What they really want to know
Honesty, that you've moved on, and that you're no risk in this job. Many employers hire people with convictions.
Your rights (UK)
- In England and Wales, once a conviction is “spent” you usually don't have to mention it, unless the job needs a standard or enhanced DBS check (for example, work with children or vulnerable adults). Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
- If you're not sure whether yours is spent, the charity Unlock has a free, private calculator and helpline.
- If you do need to tell them, it's often better to raise it yourself than to wait for them to find it.
A starting point, not legal advice.
How to say it
- State it briefly and honestly: what it was and when. No excuses.
- Say what's changed: what you've done since (work, courses, volunteering, support).
- Bring it back to the job: why you're a safe, committed choice now.
For example
“I want to be upfront: I have a conviction for theft from six years ago. I was in a bad place, and I'm not proud of it. Since then I've done a warehouse qualification, volunteered at a food bank for two years, and I have a reference from them. I'm ready to show you I'm reliable.”
Use your own words and your own story. This is only a shape to follow.
Try to avoid
- Lying about an unspent conviction when asked
- Blaming others
- Going into details of the offence
Practise it
Sam will ask: “We ask everyone: do you have any unspent criminal convictions? Can you tell me about them?”