What were you convicted for, and when?
Did you complete ESTA? How did you answer the questions regarding Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?
Was your ESTA denied? Did you tick 'yes' to the crime questions and were you absolutely sure said crimes were CIMTs?
The consulate tends to deny people eligible for ESTA but apply for B2s. But aside from that, being unemployed won't do you any favours.