If you have a criminal record and are looking for a job, then you know how daunting it can be. Hopefully, these four major tips will help you succeed:

Have the Records Sealed

The first thing is to find out if your criminal records can be sealed, and seal them if it's possible. If your records are sealed, then it's as if you never had them in the first place. That way you can comfortably tell your prospective employers that you don't have a criminal history.

If you have a history of state crime, then state laws, which vary widely, determine whether your records can be sealed. If you were charged with a federal crime, such as interstate drug trafficking, then there is a specific process you have to follow. Have your lawyer examine your criminal history and help you seal your records.

Understand the Limits of the Expungement 

Even if you manage to seal your criminal records, they will not remain sealed to everybody. Therefore, you ought to know the limits of the expungement and which parties may still access your records. Use that knowledge to avoid seeking employment from those who can still access the records, especially if your criminal history is likely to bar you from working for them.

For example, in some places, school boards tasked with hiring new teachers are allowed access to the prospective employees' criminal records. Therefore, if you have a criminal past that would bar you from getting employed as a teacher, it's best to seek alternative employment.

Ask For Help

You may still get hired even if you don't manage to seal your records. The first step here is to look for help from people or organizations that help those with criminal records. An example of such an organization is the non-profit Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). You can also hire the services of a career coach if you have the money. The career coach would help you brush up your skills for job hunting or even point you in the right direction as far as potential jobs are concerned.

Understand Your Rights

Finally, you need to understand your rights because some potential employers may not care much about your legal rights during your job search. Know what your employers can know or do about your criminal records. For example, in some states, a prospective employer is only allowed to ask about your criminal record if the records relate directly to your job. The knowledge will help you pursue legal recourse if a potential employer goes against the law.

For a criminal lawyer, contact a law firm such as Rosselli & Abramovitz, LLC.