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Ex-offenders and felons can find jobs
Finding jobs for ex-offenders and
felons is a very difficult task. I know, I have been helping ex-offenders ad felons get jobs for many years. I wish there was one thing I can tell them that would make this job easier, but the fact is, it will take a plan and a lot of hard work.
Unfortunately, too many felons consider themselves victims of society that are constantly discriminated against for things they have done in the past.
When a felon is released, the sooner he or she finds gainful employment the lower the risk of re-offending
As I tell my students, don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you. Don't look for any sort of favors. There are few to be found. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. You have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Jobs are not going to come to you. You will have to get out and compete for them. Anytime someone else wants the same thing you want, you have to compete for it. Unfortunately, the playing field is not level. You have a criminal record which will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs. This does not make things impossible, just a little more difficult. The only way to overcome this disadvantage is to work harder and smarter. My question is, do you have what it takes to get a job? Filling out a few applications a week and spending the rest of your time hanging out or playing video games won't get you a job. You must plan to put in 40 hours per week, finding job openings, writing letters, making phone calls, filling out applications and working on your interviewing skills.
There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. If you have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Let's look at some things you will need to increase you chances of getting a job.
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A ResumeEveryone looking for a job should have a resume. A resume is an individual summary of your background, experience, training and skills that helps you to present your best qualities to an employer. If you have a resume, have a professional person look at it to judge it's quality. If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get some help putting one together.
Proper Interview Clothing
Do you have appropriate interview clothing? A well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be Ideal. That may not be possible for someone just getting back into society but I suggest that men at least have dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can shine. No boots, no sneakers…shoes! Many of my students but their interview clothing at thrift stores. They find quality clothes ant very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. No matter how you get them, the right clothes makes all the difference. You should also have a neat haircut be clean shaven. If you wear a beard, it should be neat and trimmed. How do you look? Do you look like an ex-offender or a businessman? Do you look like you are going to a business meeting? You should - an interview is a business meeting. You should always look like a professional who is there to conduct business! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications. You also want to leave the employer with the impression that you have class. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Interviewing SkillsWhile your resume may get you an interview, it’s your performance on the interview that will get you the job. Remember you are going to a business meeting so be personable and friendly but keep it businesslike. Do not reveal too much information. give full responses to the interviewer's questions but never volunteer information that is not asked for. If the question of your record comes up, briefly acknowledge it but do not spend too much time talking about it. Focus on what has happened since your conviction and what you have done to make yourself a better person. Develop a friendly smile and a good handshake. You have to make the interviewer forget that you are an ex-offender. Get a friend or family member to help you by playing the part of the interviewer. Practice will pay off.
Finding Job Leads The most effective method of finding job leads is by networking. Networking is simply talking to people you already know and asking if the know of any job openings. Believe it or not, this how most people get their jobs. Employers save time and energy by hiring people that are referred to them.
Another great source of good opportunities is to apply for temporary employment. A lot of employers need temporary help. Many temporary employees are hired permanently if they prove to be good workers. Smaller independent agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies do not have the same hiring restrictions that may exclude ex-offenders are free to hire anyone they choose. They are more likely to hire a person with a criminal record. You may find some in your local telephone directory. Apply to them as you would any other employer.
I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for
jobs to go to their local One-stop Career Center. You will find a long list of services that can help you find work. You will also find lists of available jobs in your area. There are also counselors who can provide one-on-one assistance. Often the counselors have experience helping ex-offenders and felons and know of employers who may hire them. The counselors can also help you find opportunities for vocational training that could lead to a new career.
You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center here:
http://servicelocator.org
There are also government programs that can help ex-offenders and
felons get jobs. The first is the Federal Bonding Program. Some employers are fearful of hiring
ex-offenders or felons since they feel their criminal histories make them more likely to steal, commit fraud or be dishonest in other ways.
A bond is an insurance policy that protects an employer against money or property loss due to employee dishonesty. Most felons cannot be bonded by private insurance companies. The Federal Bonding Program is sponsored by the government through the Department of Labor. This program was created to help high-risk, but otherwise qualified, job seekers who have offers of employment. The Federal Bonding Program offers insurance policies that protect employers against any possible losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to help
ex-offenders and
felons who need a second chance.
These bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for any job at any employer in any state. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies. You can find out more about the
Federal Bonding Program here:
Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700Washington, DC 200361 (800) 233-2258
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/state-coordinators.html
Always remind interviewers that you can be bonded.
Finally, a great incentive for employers to hire ex-offenders and felons is the
Work Opportunity Tax Credit or WOTC. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Labor for private employers who hire individuals from specified target populations. One of the target populations are ex-offenders and felons who have completed their sentences within the past year. The WOTC reduces a business’s federal tax liability, serving as an incentive to hire otherwise difficult to employ people. Eligible employers can receive a federal tax credit up to $4,800 for each qualified employee.
You can get more information here:
http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/
There are many opportunities for ex-offenders and
felons to get jobs if they are willing to put in the time and effort. Hard work, dedication and a definite plan of action will lead to jobs.
Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
Are you an
ex-offender or
felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for over ten years and I feel I have an understanding of what works. I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog so feel free to send me your questions. The right information could help a
felon get jobs. You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to:
BelievePublications@comcast.net.
If you are a felon and really serious about getting a job or you want to help someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons
Photo: haven't the slightest
Photo: Amy Fontinelle
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Q: My name is Millie. On 11/8/2010. I was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. While driving my boyfriends car for him to have him drop me back off at home we were stopped by the police. I remained in the car while he jumped out and ran.
