Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

Felon in Fl. needs a Job

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I have been reading your blog, but I see nothing about getting a job in Florida.  It is really tough on a convicted felon when comes to getting a job.  Do you know of any places here who will give a felon a shot at a job?  I live in Plantation, and I have been everywhere but all I see are doors slammed in my face.

I will take anything at this point.

Jamal

Hello Jamal,

I agree it is really hard for a felon.  One thing I suggest is that take anything you can get so you can build a resume, a work history and a  reference for you to build on.  Apply for as many jobs as you can because find a job for a felon is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the greater number of interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get the greater your chances will be to get a job.  Take a look at this story which is an actual case of one of my students, Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Job.  It tells the story of one of my students who was having a tough time finding a job and some of the things he had to do to get hired.

From time to time, we all need a little help.  I know there was an organization in in Ft. Lauderdale that may help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  The Urban League of Broward County has a program that helps to prepare low income, unemployed and those with criminal backgrounds for jobs.  There are other resources that can help families and single people who are having a difficult time.  You can find out more about The Urban League of Broward County and what programs are available at their website.  Under that, is one of my videos that will give you other options that may lead to you getting a job.

The Urban League of Broward County
Urban League of Broward County
11 N.W. 36th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-584-0777 

"Programs designed to provide training and developmental skills necessary to enter or re-enter the workforce and become economically self-sufficient. Program benefits include educational services, job placement, GED preparation & testing, employability skills training and child care services. These programs offer participants career development opportunities through various life skills workshops, service-learning experiences, internships and apprenticeships."

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Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs?

Felon mom in Fl needs a job

The Truth About Felons, Ex-offenders, Expungement and Jobs

Expungement may help felons get jobs 

Three years ago at the age of 22, I was arrested and charged with Burglary/With Assault or Battery (FL Statue 810.02-2a) and received a third degree felony. At the time I was in school to pursue my nursing degree; however, at this time I am unable to complete it because of my charge. I am soon to complete my probation and although I am currently working in a restaurant, I don't want that to be the end. I would actually like to find a career and not just any job I could take. Would you happen to know about sealed/expunging that would suit me? If I am unable to get it sealed, is there any professional careers that I may enter? I know this question has been brought up many of times, but I am looking for a second chance at restarting my life and being able to live independently. Please help. Thank you.


There are two points that I would like to make. First Sealing / Expungement is not the cure all many ex-offenders and felons believe it is. Every state has its own statutes regarding the sealing or expungement of records. Some believe that arrest and conviction records are erased. in no case will that happen. Some states hide records from public view. Records will always be available to court systems, law enforcement expungement is available in your state and if so, how would it affect your convictions and how you could take advantage of these processes. I suggest you contact your local legal aid office. You may find low-cost or even no cost assistance. Once you find out that information, your second question will be a lot easier to answer.

and government agencies. You should seek legal counsel to if

Since records will always be available to government agencies, ex-offenders and felons may find it difficult to pursue careers that require licensing or certification. You may have to to do a little research to find out if your conviction prohibit you from being licensed or certified in your state. In all other cases, I suggest that you apply for every job you feel otherwise qualified for.


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  "Does expungement help ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs?"

Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Felon is trying hard to find jobs

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I love reading your blog.  Thank you for this information.  I have been looking for a job but I have a very serious charge and it is making it very hard for me to get a job.  In 2002, I got into a fight with a guy.  I didn't start it but the guy got beat up pretty bad and later died.  I was charged with assault and involuntary manslaughter.  I have done my time but I feel that this black mark is keeping me from getting a job.

I am not a violent person but this thing makes me look like a monster.  What can I do?

Henry


Hello Henry,

That is quite a story.  It's unfortunate that hings turned out the way they did.  It certainly could have been a lot worse.  You could have been the other guy.  Your charge is serious but it is not the end of the world.  I work with ex-offenders and felons everyday and I have had students with similar felonies and they are working to this day.  To employers, theft, robbery and other crimes involving integrity are looked down far more than offenses like yours.

