Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
More than five years ago I incurred a criminal conviction that understandably made applying for jobs an exceptionally difficult task. It was not a dishonesty offence or anything that would be problematic for the sort of jobs I have gone for. However, when it happened I was in my first job and I was dismissed for gross misconduct as a result of my arrest. (It was nothing I did at work, but my employer considered it gross misconduct outside of work.)
Eventually I found another job. I have since been promoted with the same employer, but there are few prospects of progression and I am still on relatively low pay. My conviction is now spent and I am no longer required to disclose it unless specifically asked for spent convictions – none of the jobs I want to apply for ask that.
However, most applications ask if I have ever been dismissed or subject to disciplinary action. I feel I cannot explain my dismissal five years ago without going into the conviction, which I am not required to do. It is putting me off applying for jobs that would pay more, provide more stimulation and that I would be really good at.
I feel my options are to either lie on applications and say no to the question about dismissal, or to be honest and go into far more detail than is required. I have just completed an application and declared that I was dismissed, but am unsure how to handle it if asked about it later in the process. I am also unsure what to do with future applications.
Is there a third option I have not considered?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
