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Alice P.
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« on: May 04, 2010, 05:08:35 pm » |
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We have a position open and had a very good candidate interview that was likeable and had excellent qualifications. The one issue is there was a violent crime 22 years ago and 16 years of incarceration. This person seems rehabilitated, states doesn't do drugs, hasn't drank in 20 years. I am in the lets give it a try camp, a peer who is also involved with the interview process is in the no, just because of the past. There have been no known incidents since the first crime, which happened at a young age, and very drunk and stupid at the time (was 21 years old).
Would you give this person a chance or say no simply because of the past?
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msmarieh
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« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2010, 05:33:12 pm » |
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For myself, it would depend on a number of factors. For instance, I wouldn't hire someone who had embezzled to work in accounting.
For a crime committed at age 21 and that much time spent in prison? I'd be inclined to give them a chance, if there had been no further evidence of ill behavior. However, I would certainly start it on a trial basis and I would contact as many individuals as possible to verify his status (parole officer? warden? review board? ).
I do believe in giving second chances when there appears to be remorse and they have paid their "debt" to society. But I also believe you should be cautious in proceeding and a violent crime is certainly an EXCELLENT reason to be cautious.
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gee4
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« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2010, 06:57:32 pm » |
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Personally it's not for me to hire or fire anyone, that would be up to the HR department. However if you are the HR department, I would say you have a very tough decision on your hands.
As Marie says, it would depend on a number of factors and if this person has a violent past you have to consider that it could erupt again at any time. If you do decide to hire this individual, I suggest 6 months probation which is the norm for any new start that I know of.
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mlm668
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« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2010, 08:16:29 pm » |
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I would give them a chance regardless of their crime. They have been out for at least 5 years with no "relapse" which means they have probably completed there sentence as set forth by the courts. If they can pass a drug test, your company doesn't have a specific requirement against hiring those convicted of felonies and they have good refereneces (including their probation officer), then they deserve a chance to rebuild their life.
Be positive, this person has been upfront and honest about their past. If we simply wrote off everyone who ever committed a crime as a bad choice, we'd have much higher unemployement and as a result crime rates than we currently do.
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rose.winter1980
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« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2010, 04:49:32 pm » |
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I am involved in interviewing candidates for posts. My take on this is: everyone deserves a second (and third and fourth) chance. In the case of someone who has committed a crime, then it all rather depends on the crime and the risks in the job on offer.
I think that equality and fairness are important. In the case of jobs in the United Kingdom, we have a process by which former crimes are considered "spent" (over and done with) in certain circumstances. In other circumstances, where for example the former criminal will come into contact with vulnerable adults and children, some crimes may never be considered to be "spent". Taking this into account, the key thing is this: is THIS person the best for the job?
Yes, I would recruit a rehabilitated criminal to a job if they were the best candidate, but it would depend on the circumstances.
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officepa
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« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2010, 12:33:34 pm » |
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Alice - are you still out there?  What was decided in the end - was your candidate given a chance? |
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Alice P.
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« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2010, 05:51:16 pm » |
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Yup, this individual was hired and is doing very well. Fun personality, good worker and just a nice person. It worked out well by looking at the abilities and personality of today not the mistakes of ones past.
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msmarieh
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« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2010, 09:36:54 pm » |
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Yup, this individual was hired and is doing very well. Fun personality, good worker and just a nice person. It worked out well by looking at the abilities and personality of today not the mistakes of ones past.
I am so happy to hear that. I hope all continues to work out well... What a heartwarming story. |
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officepa
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« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2010, 08:59:21 am » |
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Fantastic - great to hear something positive Good luck to the chap concerned and well done to the company for giving him a chance. |
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