Anyone that has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime in Canada and the United States is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to gaining and keeping a job. A person's criminal record is readily available to the general public and can be easily accessed by anyone that wishes to check it, including current and potential employers. In today's computer age, all it takes is the click of a computer mouse to access a wide variety of information on any individual, including details of their criminal record history.

It is standard procedure for many employers to conduct criminal record checks on all job applicants before hiring. It stands to reason that a prospective employee with a criminal record has less chance of being hired than a comparable candidate without a criminal past. Many employers would be hesitant to hire a candidate when it was revealed that he had a criminal record. Even if the charges on record are viewed as minor, they may cause employers to question the prospective employee's character, as well as their honesty and judgement. In many professions, possessing a criminal record would all but eliminate any chance of being hired. Some jobs require that employees be bonded; however, bonding companies are cautious when insuring a person with a criminal record and typically charge employers more-often more than the employer is willing to spend.

Fortunately, it is possible, in most cases, to have a Canadian criminal record removed with a pardon. A criminal pardon will ensure that all of a person's criminal records and charges are separated from other personal records and rendered inaccessible to individuals and organizations such as employers, educational institutions, volunteer organizations, and bonding companies; in essence, it is sealing the criminal record. In addition, anyone who has been convicted under Canadian law can apply to the Canadian government for a pardon once their sentence is completed and a certain period of time has passed.

There are many advantages in obtaining a criminal record pardon, especially for those seeking employment or career advancement. The Canadian Human Rights Act protects individuals who have received pardons from discrimination, particularly from employers and landlords. The Criminal Record Act eliminates the need for employees to reveal pardoned convictions on government employment forms. By using the professional services of a firm that specializes in obtaining pardons, the complicated pardon process can be completed in as little as 8 months.

Competition in today's job market is tough, and employers are more meticulous and discriminating in the selection process than ever before. They have ready access to all types of data when researching the backgrounds of potential employees. Having a criminal record puts a prospective employee at a crippling disadvantage. For individual's seeking employment, obtaining a criminal pardon can do more to improve their employability and career prospects than anything else they might do. For employees who live with the constant fear that at anytime their undisclosed criminal record could be revealed to their employer, causing embarrassment and wreaking havoc on their careers, obtaining a criminal pardon could offer peace of mind. A Canadian criminal pardon levels the playing field for those with criminal pasts, enabling them to find success and security.