Having A Criminal Record

If you're looking for a job, a criminal record can limit your chances of getting hired.

- Vincent Phahlane

HAVING a criminal record can destroy your chances of getting employed if you don't have a job. You could also miss out on a lot of opportunities in other areas of your life. From the job application process right through to the final interview stages, landing a job will not be a walk in the park as employers are cautious about who they hire.

WHAT IS A CRIMINAL RECORD?

A criminal record is a record of your criminal history and is used by potential employers, lenders and others to assess your trustworthiness.

The information included in a criminal record varies between countries and even between authorities in a country.

In most cases, it lists all criminal offences and may also include traffic offences such as speeding and drunk driving.

In some countries, the record is limited to actual convictions where the individual has pleaded guilty or was found guilty by the court.

In other countries, it also includes arrests, charges dismissed, charges pending and charges of which an individual has been acquitted.

SAPS’ Captain Thinandavha Lufhugu adds that a criminal record is the formal record of offences that you’ve been convicted of whether you’ve pleaded guilty or been found guilty. If you have been found not guilty, it will not reflect on your record.