Good Idea to Disclose Criminal Background and Stipulations on Cover letter??

[lashuna1028]

I know its quite odd to do such because I am trying to sell myself on a cover letter but I was advised to just be upfront and disclose it which also gives the opportunity to sell regardless of the blemish. My background and the stipulations placed is due to the domestic violence relationship I was in. Does anyone else think this is a good idea? At least I'll know if I am interviewed after disclosing it wont be that I didn't get the job because of it, or else I wouldn't have gotten the interview anyway.

They're going to find out anyway and it's so much easier for me to write about it then to talk about it in an interview.

Any other advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

With the number of appliants for every job there is, I wouldn't put that information in a cover letter. You never know how they will react and you never know who will have access to the information.A cover letter is supposed to let them know why you would be a good fit for the job. It's not the place to explain anything about your legal issues.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

No. Sell yourself in person -- give them every reason to hire you before you detail the negative.

[foreverLaur]

I agree. Sell yourself for the job. If you are offered a job, then disclose, as those are usually contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Then let them know what is going to show up and explain. It's much easier to explain verbally, than in writing. Don't give them ANY reason to pass over you and on to the next person.

[Pick01]

I wouldn't put it on your cover letter or resume'. It will ask you if you have ever been arrested on the application. They will ask you for the backround during the interview if they're interested in knowing. The intent of cover letter and resume' are to sell yourself, as previously mentioned. Hope this helps.

[Merlyn]

Wait until the question comes up on the application. Then you can tell them in person.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I agree. This is not something the employer needs to know until they ask on the form. I know they will have to find out anyway, and it's not necessarily a deal-killer if they like you and decide to offer you the job...but mentioning it early may cause some recruiters to pass over your application without giving you a chance.

Best of luck in the job hunt!

[lashuna1028]

Ok, thanks for the advice, now I just need to come up with a speech to present the information without being too detailed about it