When you apply for jobs you should respond to the "Have you been convicted of a crime..." question this way.  When answering this question you must list four things.  You must list the location of the conviction (County, State,) the conviction, the date of the conviction and the disposition ( final outcome.)  It should look

like this:

Cook County, Illinois,   Involuntary Manslaughter (Isolated Incident,) June 2005, Time served, 13 years.  Notice the notation after the conviction "Isolated Incident."  This tells the employer that this was something that was not planned, it was circumstantial. You will be surprised how well this works.  When you get an interview, the charge will probably come up.  You should begin your explanation of the incident with "I'm glad you asked that question because I want you to be comfortable hiring me......."  then, most humbly explain what happened.

I tell every felon I work with that finding a job is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the more interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get, the more opportunities you will get to get hired.  Apply for every job you feel you qualify for.  Never eliminate yourself by not applying.


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Are you a felon or ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here.  Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

If you are 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

 "Felon Is in Need of Job Search Help"

Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?

 Helping a felon get jobs

Hello Mr. Mayo,

Thank you for this blog.  I live in San Francisco, California.  I have multiple convictions for a few things.  I was talking to someone here and they told me that because I have a record in California, I should move to another state.  My record will not show up in another state.  I have relatives in Illinois.  Will moving to Illinois help me get a job?

Karl

Hello Karl,

I am glad you are seeking another opinion and not relying on information from that person.  Totally false!  Your record will follow you wherever you go.  In this age of computers and extensive data banks.  You can find out just about anything on anyone.  There are companies that exist just to sell information to anyone who will pay for it.

A history of criminal record would include an individual's personal dentifiers (descriptive information and fingerprints), arrests and subsequent dispositions (final outcome of a charge.)  Dispositions are posted to the
National Criminal History Record File by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Not only convictions but each criminal arrest for which the CJIS Division has a fingerprint submission would be on file.  So you see, your record is fairly easy to get.

There are organizations in your area that can help an ex-offender or felon looking for jobs.

Arriba Juntos

 Arriba Juntos, a community-based organization in San Francisco. This organization has an employment program for ex-offenders and felons.  They even offer , direct job placement for clients who have job skills. Also available in career training in computer technology, including MS Office Suite, and certified nursing assistance with the ability to obtain California licensing. The center will assist clients in obtaining licensing from the State of California. In cooperation with the San Francisco Municipal Railway they offer a driver training course. Clients may obtain their Commercial Driving License and consideration for employment with MUNI as bus drivers. These training programs include a Life Skills component, job interview techniques and resume writing in addition to daily survival skills. There may be paid on job training program that is used as an incentive to employers to hire felons and ex-offenders.

You can contact them at the address below:


1850 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-487-3240
415-863-9314 fax
www.arribajuntos.org


Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC)

Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC) is a non-profit organization that provides employment, training and research services to employers and job seekers in San Francisco. PIC is a public/private collaboration for workforce development. PIC contracts with over 60 community- based organizations to provide training and employment services. They may have contacts to employers who hire ex-offenders and felons who need jobs


You can contact them at the address below:

1650 Mission Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-8700
415-431-8702 fax
Web Site: www.oaklandpic.org

Also take a look at the video below.  There are other options for finding jobs in your area.


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List of Companies that hire ex-offenders and felons

List of Companies that hire ex-offenders and felons

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons

I get a lot of emails about getting a job with a criminal record.  I get quite a few from ex-offenders regarding the list of companies that hire ex-offenders and felons.  We have all seen the list.  it is posted on a number of websites.  I even have a variation of it on this blog here: 

Incredible List of Companies That Hire Ex-offenders and Felons 

I have contacted each one of the companies on the list and none of them have official policies that exclude the hiring of ex-offenders.  My list is a little different because it includes companies that have hired students that I have worked with personally.

