Criminal History – Do Potential Employers Need to Know? [POLL]

Do you think you should be asked about your criminal history on a job application? Those who don’t, are planning a rally on the steps of the state house.   

The New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act would effectively “ban the box” on a job application asking if the applicant has a criminal history.  Wouldn’t you want to know that if you were hiring someone? Wouldn’t you want your boss to know that up front before your past comes back to haunt you?

When you hire someone, you have to think about the safety of the other employees on your staff as well.

Advocates say studies show evidence of businesses that toss out applications immediately when they see someone marked yes. Couldn’t that be cleared up in the job interview? Doesn’t the employer get to make a decision based on ALL the facts about the applicant?

The measure would still allow employers to ask about a person's criminal history, but only once a conditional offer is made. That could be too little too late.

Proponents and some state lawmakers say the bill gives people a chance to show employers their skills before being written off for their past.

What do you think? Take our poll below and let us know your opinion.