15 Sample Cover Letters for Explaining Criminal Record

Your criminal history does not have to be a barrier to gaining employment.

With the right approach, you can address your background honestly and positively in your cover letter, demonstrating your qualifications and readiness to be a valuable employee.

Sample Cover Letters for Explaining Criminal Record

The following 15 sample cover letters provide different ways to tactfully explain your criminal record to a potential employer.

Cover Letter 1

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the customer service representative position posted on your website. With over five years of experience in retail sales and customer support, I am confident I have the skills and background to excel in this role.

In the spirit of full transparency, I want to disclose that I have a misdemeanor conviction from 2018 for disorderly conduct. I deeply regret this isolated incident and take full responsibility for my actions. Since then, I have maintained a spotless record and made positive changes to become the reliable, hardworking individual I am today. This experience has instilled in me a commitment to making responsible choices.

If given the opportunity, I will bring that same level of dedication to your company. I am a diligent worker with a talent for conflict resolution and building customer rapport. I would appreciate the chance to discuss my qualifications further in an interview and assure you that my past will not be repeated.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Jason Hernandez

Cover Letter 2

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I am writing to apply for the administrative assistant opening at ABC Company. I am highly organized and detail-oriented with extensive experience managing calendars, travel, expense reports, and confidential files. I am confident my administrative skills would be an asset to your team.

I want to openly address that seven years ago, I was convicted of a DUI. I am not proud of this mistake, but I have learned from it and made profound changes. I completed all court-mandated programs, paid my fines, and my driver’s license has been fully reinstated. I also voluntarily completed an intensive outpatient alcohol treatment program. I have been sober for seven years now and am fully committed to my recovery. I am happy to provide professional and character references who can attest to my reliability and work ethic.

Thank you for considering my application despite my past transgression. I assure you it is not reflective of who I am today. I would be grateful for the opportunity to interview and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit ABC Company.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Novak

Cover Letter 3

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the position of line cook at Romano’s Italian Restaurant. With my culinary degree and five years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens, I know I can help create the delicious, high-quality dishes your restaurant is known for.

I believe in being forthright, so I want to take this opportunity to discuss my criminal background. Twelve years ago, when I was 19, I was convicted of burglary. I served two years in prison and completed five years of probation. I am not trying to minimize or excuse my actions, only to explain that I was a troubled teen who lacked direction. Going to prison was a turning point that made me realize I wanted something better for my life.

While incarcerated, I worked in the prison kitchen and discovered my passion for cooking. After my release, I earned my GED and put myself through culinary school while working full-time. I have worked hard to build a new life and am fully committed to my career in the restaurant industry. I am more than my worst mistake and hope you will give me a chance to prove that in person.

Sincerely,

Darren Johnson

Cover Letter 4

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing to apply for the position of carpenter apprentice at Dreamhouse Construction. I recently completed a carpentry training program where I learned framing, drywalling, finish work, and woodworking. I am eager to apply my new skills and grow my carpentry knowledge through an apprenticeship with your well-respected company.

In the interest of being transparent, I want to share that I have a felony drug conviction from 2015. I became addicted to painkillers after a sports injury and made the serious mistake of selling drugs to support my habit. I take full responsibility for my poor choices. After my conviction, I completed an intensive drug rehabilitation program and have maintained my sobriety for eight years. I am fully committed to my recovery and to building a better future for myself and my family.

I understand the concerns you may have about my history, but I assure you I am a changed man. I am hardworking, teachable, and determined to succeed in the construction field. I am more than happy to submit to regular or random drug testing. I hope you will give me the chance to prove myself as a carpenter apprentice. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Marcus Wilson

Cover Letter 5

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of delivery driver at Best Produce Warehouse. I have over 10 years of experience driving trucks and operating forklifts in warehouse settings. I have a strong track record of on-time deliveries and an excellent safety record. I am confident my experience makes me a strong candidate for this position.

I want to openly address that I have a criminal record. In 2012, I made the mistake of participating in the theft of merchandise from my former employer’s warehouse. I deeply regret my actions and the betrayal of my employer’s trust. I served three months in jail and one year of probation. Since then, I have worked diligently to be an ethical, hardworking, and trustworthy employee. I have held my current warehouse job for six years now and have earned multiple awards for my performance and dedication. My current supervisor is happy to provide a reference.

