Getting a Job with a Criminal Record in California

Employment After Incarceration: The Reality

Finding a job with a criminal record is one of the most significant challenges facing people in recovery and re-entry. Research shows that employment is one of the strongest protective factors against both relapse and recidivism — yet the barriers to employment for people with criminal records remain substantial.

The good news is that California has some of the strongest fair chance employment laws in the nation. Understanding these protections, knowing which industries are most accessible, and approaching the job search strategically can make a real difference.

California's Fair Chance Laws

Ban the Box (AB 1008 / Fair Chance Act)

California's Fair Chance Act, which took effect in 2018, prohibits employers with five or more employees from:

• Asking about criminal history on a job application — no checkbox asking "Have you been convicted of a crime?"
• Inquiring about criminal history before a conditional job offer — the employer must evaluate your qualifications first
• Using criminal history as an automatic disqualifier — even after a conditional offer, the employer must conduct an individualized assessment

After a conditional offer, if the employer wants to consider your criminal history, they must:

1. Conduct an individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job
2. Provide written notice if they intend to rescind the offer based on criminal history
3. Give you at least 5 business days to respond with additional information
4. Consider any additional information before making a final decision

Expungement and Record Relief

California has expanded record relief options significantly:

• Expungement (PC 1203.4) — allows dismissal of certain convictions after completing probation
• Certificate of Rehabilitation — demonstrates rehabilitation for people who served prison time
• Automatic record relief (AB 1076) — eligible convictions are automatically cleared after certain conditions are met
• Proposition 47 — allows reclassification of certain felonies to misdemeanors

If you have not explored record relief options, consult a legal aid organization. Having convictions reduced or expunged can make a meaningful difference in employment.

Additional Protections

• Employers cannot consider arrests that did not result in conviction
• Employers cannot consider marijuana-related convictions that have been expunged or sealed
• Government employers have additional restrictions on using criminal history

Industries That Hire People With Records

While some industries remain difficult to enter with a criminal record (healthcare, education, childcare, financial services), many others are accessible and offer real career paths:

Logistics and Warehousing

The Inland Empire is one of the largest logistics hubs in the nation. Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and dozens of distribution centers in the Ontario/Fontana/Riverside corridor regularly hire people with criminal records. These jobs often pay $18-$25+/hour and may offer benefits.

Construction and Skilled Trades

The construction industry has a long history of providing opportunities to people with records. Laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers — demand for skilled workers remains high. Union apprenticeship programs may also be available.

Food Service and Hospitality

Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies frequently hire people with records. While many positions start at entry level, advancement into management and higher-paying roles is possible with reliability and skill development.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities in the IE hire for production, assembly, machine operation, and quality control positions. Many are willing to consider applicants with criminal records.

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance

Landscaping companies often hire people with records and can provide flexible schedules. With experience, you can eventually start your own business.

Transportation

After meeting certain requirements (and depending on the nature of your record), driving jobs — delivery, rideshare, long-haul trucking — can provide good income. CDL training programs are available in the IE.

Entrepreneurship

Self-employment is always an option that does not require passing a background check. Services like pressure washing, moving, cleaning, handyman work, and auto detailing can be started with minimal capital.

Resume Tips for People With Records

Your resume should focus on what you can offer an employer — skills, reliability, and willingness to work hard:

Focus on Skills and Strengths

• Highlight any skills, training, or certifications — including those earned during incarceration
• Emphasize soft skills: reliability, teamwork, problem-solving, physical fitness
• Include volunteer work, community service, or recovery-related activities

Address Employment Gaps Strategically

• You do not need to explain gaps on your resume — many people have them for various reasons
• If asked in an interview, be honest but brief: "I went through a difficult period and have since committed to rebuilding my life."
• Focus the conversation on what you bring to the role and your commitment to showing up every day

Use a Functional Resume Format

Instead of a chronological format that highlights gaps, use a functional format that organizes your resume by skills and abilities rather than dates.

Get Help

Workforce development centers, reentry programs, and community organizations often offer free resume help. Do not try to do this alone — professional guidance can make your resume significantly more effective.

Job Search Resources in Riverside County

Several organizations and programs in the Riverside area specifically support people with criminal records seeking employment:

• Riverside County Workforce Development Center — job search assistance, training, and placement
• Goodwill Industries of the Inland Empire — employment services, job training, and career coaching
• America Works — specializes in placing people with barriers to employment
• California Department of Rehabilitation — services for people with disabilities (including substance use disorders)
• Local reentry programs — check with your probation officer or call 211 for current programs

For a broader list of resources, visit our resources page.

The Interview: Being Honest and Strategic

If you make it to the interview stage — and with California's fair chance laws, you should — here is how to handle questions about your record:

Be Honest

Employers can verify criminal history. If you lie and they find out, you will lose the job. Honesty builds trust.

Be Brief

You do not owe a detailed story. A concise statement is effective: "I made mistakes in my past. I have taken responsibility, completed my obligations, and am now focused on building a stable, productive life."

Redirect to the Positive

After acknowledging your past, redirect: "What I can tell you is that I am reliable, I am motivated, and I will show up and work hard every day. I want to prove myself."

Bring Documentation

If you have completed any programs — treatment, education, vocational training, certificates — bring documentation. It demonstrates initiative and commitment to change.

The Connection Between Employment and Recovery

Employment is not just about money — though financial stability matters enormously. Work provides:

• Structure — a schedule that fills your day with purpose
• Identity — you are more than your past; work helps you define your future
• Social connection — coworkers become part of your support network
• Self-esteem — earning a paycheck and contributing to society rebuilds confidence
• Financial independence — the ability to support yourself and eventually transition to independent living

At Rooted Co-Living, we support guests in pursuing employment during their sober living stay. Our structured environment provides the stability you need to show up to work consistently and build a track record of reliability.

You Can Do This

The job search with a criminal record is not easy. It requires persistence, thick skin, and a willingness to start somewhere — even if it is not your dream job. But people do it every day. California's laws are on your side more than most states. The Inland Empire has industries that hire.

Start with one application. Then another. Show up to every interview. Be honest about your past and passionate about your future. The right employer is out there.

If you need stable housing while you rebuild your career, Rooted Co-Living provides affordable, structured sober living in Corona, CA — right in the heart of the Inland Empire's job market.

Apply today or call (949) 565-5285.