Fair Chance Hiring · Know Your Rights
You can't be asked about your record on a job application in 37 states.
Most people with a record don't know this law exists. It was built to get you in the door first — based on your skills, not your past.
37
states + D.C. with ban-the-box laws
125+
cities with local ordinances
267M
Americans protected
15
states cover private employers
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Fair Chance Job Companion
Your step-by-step guide to landing a job when you have a record
Step 1 of 6
What "Ban the Box" actually means for you
Employers in protected states cannot ask "Have you ever been convicted?" on initial job applications. This gets you evaluated on your qualifications first — before any background check takes place. The law was designed to break the cycle of automatic rejection.
The law doesn't erase your record. It delays when employers can see it — giving you a real chance to impress them first.
Your 4 core rights
- You cannot be pre-screened out by a checkbox before an employer reads your application in protected states.
- Employers must assess you individually — the conviction must be directly job-related to be used against you.
- Expunged or sealed records often don't count. You may legally answer "no" to conviction questions if your record was expunged.
- You must be given a chance to respond before a job offer is withdrawn — typically 5–10 business days.
Find your state's protections
Cities with extra local protections
These cities have ordinances that may cover you even without a statewide law:
New York CityPhiladelphiaChicagoLos AngelesBaltimoreKansas CitySt. LouisNew OrleansLouisvilleIndianapolisAustinAtlantaMiami-DadeSeattlePortlandSan FranciscoOaklandSacramentoBuffaloRochester NYMadison WIMilwaukeeDetroitMemphisHartford CTNew Haven CTColumbus OHCleveland
Application checklist
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Look for a conviction question — in protected states it should not appear on initial applications✓
If the question appears anyway, write "will discuss" — not a lie, not a full admission✓
Verify if your record was expunged or sealed — you may legally answer "no" to conviction questions✓
Lead with skills, certifications, and achievements — make them want to meet you first✓
Target companies with "fair chance," "second chance," or "reentry employer" commitments✓
Prepare 2–3 character references — pastor, mentor, former supervisor, community leader✓
Research the company's values — find employers who genuinely support second chancesIf the question appears illegally
In a protected state and the question still appears? Use this:
"I noticed this application includes a question about criminal history. I believe under [your state] law, this inquiry may not be permitted at the application stage. I'm happy to discuss my background at the appropriate point in the hiring process."
The STAR framework for your record
A clear, honest, forward-focused answer is your strongest move. Use the AI Script tab to build your personalized version.
S
Situation
Briefly state what happened. One or two sentences. No excuses, no over-explaining.
T
Then
What consequences you faced. Be calm and factual. Own it without dwelling.
A
Action
What you've done since — education, jobs, community. This is your power.
R
Result
Who you are now. Pivot to why you're the right fit for this role today.
What employers need to hear
- Ownership, not blame. Don't point to circumstances or others — they need to trust you.
- Proof of change. Courses, jobs, certifications — concrete action speaks louder than words.
- Confidence, not shame. Calm confidence signals you've moved forward. Shame makes employers nervous.
- Brevity. Say what needs to be said, redirect to your strengths. Don't let the record dominate.
After a conditional job offer
- They must assess your specific record — automatic rejection is not allowed. The conviction must relate to the actual job duties.
- You are entitled to a copy of any background check report used against you under federal FCRA law.
- You must be given time to respond before an offer is withdrawn — typically 5–10 business days.
- Background reports frequently contain errors — wrong names, outdated records, expunged offenses. Review yours carefully.
If an offer is withdrawn — action plan
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Request a copy of the background check — you are legally entitled to one under FCRA✓
Review every detail for errors — outdated records or expunged offenses that shouldn't appear✓
Submit a written response with rehabilitation evidence and character references✓
Contact a legal aid organization if your rights were violated — many offer free help✓
Research expungement in your state — eligibility is more common than most people think✓
File a complaint with your state civil rights office if ban-the-box law was violatedFree resources
- National Employment Law Project — nelp.org — state-by-state rights guides
- Legal Aid Society — free employment help. Search "legal aid + your city."
- Clean Slate Clearinghouse — cleanslate.org — record clearing eligibility by state
- Reentry Council — state-by-state resources for people returning from incarceration
AI PoweredPersonal Interview Script Generator
Answer a few questions and get a personalized, ready-to-practice interview script written just for you.
Your personalized script
How to use your script
- Practice out loud at least 10 times. The words should feel natural, not rehearsed.
- Keep it under 90 seconds. State it, own it, pivot to your strengths.
- Make eye contact. Your calm posture tells the story as much as your words.
- Adapt it to sound like you. Change the language so it feels like your own voice.