Felon with experience needs a Job

Felon is trying hard to find jobs

I'm a felon, convicted of mortgage fraud in 2005. My charge stems from a 1998 business deal and resulted in 5 years probation. I've accepted my situation and remained gainfully employed through my small business until 2009. Now, small business owners are subject to background checks before being awarded government contract. All small business certifications require background checks on the owner before the certification is granted. Needless to say, my contracting career is over even though I have 13 years of outstanding references from government agencies. Every contact I have will say their hands are tied when it comes to hiring a company whose owner has a felony conviction. I had to shut down my business (53 employees) and look for work. I hold a master of science in technology management and a master of business administration and I have over 20 years of IT experience. I have been looking for a job since February 2009. After posting my resume online, I get 4 to 5 responses a week. I disclose my situation during the telephone interview and it goes not further. Most companies will say it's their policy not to hire anyone with a felony conviction. Unfortunately, in the Washington DC area, every job now requires a background check - even McDonalds.

 

After much research, I found the Second Chance Act of 2007. The Second Chance Act is designed to improve outcomes for felons returning to communities from prisons and jails via employment assistance, housing, mentoring, etc. Well, the Second Chance Act does not apply to felons that received probation. As a felon that has paid my debt, improved myself through education, and function as a law abiding citizen, I am not given a second chance. I currently receive unemployment compensation, which is 1/3 of what I need to cover mortgage, electricity, water, phone and food. I am absolutely one step from homeless and hungry (with 2 masters degrees). Any suggestions? 

Regards,

Homeless in D.C.

p.s. Companies are given a $2400 tax credit for hiring felons and there is a federal bonding program for at-risk (felon) employees.

   

Hello Homeless,

Ex-offenders and felons with skills and experience are in far better shape than those without. You simply have to be more creative about how to employ your skills.

Firstly, I suggest contacting smaller independent IT contractors. You could subcontract through them and not be subject to the same scrutiny as primary contractors. Get the telephone book and get to work. There has to be at least a few that could have a job for you.

Secondly, I suggest considering starting a small business setting up home computers and networks. In this day and age, people buy computers (often more than one,) but don't how to set them up or connect them to each other. you could start with just a few flyers. Just a 
suggestion.

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Felon needs a job for a new start

Felon needs a Resume to get a Job

Felon needs a job

Hi Eric,

I appreciate your website. This is my question. I have a felony and I need to prepare a resume. Also, a cover letter. How can I get started?

Thank you,

Lisa

Hello Lisa,

A felon stands a better chance of getting a job by applying with a resume and well written cover letter.  Often when one applies in this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up.  The quality of your resume will say a lot about you.  Every positive felon job search should begin with a well written resume. I suggest getting help with writing a resume and other job search assistance at your local One-stop Career Center.

There are counselors who can provide one-on-one help. Often counselors are experienced in helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs. Take a look at the video below.

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs 

You can find your local One-stop Career Center here:

www.servicelocator.org

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There is help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

Starting a Business Employing Ex-offenders and Felons

For Ex-offenders and Felons: Start a Business or Get a Job?

 Hi,

I am trying to start a business that employs ex-prisoners, primarily. I have a close family friend that has some theft charges from Indiana, (automatically felony in Indiana), the charges were placed on him by his Step-mother and a former girl friends mother after the Step mom told her she had pawn tickets indicating that her stepson pawned some of the womens' things,(given to him by the woman's daughter he was dating). Anyway, he is at heart a good kid and as time went on we found more kids that have ruined lives because of their not so loving family. I want to sell clothes and other popular items to teens and middle twenties types that are created and sold by former inmates.

I would like to see if former inmates that have a piece of a business and pride in what they do, while making some cash to live, will stop the pattern of repeat jail terms.
I have been trying to find more funds and was hoping you can help me so I can help them.

