Beginning to take the plunge back into the world of employment and I have a real quandary on if to include something about conviction on my CV. 

it seems to me, that the negativity immediately deriving from the disclosure, might be balanced, by the attempt to be completely open and honest, at the outset. 

The alternative I have considered is a separate, detailed letter with all the info pre and post ready to go, if I was asked. 

I understand it doesn't need to be disclosed on some jobs, and some wont even ask. I just wonder if any of you fine readers, have any experience or thoughts on this as I could argue this either way. it has been nearly 20 years since I have had a job interview and quite frankly the whole prospect scares me and doubt it still works the same it still does then. Any thoughts appreciated.