I have requested a security clearance by my employer. I have a felony conviction 34 years ago. What do I do?

Appeal that the felony record be expunged from the records so that you have a clean slate.

So I guess you are 52 at the minimum because if you were younger than that the felony would have been before 18..... therefore sealed.

If it is a government related clearance expungment might might be helpful somewhat but it will still show on the background check. Even a private employer can see it. Some private companies will often check only so far back..... but it is a gamble.

But I have seen this sort of thing a million times in both sectors. The thing is a clearance is not necissarily what you have done but can you be trusted. The person evaluating the clearance will factor in much more. It was 34 years ago so as long as you have been fine since then a felony is not going to be a huge factor.

OK, one employee might lie about ever having a felony. The truth comes out and it is determined that this person can not be put into a position of trust. Or what happens sometime is the person lies and gets away with it. They get promoted later, a deeper check is done and then they get fired.

The employee who tells the truth is usually OK. They will factor in that this was something done in your youth. This is what even younger offenders do not get. Many times a major corporation will hire somebody with a felony if they explain upfront.

Point is regardless if it was 34 years ago and you are straight up you will be fine.