How Drug Convictions Impact Employment Opportunities: Mitigating the Stigma of a Criminal Record

The purpose of my research was to illuminate the barriers faced by those that have a criminal drug record and seek gainful employment after they have repaid their debt to society. My research question was: What are the experiences of job applicants with a drug conviction when navigating a job search in order to secure employment? Three major themes that emerged after interviewing participants for this research study were: participants' frustration with the job search process and the importance of a social network to migrate barriers, the importance of a prospective employer's understanding the job applicant's story, and that a drug conviction does not define someone. This research was important understanding how men and women with drug convictions are stigmatized and prevented from fully participating in the labor market. Moving forward, I recommend programs to help those with a drug conviction to manage face-to-face interactions more productively by leveraging the job interview process as a way to tell their stories. I also recommend a combination of public policy, community education, and continued research to guide practices to ensure that those convicted of drug crimes are successfully reintegrated into the labor market.