Ask HN: Recent computer hacking convictions and employability?

Humble: "I have a bad thing on my record. I understand what I did wrong and want to move forward with my life, doing good work, and being a responsible citizen."

Jerk: "I got busted but those jerks din't see that I was helping them! It was all BS, dude!"

I'd gladly interview someone that got in trouble but shows humility about it.

Tom

P.S. I hate that this is true, and people will probably flame me for saying this. I don't know what you look like or how you dress, but you'll get a lot of mileage out of dressing and looking neat. (no tshirts, hair trimmed and not sloppy, etc.)

That really is not a factor, I have worked for a number of organizations that would never higher anyone convicted of a felony who did not have any sensitive requirements, were not dealing with money, or personal info, or anything important really

There is just a huge stigma when it comes to criminal records, which is doubly painful in a over criminalized society like we have in the US.

And leading with hyperbolic "Think of the children" hand waving pearl clutching does nothing to put "things into perspective"

In the context of this thread we are talking about someone convicted of hacking wanting to work in IT again, not a child molester wanting to babysit your child.

So yes lets keep things in perspective shall we?

It sounds a lot like pentesting in a web-focused team would match your skill set very well. But I suppose you already know that? I would not interview for Junior roles if I were you, or only if you're rejected higher p the latter. And if they tell you that you're overqualified, but the position and compensation appeal to you, just tell them you don't care and would be looking forward to work with them.

Regarding your conviction: This is most relevant if the clients require some sort of clearance. Also your employer needs be able to trust you, which means you have to demonstrate that you can be trusted (and add to that some blind trust from the would-be employer, but you not influence that too much).

There are also other security related positions, which you might enjoy. You already had contact with some large corps, maybe you could interview there?

Feel free to email the address in my bio and I can see if you're interested in talking to anyone in my network.

Good Luck!