. They're not hiding anything.

If they have been expunged of their crimes, then their debt to society has been paid. Why do they owe you an explanation for their past indiscrections? HR should not be the confession booth of business.

It is already a major issue in our society for criminals leaving jail and prison and having a very difficult time gaining employment because of their past. If we extend this to people who have committed minor crimes, served their debt, and been expunged of it, how will we ever expect them to break the cycle of crime in their lifes?

[Jackie Cameron]

I think the point in this case is that the writer is "riddled with guilt and scared beyond belief" and quite frankly that is going to take its toll. I agree with HRagitator in that the penalty has been paid but I don't think the writer believes that. I would advise the writer to think about how they intend to go forward in life generally with this dirty black cloud hanging over them and if they want to move on positively then only they know what they have to do. If that involves "confessing" and it impacts on the ability to get a job then that might be the price. However, I expect that many people who have read this post will appreciate the honesty - and candour about the impact it has had on the writer, Good luck.

[Lisa Rosendahl]

HRagitator and Jackie, wonderful comments and great perspectives. You both have made me stop and think and that is what I love, and appreciate, so much about blogging as a learning tool.