More than 1 million drivers in the US are arrested for driving under the influence each year.
If you’ve been one of them, you may have had trouble finding work. Getting a job with a DUI on your record can be tough. However, it can be done if you approach the job hunting process the right way.
Read on to find out how a DUI affects your chances of getting work, and how to improve them.
Getting a Job with a DUI Is Possible
A DUI doesn’t have to spell the end of your career. Here’s how you can bounce back into working life after charges.
Apply for the Right Jobs
A DUI is a criminal charge in Louisiana, and there are some jobs you can’t get when you have one. This means you have to choose your applications wisely.
In certain industries, employers tend to be more strict about criminal charges like this one.
For example, if you’re applying for a position that requires driving, such as a bus driver, a delivery driver, or a truck driver, your record is likely to hold you back. This could also be the case if you’re applying for a sales position that requires you to travel to meet clients.
Employers in education and childcare are also much more careful about who they hire. In many cases, they have policies to turn down anyone with a criminal record, regardless of the nature of the offense. You’ll have much better chances if you avoid positions in these fields.
Tell Potential Employers
When it looks as though the odds are stacked against you, it can be tempting to simply lie on your CV or fail to mention your record in your interview. This is a mistake.
Employers prefer candidates who are honest, and they later find that you haven’t given them the entire truth, you’ll have no chance of landing a position.
If you ignore your DUI and let an employer find out about it themselves during a background check, they won’t have any context for the situation at all. As a result, they’ll probably assume the worst and write you off straight away.
Be Positive
It can be incredibly uncomfortable to have to address a DUI with a potential employer, but if you do it the right way, it doesn’t have to be.
When discussing it in an interview, talk about what you learned from the experience and what you’ve done to change your behavior since then. That way, you can change a blip on your record into a positive anecdote and make a better impression.
DUI Laws in Louisiana
Your chances of getting a job with a DUI may depend on whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony.
If it’s your first offense, you’re likely to be given a misdemeanor. However, if you have a number of prior convictions, the penalties will be more severe. This will make your job search much more difficult.
To find out more, read our post on Louisiana DWI penalties.
