Topic: Would you hire someone who had stable work history, great references, and a felony* from 25 years ago?

Just a general question:
With the shortage of good maintenance guys, would you hire someone who had stable work history, great references, and a felony* from 25 years ago? We wouldn’t hesitate to hire him, we look back about 5-7 years, but I wondered how far back other companies check.

*It was a drug charge back when he was a kid.

I would totally hire him

Yes! It's a shame that getting a felony basically ruins your entire life. So many people make mistakes!

Yes

Absolutely!!!

100%. I hired some fresh out of prison once and he was one of the best hires I ever had.

Hell yeah

Yep, some of my best contractors have been felons. Their trying to get their lives back and the system makes it hard

Well. I guess you have you answer. Oh. Me? Yes.

Wouldn't hire a rapist, murderer (would have a small gap for forgiveness depending on circumstances) or child molester. Off the top of my head, those are the only three deal breaker felonies. A little grand theft, hijacking, embezzlement and drug dealing can be forgiven.

HIRE!

Absolutely

***By the way, this is a former employee. They were with us for 8 years, but their property sold and we didn't have a place to move them. I won't name the company that won't look past his background from 25 years ago.

If he (or she) has positive work history since, I’d hire them.

and passes a drug test 

I would too.Did his time and came out better

Absolutely hire him!!

Always look at the individual I had a maintenance tech that was a great kid and good work ethic, when the property went into receivership and given to new management company. They had a severe list of things that people needed to be hired, This young man was worth the change in protocol he applied to another company and I wrote a letter of recommendation and he got the job and has been promoted to a maintenance supervisor.

Would totally consider him. We only go back 7 years as well. If there isnt anything else in 25 years, chances are it was just a stupid mistake and nothing that should be held against them forever.

No hesitation

Hire him. Without work keeping him busy he'd likely fall back into the pit of Hell. Good self-esteem and a good work ethic keeps people out of trouble. We all deserve second chances.

I once hired a guy with a murder conviction from labor ready. One of the best employees I ever had

Shortage or not I’d give him a chance. There’s a reason recidivism is high... and it’s not because once you paid your debt to society you get a second chance.
I think we’ve all committed felonies at some point in our lives. I have many times over. I was lucky enough to not get caught and moved on to a better life. Not bragging, but I’m the best, hardest working snd most polite person I ever met. It would be a damn shame if I never had the opportunity to improve every property I’ve ever worked at because of a past mistake.

Yes. In a heartbeat. We participate in restorative justice where we have given ex felons apts. vehicles and money advances to buy tools. The state of Virginia gives them a liability insurance policy. All on deferred pay. Before u participate in restorative justice, please meet up with PO and the employment councilor to follow some strict rules and policies. We have had couple go onto start successful businesses and some end back in

Yes if everything else checked out absolutely.

He would have the cleanest record of most contractors we have used.

25 years ago? Hmmm it all depends but probably yes unless he or she is a registered sex offender and had to deal with kids. nope no hire.

To protect your company from being sued for negligence should an employee with a record do something, you should go back 10 years for misdemeanors and 20 years for felonies.

Yes...25 years ago...I would have not hired my own self..people change

Absolutely would consider based on experience!

Why is this even a question? Of course you should.

I recently did hire someone. The person was paranoid about security cameras on our properties.

In a heart beat.... 

Given the caliber of the work force out here, a man that comes to work everyday is priceless. If a guy can keep his cellphone in his pocket I'll hire him.

Hello, 

Yes, I would hire this person. It was a drug charge 25 years ago. People change and being stable for 25 years is a good indication that the lesson was learned.