How to Handle a DUI in Your Job Search

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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

i have a dwi the lawyer prolonged the case for two yrs i have been trying to get employment with hvac co. or project managment co. just dont know how to get ahead can anyone help

kenya of NY 11:08AM January 26, 2013

dui is really just a glorified traffic ticket. Dui is responsible for 2 percent of deaths/ accidents.Ninety eight percent of fatalities are caused by cell phones ,inattentive driving and speeding.The people who should be punished more severly are these. The dui person is scapegoated. The reason is obvious to any one not blinded by emotion and brainwashing,that being alcohol. The author of this article is judgemental and discrimatory ,despite Sunday school lessons she has not applied. This hard to get a job because of DUI is wrong and the author helps perpetuate this discrimination after already punished. |The lesson here is, do whatever it takes to get a job, you may have drove after drinking but you were already punished for it.

Randall of CA 11:24PM January 15, 2013

I have a 32 year old nephew that has no career skills (to speak of) or training. Currently he works as a desk clerk and has had that position for 6 years. In 2011 he was issued a citation for DWI in the state of Texas, They have already suspended his DL for 90 day's. the final disposition of the case has yet to be determined. For the last 12 years he has showed nothing other than Thoughts of what he wants to be. Career selection has been nothing more than a thought, now with a DWI charge ever present. How do you begain a career search with that hanging over ones head. What kind of help can we as a family offer him? he is not very motivated for anything, doesn't or won't listen to quality and actionable advice. What are your thoughts and advise Ecil HR Lady?

Terry Hamman of CO 1:21PM July 02, 2012

well i had a dui this past year. I get my liscense back in the summer. do you have any suggestions for me on searhing for a job? I have had ten years of medical equipment experience.

John of TN 6:30PM May 31, 2012

You don't even have to violate a law to be forced into exile from the job market.
All you have to do is collect disability benefits - ever. I got myself tangled up in that when I was a teenager.
When people do that and then later find themselves in possession of a marketable skill, businesses desire never to see them or hear from them if they should mention a desire to be employed.
Does Suzanne know how to deal with this one? You cannot put this data onto your application as a way to sell yourself. You cannot just pass it off as an honest answer to a question! Questions pertaining to a "history of a disability" will never be asked. Instead, you will be asked "Where have you been for all of those years?" when you are interviewed.
I would personally like one-off answers about whether my past would preclude an employment possibility with each business. But unlike asking the question in reference to a criminal record, it is foolish to ask it in reference to disabilities. The answer is always "We are an equal opportunity employer".
I still want a forthright answer though. I do not even want to set myself up for the hassle and disillusionment of interviewing with people whose bias will prevent them from hiring me.

Kevin of MA 9:59PM September 21, 2010

it's sad that you can not make one mistake in this country without being severely punished. I had a dui and will never drive drunk again, but will never find a job again! And what is complete BS is that people interviewing you have all done it and just didn't get caught!!

bboyj of WI 11:53PM September 01, 2010

what if the application doesn't have any questions pertaining to a dui offense? I'm applying for a banking position but all the questions are a misdemeanor or felony. A dui is not considered a misdemeanor it's considered a driving violation and since I won't be driving for them I shouldn't mention it since it's probably irrelevant. Any thoughts?

Surfguy1 of NJ 12:57PM July 05, 2010