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How to Handle a DUI in Your Job Search

December 18, 2008 RSS Feed Print

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Suzanne Lucas

I had a misdemeanor DUI 10 years ago and have not had any tickets since then. I was recently laid off from my Hotel Security Director job after 10 years with the same company. I have an interview with another company for the same position and checked ye s to the question of have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Do you think this will limit my chances of getting the job?

I am pleased as punch that you checked yes on this question. Many people would have checked no, assuming it was so long ago that no one would find out about it. While that's possible, companies run background checks on people and it's unlikely. (And companies should run background checks. It's inexcusable not to.) Better to admit your faults up front. If you checked no and then they ran the background check, I can guarantee you wouldn't get the job.

Now, will this limit your chances of getting the job? I'd love to say that it wouldn't, but there is a small chance it might. If you've been clean (and please tell me you haven't driven while impaired again—not that you just haven't been caught) for 10 years, I doubt anyone would care.

Reality is, though, that there are a million reasons not to hire any specific person. No one is going to say, "You had a DUI 10 years ago, so no job for you!" They are just going to say, "We found a better fit."

You did the right thing in disclosing. You also learned your lesson and haven't repeated the offense. (For all the others out there who are contemplating making poor choices, perhaps you should contemplate more. Consequences can follow you forever. As I like to tell my Sunday school class, the Lord may forgive and forget your sins, but your neighbors—and the courts—will always remember.)

Look into getting your conviction expunged from your record. It's possible to do in some states. Good luck with the job hunt, and keep being honest. Your record of solid employment and no repeat offenses should make you a strong candidate.

Suzanne Lucas has nine years of h uman r esources experience, most of which has been in a Fortune 500-company setting. She holds a p rofessional in h uman r esources c ertificate from the Society for Human Resource Management. She blogs at Evil HR Lady.

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I have also gotten a DUI almost three years ago, I was in a terrible abusive relationship. Since I got it I left him, and ditched most of my friends who were bad influences to me. I almost never drink anymore, and if I do it's one drink at home or with family if someone else is driving at that's about 3 times a year. I learned my lesson between the money paid, the classes, and the embarresment of it. I learned a lot. I feel like getting my DUI was one of the best things that happened to me, I was only mildly injured and no one's else was harmed. I got out easy, no jail time, and only had probation. If what happened wouldn't have happened, I could be still being an idiot, and possibly hurt or killed someone, and I couldn't live with myself in that case. Now I'm almost a college graduate, I am surrounded by love and happiness, and great people. I wont hang out with people or date people who consider drinking a hobby. Maybe it makes me look like a nerd, but like I said I learned my lesson big time! If you have even one DUI, you need to take a look at your life. Sometimes you don't realize what's really going on that you need to feel a need to drink and drive. There is so much more to life than partying, and if you can't find a ride home from a part, than don't go to the party. Go outside and breath in the fresh air, go for a run, go to school and get an education. No excuses, I was at the bottom, and now I'm on top. Two years ago, people said I was a failure throwing my life away, and amounting to nothing. Now people can't even remember the old me. I read a lot of these things because I'm in the process of looking for a job, and I hear people saying if you get a DUI you're an idiot, or irresponsible, or whatnot. This is false. I am extremely mature and responsible. Two years ago was a different story. We all screw up, it's human nature and a part of growing up. Sometimes people who make mistakes and learn from them are the most amazing people because the've seen both sides. All I can say is if you have one or more DUI's you need to STOP. Just stop, if you're an alcoholic go to meetings, get help! Do what you have to do, because as soon as you see the bigger picture and realize how beautiful life is without substance you will never want to go back. I realize myself that the mistake I made almost 3 years ago is going to follow me for several years, but I also know that I'm an amazing person, and I am just as good as those without a DUI if not better, so I'm going to do what it takes until I get my dream job, even with my past following me around. I just hope you guys reading this can also keep hope, and seriously just STOP drinking. It took me years to realize that drinking was destroying me, but there are so many people who will help you, so many online support groups that are free and full of people struggling as well!!

K of MO 12:48PM March 29, 2013

I am an alcoholic that has had 3 dui's in my life (all misdemeanors, if it matters with that many). I lost my last job because of the dui. I have now been unemployed for over a year. My finances are dwindling to almost nothing. I have interviewed but each employer seems to want to take advantage of my past and make me the worst and lowest possible offer i.e. an entry level person would make more. I understand I got a dui but it was not in any way related to jobs or during work and it seems harsh and unfair for employers to low-ball things. It is not like my experience went away or I did not pay for the offense. I have this to say, dui's ruin lives and given this job market, even a blemish on your record make success almost futile. I continue to look for work but I am not optimistic in the least. As far as drinking, I have stopped but this stress and the situation really makes me want to go back. Candidly, I would have shot myself instead of going through this but that would be sad to my family. I have seen people get released from prison with a better chance of getting a job than a person with a dui. Sigh.

Hopeless of CA 6:06PM March 12, 2013

Less than two years ago, I was arrested for DWI when I was 18. Since then, I turned my life around, and I've been sober since. Being a woman with a DUI on my record, I feel like its taboo or something. A DUI is a Man's mistake; NOT something a young woman is supposedly found guilty for. And, speaking on behalf of my self, nowhere near something an extremely bright, attractive, polite, and well-spoken young woman is found guilty of committing. Im humiliated with myself and my actions every time I begin to remember the incident. Combine that with the severe, debilitating anxiety I have suffered with most of my life. And you may get an idea of how embarrassed of myself I am. I suffer with this everyday, but your article made me feel like I can be strong and answer the questions on the job application with dignity and truth. Thank you for helping me believe in myself.

Claire of MA 5:38PM February 26, 2013