Leslie


Hello Leslie,

This is certainly a worthy endeavor. Often I encourage those choosing to start a business is to contact the Service Corps of Retires Executives (SCORE.) SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small business start, grow and succeed nationwide. There are both pros and cons to ex-offenders and felons starting businesses over getting jobs.  You can get more information here and the locations in Indiana here:

http://www.score.org/findscore/index.html


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For Ex-offenders and Felons: Start a Business or Get a Job? 

Felon wants a business rather than a job

Ex-offender has Misdemeanor and needs a Job

Ex-offender in NC looking for a job

Hello,

I was convicted of Misdemeanor "A" Assault in CT in November 2004, which I was arrested for in June of that year. Initially, I was convicted of felony assault. However, it was reduced to a misdemeanor with my plea. I never received any jail time with my deal, as it was deferred after 18 months. There was never a weapon involved, though the prosecutor said my shoe was a weapon - I was attacked and laying on my back the whole time...

I'm a Marine Veteran, who served stateside and abroad and also served in Somalia during combat operations. Moreover, I have a Bachelor of Science degree, which I received in '01.

I've been unemployed since February 18, 2010 and need help getting in touch with companies that will hire someone like me, as several have disqualified me...

In the past I've gotten help through CT Dol. However, their aide wasn't useful - they have no job fairs or actual aide for people in my situation. Not to mention, this State isn't very forgiving!  I've always wanted to be in law enforcement or the fire services. I'm not sure if any of the P.D.'s or F.D's will overlook this. Reading, on-line, I noticed that Laredo, TX will accept applicants with misdemeanor A violations after 10 years. Do you know of any that will hire me with 7 years or less? Are there any areas with more offenders that lower their hiring standards because of more offenders in the area?

My second choice for employment is in the area of sales, as I enjoy it and have experience in it. I prefer outside sales, but won't exclude inside sales.

I've paid my debt to society and I'm still being put down for it. In '06 I was turned down for several white collar positions - I actually got hired to AT&T in yellow page sales. I was honest about my arrest, though was asked not to show up for my first day of training. The HR manager said that I had a felony, which I don't. It's listed on my conviction record, but shown that it's reduced.

Do you know of any companies that will overlook this. I'm tired of working crappy blue collar jobs. Moreover, my body can't take the constant abuse anymore.

Thank you for your anticipated help!

Sincerely,

John

 
Hello John,

Unfortunately there is no simple solution for your situation. Firstly I would get a copy of your criminal record to be certain that your conviction indeed comes up as a misdemeanor. You can find the contact information for your state's repository of criminal records here:
http://www.jud.ct.gov/cbec/CRRep.pdf

Since your conviction is a misdemeanor, you a good candidate for expungement in the state if Connecticut. You can get more information as well as the forms and instructions in the link below:

http://www.ct.gov/doc/lib/doc/PDF/form/PardonFormerOffender.pdf

As far as a job in police or fire services, you should contact the fire and police officials in your municipality and inquire if your misdemeanor conviction would prohibit your employment. If it would not, a call to your councilperson for some advice wouldn't hurt.  Bear in mind, if you are a candidate for expungement, the conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and any government agency.


I often refer ex-offenders and felons to the local United Way. The United Way supports agencies that aid ex-offenders and felons in a variety of ways.  You are also a veteran which is a plus.  The Veteran's Administration offers job search assistance for veterans looking for jobs.  

In general, as I always suggest to ex-offenders and felons. apply for every job you feel you are qualified for.  Never assume you will be turned down for a job because you have a record


I hope this helps.

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Felons may use expungement to get jobs

Felon with DWI needs a Job

 Felon with DWI needs a Job

I have been working for the same company for the past 12 years and was terminated when they found out about my 3rd DWI (happened in 2004). I have a college degree and 12 twelve years of experience in my field of sales/customer service. The termination was in January of this year and I have not been able to secure a job due to my felony record. I never went to prison, was put on probation for 10 years (TX). I applied with a competitor with my current company who made me an offer and could not go further when they found the felony (which I self reported for background check). I was extremely successful in my field and don't know what to do. Any suggestions.  

