If you are seeking employment in New York City, you are covered by the Fair Chance Act. This is a “Ban the Box” law, and it covers the public sector, private sector, and temporary workers.
The Fair Chance Act prohibits employers from asking about your criminal history until after you receive a conditional job offer. Once they have offered you a conditional offer, they can ask about and consider your criminal history in their final decision.
A conditional job offer may be withdrawn if the employer determines that there is a direct relationship between your conviction and the job position (or if there is a finding of unreasonable risk). If an employer decides not to hire you, you will be provided with a copy of any background check that has been conducted on you and any specific factors on which you were evaluated. The position will be held for at least five business days to allow you to respond to their decision.