A criminal conviction may prevent you finding employment in a select few areas, including teaching, child care, health care, policing, legal professions and the civil service. However, a criminal conviction will not put an end to your career; there are a host of employers who actively target former offenders. It is also important to remember that the nature of your conviction will make a difference. For example, minor traffic offences do not usually form part of a criminal record and therefore will less likely affect your employment prospects.