Many people that read this list are confused.  Just because an employer has hired an ex-offender in the past, does not mean it will hire every ex-offender or felon that applies for employment.  The nature of the conviction of the person applying will come into play.  For example, a person convicted of any type of theft or robbery will not be considered for any type of job where valuables are at risk.  A person with a drug conviction will not be considered for jobs in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes etc.  There maybe even local laws which prohibit those with drug related convictions to be employed anywhere alcohol is served.

Many types of jobs require licenses that people with certain types of convictions are ineligible for. 

I have also met people who have have applied for jobs with some of the employers on the list and come to the conclusion that the employer doesn't hire felons because the employer did not them.  Just by appearance, the person was a poor applicant who just didn't make a good impression or did not fit int what the employer feels a good employee looks like.

Before you apply for any position, you have make sure you put yourself in the best position to be hired.  The first and most important is appearance.

Do you have suitable interview clothes? For men, a well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be the absolute best thing to have. That may not be possible for someone just coming home but I suggest that men at least have dark dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can put some polish on. Not boots, not sneakers…shoes! A good number of my students buy
their interview clothing at thrift stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army store. They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. Never mind how you get them, the right clothes will make the difference. You should also have a neat haircut and 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 with a shirt and tie or do you look like 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 make a business deal! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications.  You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Women should wear a classic skirted or pant suit with a light colored blouse or a simple dress that does not come up above the knee.  Do not wear anything too tight or too skimpy.  Be sure to wear coordinated pumps that are neat and clean.  The pantyhose should match the skin with no pattern.

Hair should be neat and of natural color.  A short hairstyle is best, but tastefully done longer hair is fine.  Fingernails should be neatly trimmed with tasteful polish.  The make-up should be natural looking.  One set of earrings (no larger than a quarter) no facial piercings or tongue ornaments, one ring per hand and no more than one bracelet per wrist.  If you have visible tattoos, especially on the neck or face, should be covered by makeup.
  

 Female ex-offenders: Interview Clothes

Do you have a resume?  A resume will resent your skills, past experience and other information in one neat package.  Everyone looking for a job should have a resume.  If you do not have a well written resume, you should do what you have to get one.

How are your interview skills.  Once again, you will have to leave an employer with a good impression of you, so brush up on your interviewing skills

This is a great list and a great opportunity for ex-offenders and felons to get hired for jobs.  make the most of the opportunity!


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"The Secret Weapon For Ex-offenders and Felons who Need Jobs"

"Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons"

Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

 Ex-offender In NC need job search advice

Hello,

My name is Dylan and I am a two time felon. I have to 3rd degree burglary charges under my belt from 2004-2005 in New Jersey. I moved to North Carolina after Sandy hit the entire state of New Jersey. It is very hard to find work. I can not even get hired at the local McDonald's or other low entry level jobs. I feel like I am at the end of my rope. I have been out of trouble for so many years and still paying for my mistakes today. I feel hopeless. I can't provide for myself let alone for someone else.

I am 27 years old and I just want my life to start. I will take any kind of job but it seems that no one will take a chance on me. I currently live with a friend who has been taking care of me and supporting me. He is falling behind on his bills because of it. I am out of options. I am in a new state where I do not now anyone. No family or friends in the area and no one to help. I am desperately asking you for any help that you can give me.. I live in High Point, North Carolina. I have been rejected from everywhere over and over. Even from temp agencies. I do not know what else to do.

Please help!

Hello Dylan,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I am in New Jersey, and yes Sandy did a lot of damage here.   The very first thing I suggest to every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is to go to your local One-stop Career Center.  There you will find a number of great resources that can help you find a job or even a

career.  If you need a resume, you can get help getting one.  If you need interview skills, you can get help.  There are also lists of open positions in your area.  In addition, you will find counselors that can give you employment assistance.  Often the counselors know of employers who have hired ex-offenders and felons in the past.

