Employer attitudes towards hiring people with a criminal record: A review of empirical methodologies

Employment is a crucial part of the desistance process; however, individuals with criminal records often face substantial challenges in finding and maintaining jobs. This paper reviews the existing literature on employability and decision-making. To achieve this, we provide a critical review of the experimental literature on employer decision-making regarding candidates with a prior criminal offence. Three methodologies used to capture this are discussed: correspondence testing, in-person audit studies, and laboratory-based experimental research. This paper demonstrates that research examining employer decision-making varies substantially, making it difficult to get a comprehensive overview of the employment barriers faced by individuals with a prior offence. Targeted research is necessary to develop and implement effective employment interventions. We highlight the complexities of experimental research in this field and provide recommendations on how to navigate them effectively.