If you’ve had contact with the criminal justice system, finding a job can feel impossible. This toolkit can help. 

A new toolkit from Cornell University can help job seekers with criminal histories correct errors in their records, understand their rights, and pursue employment opportunities. 

The Criminal Record Online Toolkit can help people with criminal records identify and correct problems with their background checks. It was developed through the Cornell Project for Records Assistance.  

O&G is proud to have supported the funding of this initiative with our settlement in Gonzalez v. Pritzker, our landmark hiring discrimination case against the U.S. Census Bureau. It challenged the bureau’s overly broad criminal history screening and secured $15 million for 17,000 Black and Latino job applicants who were denied work on the 2010 U.S. census. 

Problems with background checks are one of the biggest barriers to employment for people with criminal records. Knowing what yours shows can help you correct mistakes, confirm expungements, and prepare for questions from employers before they make a decision. 

What You’ll Find Inside 

The toolkit covers five states—New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts—and organizes resources into three sections: 

• About Your Record: Learn what’s in your criminal history report (also known as a “RAP sheet”) and how to request it from the FBI or state agencies. 

• Fix Your Record: Criminal records often contain mistakes—duplicate entries, wrong charges, or cases that should be sealed. The toolkit explains how to correct errors and petition for sealing or expungement. 

• Legal Rights: Understand federal protections like the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state laws that limit how employers and reporting agencies can use your record. You’ll also learn about “ban the box” laws and how to apply for certificates of good conduct or rehabilitation. 

An Example: Your Rights Under New York Law 

If you’re applying for a job in New York, Correction Law Article 23-A gives you strong protections. Employers and licensing agencies cannot automatically reject you because of a conviction. They must consider eight factors before denying you: 

• Public policy favoring employment of people with criminal records 

• The specific duties of the job or license you’re seeking 

• The bearing of your conviction on your ability to perform those duties 

• Time elapsed since the offense 

• Your age at the time of the offense 

• Seriousness of the offense 

• Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct 

• Employer’s legitimate interest in protecting property and safety 

If you’re denied, you can request a written explanation. Knowing these rights can help you challenge unfair decisions. 

Fair Chances Begin with Knowing Your Rights 

A criminal record shouldn’t define your future, but mistakes or outdated information can cost you jobs. Reviewing your record, fixing errors, and knowing your rights helps you avoid surprises and respond confidently to employers. The toolkit gives you clear steps to take control and move forward. 

How to Start 

Visit Cornell’s Criminal Record Online Toolkit. Use the dropdown menus to examine state-specific forms, review sample letters, and explore resources on civil rights restoration and certificates of rehabilitation. 

By Jon Steingart, Senior Content Strategist at Outten & Golden.