Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol is serious. If you are convicted of such a crime, it can have a negative impact on many aspects of your life, including the job search process. The reason for this is simple: most companies run background checks to learn more about each applicant.

There is a big difference between being arrested for driving under the influence and being convicted. Generally speaking, an arrest will not have any impact on your job search. A conviction, on the other hand, could stop a company from hiring you.

Here is something to remember: some employers are more sensitive to DUI convictions than others. For example, if you plan to work as a teacher or somebody who drives for a living, such as a trucker, you may find it difficult to land a position.

You should also consider the fact that a DUI conviction could lead to a license suspension. Not only can this make it difficult to apply for a job, but it could impact your current employment.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should realize that you have yet to be convicted. Your goal is to minimize the impact of the arrest, so that it lessens the chance that it will hold you back from obtaining or keeping your job.

There are many DUI defense strategies that have been proven effective. The approach you take in court could be the difference between a conviction that impacts your job prospects and wiggling out of this situation without much damage.

Source: The Houston Chronicle, "Can a DUI Prevent You From Getting a Job?," accessed July 30, 2015