I am truly remorseful for my past mistakes and have worked hard to become a dependable, honest employee. I am committed to always conducting myself with integrity. I hope you will consider me for this position and allow me to bring my strong work ethic and experience to Best Produce Warehouse.

Thank you for your consideration,

Steven Gonzalez

Cover Letter 6

Dear Ms. Chen,

I am excited to apply for the position of veterinary assistant at Riverside Animal Hospital. I recently earned my veterinary assistant certification and also have two years of experience volunteering at my local animal shelter. I am passionate about animal care and am eager to begin my career working with animals in a veterinary setting.

I want to transparently share that I have a misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting from when I was 18 years old. I was going through a difficult time and made a regrettable mistake. However, I took this as a wakeup call to get my life on a better path. I completed my court-ordered community service and paid restitution. Since then, I have maintained a clean record and worked hard to establish myself as an ethical, responsible adult. I am fully committed to making positive choices and being a hardworking, trustworthy employee.

I understand you may have reservations, but I hope you will consider me for this position. Caring for animals is my calling and I am determined to build a successful career doing what I love. I would be grateful for the opportunity to interview with you and further discuss my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Lisa Yates

Cover Letter 7

Dear Hiring Manager,

Please accept my enthusiastic application for the position of prep cook at Green Garden Cafe. I have two years of experience working in restaurant kitchens doing food preparation, dishwashing, and basic cooking. I am hardworking, reliable, and passionate about healthy, sustainable food, which is why I am so excited about the opportunity to work at Green Garden Cafe.

I believe in being direct, so I want to openly share that I have a criminal history. When I was 19, I was convicted of possession of marijuana. I made a foolish mistake and have learned a lot from the experience. Since then, I have cut ties with negative influences and focused on surrounding myself with positive, motivated people. I have been sober for four years now. I am not proud of my history but sharing it is part of taking responsibility for my actions. If you give me a chance, I will work diligently to demonstrate that my past mistakes do not define me.

I would be thrilled to bring my kitchen skills and strong work ethic to Green Garden Cafe. I am a fast learner and am willing to assist with any tasks needed to help the cafe run smoothly. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,

Jamal Davis

Cover Letter 8

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the welder position at Steelcore Manufacturing. I recently completed a welding certification program and also have two years of experience working in manufacturing. I am proficient in MIG, TIG, and stick welding as well as blueprint reading and using measuring tools. I am confident I have the technical skills to excel as a welder at Steelcore.

I want to proactively address that I have a criminal record. In 2017, I was convicted of domestic violence against my girlfriend during an argument that escalated. I am ashamed of my actions and deeply regret the pain I caused. After my conviction, I completed an anger management program and a 52-week batterer intervention program. Through these programs, I learned healthy communication, emotion regulation, and conflict resolution skills. I took full accountability for my abusive actions and committed myself to change.

Since completing the programs, I have worked to become a better man and partner. I have been in a healthy, violence-free relationship for three years now. I share this not to minimize my past actions but to demonstrate my genuine remorse and reformation. If given a chance as a welder at Steelcore, I will be a dedicated, hardworking employee. I hope my skills and not my shameful past will be the basis for your hiring decision.

Thank you for your consideration,

Brian Nguyen

Cover Letter 9

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the position of landscape laborer with Greenview Landscaping. I have always loved working outdoors and have a strong interest in plants and landscape design. Though I do not have direct professional landscaping experience, I am physically fit, hardworking, and eager to learn. I am confident I would quickly develop the necessary skills to become a valuable member of the Greenview team.

In the interest of full disclosure, I want to share that I have a criminal record. I was convicted of felony assault ten years ago after I severely injured another man in a fight. I acted in a moment of reckless anger and will regret it for the rest of my life. I served three years in prison, during which time I took every opportunity to better myself. I earned my GED, participated in cognitive behavioral therapy, and became a peer mentor to other inmates.

Since my release seven years ago, I have worked steadily to rebuild my life. I have held a full-time factory job for five years and have received multiple promotions. I also volunteer with at-risk youth, using my story to help them make positive choices. I am not the same reckless young man I was when I committed my crime. I am a responsible adult and father who is dedicated to making an honest living. If given a chance, I will bring that same level of commitment and hard work to Greenview.

Thank you for considering my application,

Rob Jefferson

Cover Letter 10

Dear Ms. Singh,

I am writing to apply for the front desk receptionist position at The Regency Hotel. I have over three years of experience as a receptionist and guest services coordinator in the hospitality industry. I am proficient in reservation systems, customer service, and problem-solving. I am confident my background in hospitality would make me a strong fit for The Regency.