You can find the office in High Point below:

High Point JobLink Career Center
 607 Idol Street
High Point, NC 27262

You say you have applied for temporary employment.  There is a trick to apply for temporary jobs.   The trick is to apply at small independent agencies.  Smaller agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they choose and are more likely to hire ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.  You may find some in your local telephone directory.  Apply to them as you would any other employer.

Take a look at the video below.







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 "Felon wants a Career not Just a Job"

Ex-Offenders, Felons, Jobs and Drug Tests

Ex-offenders and felons can find jobs

I have been helping Ex-offenders and Felons get jobs for many years and I have helped thousands get jobs. One of the biggest barriers that some ex-offenders place in front of themselves is not being able to pass drug tests.


Drug testing has become an important safety issue for many employers. many companies now have some form of drug testing for prospective employees. Drug testing serves to lower the instance and issues associated with drug abuse in the workplace, including lateness, absenteeism, turnover rate, crime, violence, theft and other side effects.  Too many of my students believe  that they can use illegal drugs and still pass drug tests. With my experience in human resources, management and employment training, I will attempt to expose the myths and give the facts on drug tests.

The typical methods that employers use for detecting illegal drugs are:

Urine Testing:

Urine testing is the most common of the screenings used for illegal substances. Drug users would sometimes use outlandish methods like using fake urine that is sold in some places or using a sample taken from someone else in place of their own. To avoid the applicant using urine not his own, I would always have a sample given in the presence of a staff member. Others believe that drinking large amounts of water will dilute the sample and the drugs will not be detected. Water passes through the body much too quickly to be
effective. I have even heard of using ridiculous home remedies to beat urine tests. These remedies include aspirin, eye drops, ammonia, vinegar, bleach and even commercial drain cleaners! There are commercial products that claim to mask the traces of drugs making them undetectable.  many of these products use nitrates which will mask the drug to an extent, but laboratories have gotten more savvy and also test for the nitrate compounds that these products contain. In many cases the presence of nitrates will result in a failed test.


A single use of marijuana can be detected up to seven days in the urine, while extended use can be detected up to 100 days

Amphetimines, cocaine, heroin, opiates and PCP can be detected accurately up to seven days after use.

Saliva Testing

Saliva tests are the least popular because it can only detect toxins used three or four days prior. Saliva tests can detect fresh elements of alcohol and drugs in the mouth.

Hair follicle Testing

My experience is that hair follicle testing is the most effective method of narcotics screening.  A hair test is an examination that uses a small sample of hair to identify specific drugs used by the person being tested. Typically, the sample is taken from the head, but can be collected from several other body locations such as arms, legs and back and may be combined to obtain the required amount of hair.  Drugs can be detected with high accuracy for a six month period after use. Chemical compounds of drugs are circulated in the blood stream and become part of the cells of the body including the hair root where they are easily detected.

There are hundreds of detoxifying products on the market that claim that with their use, drugs will not be able to be detected. There products that claim that they can wash toxins out of the hair. Most of these are absolute scams. The rest have a very low success rate. An experienced screener would pull the hair out intact, exposing the root where the compounds collect.

A one time use of marijuana will likely not show up in the hair while extended use can be detected for three to five months after use depending on the test used.


Amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, opiates and PCP can be detected accurately up to five months after use.

Certain non-prescription medications can interfere with accurate results. These common medications include ibuprofen and ephedrine-based products. Most drug testing companies will ask the applicant in advance if they have taken any prescription or non-prescription medication prior to the screen.

In most cases if any drugs are detected, the applicant will have the opportunity to provide a doctor's prescription or choose to be retested.


Jobs for felons and "ex-offenders" are hard enough to get, so why blow an opportunity to get hired by using
drugs?


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 The facts about employee drug testing for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

"Ex-offenders and Felons must properly prepare for the job search to be successful"

Besides Jobs, What Do Ex-offenders and Felons Need?

I use this blog to answer questions from ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. From time to time, I come across some things from others that I feel should be shared. This comes from a human services student, Roger P., who would like to know directly from those in need what is needed.

