I work with many people with criminal records, who for whatever reason committed a crime in the past and are now ready to start over making a new career.

The problem is that when employers hear “criminal records,” they often stereotype this person without even knowing them.

This article will help you overcome that little problem by helping you write the perfect cover letter that explains your convictions. Suppose you heard that someone had a criminal record for indecent exposure, what would you think of this applicant? Most people wouldn’t even bother to interview a person, but the truth is, you can have an indecent exposure record for being caught urinating on a tree after a night of drinking. I’m not saying that urinating on a tree while drunk isn’t a criminal offense or that urinating outside is okay, but there is a difference between this offense and, say, flashing yourself. And that’s why you need to explain the circumstances of the situation we even offer offensive as I have met people who have been forced to commit a crime it may seem easy to say “no” while reading this article but with a threat of having the broken arms can persuade the best of us to commit crime.

1. First start by recording “Dear Mr. X” and record which position you are applying for as you do with all cover letters. this shows that you are professional and that you have put a lot of effort into your application.

2. Highlight your key skills, experiences, and qualifications: sell, sell, sell. In most cases, you’ll write a short statement highlighting your key career or educational achievements or bullet points of your career success.

3. Add a second paragraph that highlights more selling points, like any cover letter you need to highlight the “value” you can bring to the organization. At this point, the employer will be eager to meet you as you meet and exceed the essential criteria of the job.

4. At this point the employer likes what you have read as you have matched your selling point with their criteria so now you can add a section explaining due to past circumstances that you committed a crime and that these convictions now they are spent. And the hardships that originally encouraged you to commit a crime no longer apply and you have learned from your past. At this point, keep the paragraph short and talk more about how you have changed or learned from these past experiences to become a better person and employee.

5. Add a section describing why you want to work for that particular organization and again, where appropriate, add more selling points about yourself. This is a must and most job seekers don’t do it because it takes too long; fool them more, because if you spend time on your application, you will get more job interviews.

6. Finally, end with a line confirming that you are available for an interview at a time convenient to the employer, and end with “Sincerely.”

So, like all cover letters, highlight your strengths, when you’ve hooked the employer, briefly discuss your convictions, describe how past circumstances led to the crime, and how you learned from this experience.

One final note: You’d be surprised at how many employers also have a worn record, meaning they’ll understand where you’re coming from and hopefully offer you a job interview. Remember that the key to winning job offers is the ability to sell trust.

Since many employers depend on your career choice, if you have a “spent” conviction, you are not required to disclose this information. Generally, when working with vulnerable people, you must disclose past and current convictions.