I want to transparently address that I have a criminal conviction on my record. In 2020, I was convicted of embezzlement after stealing money from my previous employer to fund a gambling addiction. I am deeply ashamed of my actions and betrayal of my employer’s trust. After my conviction, I entered into a gambling addiction treatment program. Through counseling and a 12-step program, I have maintained abstinence from gambling for two years.

I share this not to excuse my crime but to demonstrate that I used it as a catalyst for positive change. I have been rigorously honest in every aspect of my life since then. I know it takes significant time to rebuild trust after it has been broken, but I am committed to demonstrating my integrity through my actions every day. If hired at the Regency, you can be assured of my utmost honesty and strong work ethic. Thank you for considering me for this position despite my past.

Sincerely,

Nina Patel

Cover Letter 11

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am very interested in the open cashier position at Foster’s Market. I have over five years of experience operating a cash register, handling transactions, and providing excellent customer service in retail settings. I am detail-oriented, good at managing high-volume periods, and always maintain a positive attitude. I would be thrilled to bring my skills and experience to Foster’s Market.

I want to be upfront that I have a misdemeanor petit theft conviction from 2016. I was going through significant financial hardship and made the desperate choice to shoplift food and diapers. I was caught and took full responsibility for my actions. I am not proud of my conduct and committed myself to never making that mistake again. Since then, I have worked steadily and received assistance in budgeting and financial management.

As someone who previously stole, I understand you may question whether I can be trusted as a cashier. But that conviction was a turning point. I realized I never wanted to compromise my integrity again and dedicated myself to always being honest, even in difficult circumstances. I have held my current cashier job for three years and have never had a single issue. My current manager is happy to provide a reference. I hope you will give me a chance to demonstrate my trustworthiness and strong work ethic as a cashier at Foster’s Market.

Thank you for your consideration,

Tanya Jackson

Cover Letter 12

Dear Mr. Patel,

I am writing to apply for the open custodian position at Lakeview Office Park. I have over seven years of experience in cleaning and maintenance for office and residential properties. I am skilled in floor and carpet care, restroom sanitization, window washing, and minor repairs. I am reliable, efficient, and take pride in keeping facilities looking their best. I am confident my janitorial experience would make me an asset to Lakeview Office Park.

I want to honestly share that fifteen years ago, I was convicted of burglary. I broke into a home to steal valuables to pay off drug debts. I am deeply ashamed of my actions and the harm I caused. After my conviction, I served five years in prison, during which time I completed substance abuse treatment and obtained my GED. Upon release, I entered a transitional employment program where I received janitorial training. I discovered I enjoyed the work and had a knack for fixing things.

For ten years now, I have worked steadily in the cleaning and maintenance field. I have advanced to supervisory positions and have consistently received excellent performance reviews. I have not used drugs since my arrest and am committed to my recovery. I am not the same man I was fifteen years ago. I am a reliable, hardworking employee, and a dedicated father and husband. I hope you will consider me for the custodian position and allow me to demonstrate my strong work ethic and skills.

Thank you for your time,

Mark Johnson

Cover Letter 13

Dear Ms. Garcia,

I am excited to apply for the position of daycare assistant teacher at Bright Horizons Child Development Center. I have always loved working with children and recently obtained my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Through my coursework and practicum experiences, I gained knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and behavior guidance. I am CPR and first aid certified. Working as a daycare teacher would truly be my dream job.

I want to openly share that I have an assault conviction from when I was 19 years old. I got into a fight with another woman and made the terrible mistake of hitting her with a bottle, causing injury. I was sentenced to one year in jail, during which time I took part in anger management and group therapy. Through these programs, I learned to manage my emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully. Since my release five years ago, I have not been involved in any further violence. I completed my CDA credential and have been working steadily in retail while pursuing my goal of a career in early childhood education.

I understand that an assault conviction is very serious, especially when working with children. But I want to assure you that I am not that same angry, reckless teenager anymore. I am a calm, nurturing adult who is dedicated to supporting children’s growth and development. If given the chance, I will pour my heart into being a positive, dependable presence in the lives of the children at Bright Horizons. Thank you for considering me for this position.

Sincerely,

Elena Torres

Cover Letter 14