 "I am not a convicted felon or an ex-offender, however, I know many people who are and see the struggle they have in that life situation. Today something tugged at my heartstrings. I am human services student, currently working on certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. I have been doing research for a class on the topic of criminality. My first instinct was to explain what criminal thinking is and how it is changed. However, my research has led me in a different direction. I have decided to concentrate on the lack of resources, myths rubber-stamped by society, and postulating an awareness of these struggles that continue the cycle to recidivism.

I'm asking you, to help me understand, how I can help you and others, who wear that rubber-stamp (CONVICTED FELON), to live productive, meaningful, and happy lives. The only person who truly understands what it is to be oppressed is the oppressed person. As the societal oppressor, I can stand on your shoulders all day long and never know what it feels like for you to have me standing on your shoulders." 

All comments are welcome

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- Eric

Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Hello Eric,

I have an adjudication withheld/felony/battery from over ten years ago. I was never convicted and released from probation two years early for good behavior. I have payed my dues; court fees,anger management,community service and probation. Regardless if I admit to my background or not , I still can not find work, I have been turned down by big corporations like Walmart, and pending on my background from Home Depot. I can not work with children or elderly and had to drop out of nursing school. Now wanting to be a Vet Assistant because I love animals and a state license is not required; hoping this dream career is not crushed as well. Please help me get through this nightmare. It is my past not my present nor my future. I only defended my life, and could not afford a real attorney. Faced five years in prison if I was found guilty at my trial so I took a plead in my best interest not having a trial but now realizing it was in my worst interest. No matter how many years go by.

GT


Hello GT,

I believe you took the correct path with Withheld Adjudication.  There is absolutely no need for an expensive trial which you may have lost and got an awful conviction on your record and also be out of a lot of money.  This way you have no conviction on your record.

It seems that you are getting on your own way a bit.  Let's start with applications. Employers are rarely interested in charges, just convictions.  Typically, applications ask "Have you ever been convicted of a crime...."  Since you have not been convicted, you should NEVER list it on an application if the application asks for convictions.  The answer is "NO."

Let's get clear about Withheld Adjudication.  Withheld adjudication / deferred judgement/deferred adjudication generally relates to a determination by a judge to place a person on probation without a judgement of guilt. There will be terms set by the court, usually a fine and a period of probation. Once the conditions are fulfilled, the charges are normally dismissed.  Since your charges were dismissed you should NEVER list it.  Now, if an application asks for charges, you can list it and note that the charge has been dismissed.

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Are you a felon or ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here.  Ask me a question here:  Ask me a question

If you are 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

" The Secret Weapon For Ex-offenders and Felons who Need Jobs "

Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

Will Deferred Judgement bar me from jobs?

Hello Mr. Mayo,

Last year I was arrested and and charged with a crime.  I was given deferred conviction.  I just applied to work in the kitchen of a hospital.  It is a really good job and I want to know if that deferred conviction will keep me from getting it.

Kelly


Hello Kelly,

Deferred Conviction / Deferred Judgement / Deferred Adjudication is sometimes offered to first time offenders who commit lesser crimes.  It allows the offender to keep a clean record.  In most cases the offender enters a guilty plea and is sentenced to probation and and a fine.  One the probation is finished and fine is paid, the original charges are dropped allowing the offender to keep a clean record.  Since the charges are dropped, there is no conviction.  The arrest will be there but no conviction.  This process allows the court system to process more cases without clogging up courtrooms.

When it comes to applying for jobs, most employers are concerned with convictions rather than arrests.  When filling out the application, pay careful attention to the wording.  If the application asks "Have you ever been arrested......" You must list the arrest.  If it asks "Have you ever been convicted......"  you can answer "No" because there was no conviction.

I hope my explanation makes sense.  If it does not, I suggest you contact either the prosecutor of the case or your probation officer to give you a better explanation.


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"Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications "