I have a background. Its difficult to navigate the job market.I have an eleven year old son I desperately need to make more money.

How long do you think an individual should be penalized for having a criminal background?Indefinitely or 5 -7 years?

After serving 13 years in prison, i was released on October 31, 2016. My last job was with Olympic Auto Parts where i was a counter person for 4 years ( 05/1999 - 06/2003 ) In the past 2 months I've applied to at least 50 companies with no reply. I understand that employers are going to be apprehensive about hiring me, but i desperately need to work.
I have experience in auto repair, carpentry, and warehouse work. I'm loyal, committed, punctual, and eager to work. If given the opportunity i'd be a great asset to any employer and would do the best i can do

I had an interview there do my background check and came back with I was not eligible for hire because of petty theft but yet they hired a guy who had a grand theft on his record..What sense does that make?? Wby did they do that?

Looking for a job, but my background is not clean. I have a record. Can this site still help me find a job?

In my life travels; like many I've made my share of mistakes. The one obstacle that has me tied up is this paying your debt to society (I.e.) having a background . I understand the process of the background checks. But what it's exactly passing a background check? Not having one at all? Is that not discrimination?What I don't understand is; how is it possible to have paid your debt to society and hit the ground running gaining a substantial amount of work experience and still be judged by your past. I recently begun the process of seeking better opportunities and benefits other than just making money and once again my background is an issue opposed to whether or not I can be successful at the position I'm seeking even when I'm qualified. In my opinion a piece of paper doesn't give a true insight of who a person really is and if they're worthy of an opportunity. I'm open to opinions. I feel people deserve a second Chance, and the opportunity to flourish if they have the drive and work ethic and the will. Someone please feel free to chime in.

how long does stay on my record i been looking for a job and noone will hire me it was an honest mistake and im paying for it everyday i appyied at walmart now im wondering if i got the job

What impact or if any does this "Misdemeanor 7 year " rule play on a theft conviction 10 years ago. I was a cashier at a department store and an acquaintance came through my line and as I checked her out she put unpaid merchandise in her bag. When approached, she told security I knew her and they accused and charged me of the crime as well. Unfortunately, without knowing the law, having an appointed attorney and never being arrested I did what the attorney told me to do, I pled guilty even though I was only guilty of being at the register and being associated with the person who stole merchandise. I'm sure this shows up on my background report. Any suggestions on how to handle when explaining situation to a potential employer.