Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

You will encounter this question in just about every application you fill out whether it be for employment, school, finances, or housing. ANSWER TRUTHFULLY. Remember that these applications may serve as legal documents and not being truthful can lead to criminal charges.

For employment purposes, a letter of explanation will provide a potential employer with a clear understanding of your circumstances. Remember, your focus is on the future and not the past. A letter of explanation is two to three paragraphs in length that explains your past, present, and future.

Tips

• Provide a brief description without going into great detail or glorifying the incident
• Explain what you have done to correct the behavior (i.e. treatment, class, training)
• Emphasize why you are a different person today
• Establish where you would like to be and how this opportunity would benefit you and the prospective employer
• Consult with a Workforce Development Specialist to proofread your letter for format and, more importantly, content to confirm that your message is being delivered in a positive light

Click here for examples.