Are you getting ready to look for a job? Do you have a criminal past? If you answered yes to both of these questions, you're likely worried about the end result.

You might be thinking that it's not even worth your time to try to find a job. This is the first mistake you are making. You need a job to survive, so don't let your past get in the way. Here's how you can hunt for a job with a criminal past.

There are instances in job interviews where you need to decide whether or not to disclose an arrest and conviction from your past. There are some arrests that an employer will not see on your record because they happened out of state (such as underage drinking).

There are others that are unavoidable. Deciding whether or not to disclose this information ahead of the background check depends on the job for which you are applying and the arrest on your record.

Where there any mitigating factors? If you want to work for a car dealership and were arrested for car theft once some 30 years ago, this might not be an issue with the employer. But if you've been arrested five times for car theft, you might not land a job with a dealership.

The laws are different depending on where you are applying for a job. For instance, employers can only check the last five years of your record in some jurisdictions. Some areas seal the records of juveniles. Some areas don't even allow misdemeanors to appear on background check reports.

Does your criminal background often cause you to miss out on job opportunities? Consulting with an experienced criminal law attorney can help you understand the situation and help you move forward with your life in Colorado Springs.

Source: Monster, "Job Hunting When You Have a Criminal Past," accessed Nov. 03, 2017