u/Theblackroze wrote (the comment Michael replied to):
I don’t have a clean record. So is pursuing a SWE job a dead end? I have a misdemeanor from over 10 years ago. But I also did my time in the military and received a TS clearance during my time and that was AFTER receiving a misdemeanor on my record. Currently still hold a TS cle
u/michaelnovati replied · ★ FEATURED
Depends on the misdemeanor but if it shows up on background checks it could be a problem yeah. You can try a few paths. One is freelancing and contracting. The other is try to find programs for people with records that are kind of like apprenticeship-type programs and have partners who are willing to hire.
It really depends on the conviction though and what you did since then. For example, was it a drug related crime that you had rehab for and have long since forgotten. Was it something related to your life circumstances that you have since received counseling for? Was it as DUI and you have been volunteering for years to rectify your wrongs? All of those things matter and can make a difference.
But it's definitely an uphill battle as some companies might just pull back offers without asking questions. You don't HAVE to legally but if the above apply, you can try disclosing EARLY in the process and all of the things you have done since.
Oh and the farther in the past the better.