Hello,

Some employers consider DWI a very serious offense. My suggestion to you is to apply for temporary jobs. Often if temporary employees are good, they are hired on a permanent basis. In regards to temporary employment, it is better to apply at small independent agencies rather than larger national companies. Smaller agencies are free to hire anyone they choose.

If you want to remain in sales, you will simply have to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for until you find an employer who is more interested in your future than your past. With your experience, you are better off than most felons job searching.

I hope this helps

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Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons

Felons wants to get a job as a Locksmith

Felon needs a Job

I am a convicted felon and have been out for four years. I finish all that the State of New Mexico ask of me with satisfactory compliance. I got a letter in the mail proposing I become a lock smith and I am wondering if it would be a waste of my time completing this course if a background check is going to hinder me from working as a lock smith? My felony convictions are drug related and are the last in a long line of drug offenses. Do you know if I have a chance in this field or should I just try some thing else. I have recently been attending college and have found that the degree I was pursuing was not felony friendly so I am in desperate need to figure out what fields I can major in where my felony will have the least affect on my career.

Sincerely,

Conan

Hello Conan,

To my knowledge the state of New Mexico does not require locksmiths to be licensed, so your conviction will have little or no bearing. As far as pursuing higher education, you must investigate to learn if your chosen field requires licensing or certification. Your convictions may prohibit you from being licensed.

You still may encounter the usual "felon" bias that many with criminal histories have.  As I tell every ex-offender and felon I work with, you will have to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for until you find the right employer

I hope this helps.

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Temporary Agencies are a good Choice for Ex-offenders and Felons

A Sex Offender needs a Job

Sex offender needs help finding a job

I am a sex offender that even during this crime I never hurt anybody. It was just pictures on the internet. I have been looking for a job for 2 years now and only have been able to find some very very part-time seasonal job. That only gives me enough to pay for my prescriptions and transportation. How can I get a half way decent job.

Sincerely

Daniel


A: Hello Daniel,

A convicted sex offender has a difficult time getting hired. I suggest contacting your parole or probation officer. Often they have knowledge of employers who have hired offenders.

I suggest also contacting your local United Way. The United Way support social agencies that provide services to ex-offenders and felons. Goodwill Industries has a proven record of hiring ex-offenders and felons as well as providing other services . You can get more information here:

http://www.goodwill.org/

Another solution is to apply for temporary employment. Many employers are in need of temporary help. Often temporary employees are hired permanently. Smaller independent 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 felons and ex-offenders. Larger agencies often have to comply with the policies of the parent company.

One tactic that I often suggest sex offenders to use is to apply to smaller companies.  Smaller companies are less likely to use background expensive background checks.  On the application, leave the space where the criminal background question blank.  It is a chance the employer may not notice it.  If he does, be prepared to briefly talk about your conviction.

Sex offender jobs may be difficult to find but a little hard work will pay off.

I hope this helps

Where can a sex offender find jobs

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Sex offender needs job search advice

Can A felon get a Job as a Nurse?

Felon seeks job as a Nurse

My name is Danielle. I am 17 years I was sent to a 10 month program and I turn 18 in 2 weeks. I want to take my Certified Nurses Assistant class. Will my record hold me back? I'm going to college to be a Registered Nurse. Will my record hold me back?

Hello Danielle,



I have worked with ex-offenders who have criminal convictions and hold health care licenses here in the state of New Jersey. I don’t know where you live or what your offense was, but you can contact the medical licensing board in your state. They will be able to advise you of licensing restrictions relating to your conviction.

Often ex-offender and felon job searches require some legal assistance. Once again, I don't know what your conviction is but it may be possible to have your charge expunged or downgraded. This will make it easier to work with. I suggest you contact your local legal aid office. You may be able to low-cost or no cost assistance getting this done.  Expungement, unfortunately will not help you to get licensed. Expunged or sealed, your conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.


I hope this helps

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Advice to help a felon get a job

Do felons list “Deferred Probation” on Job Applications?

Will Deferred Judgement bar me from jobs?

I have a previous misdemeanor assault on a family member on my record. I currently on probation deferred for assault on a family member that is classifies as a felony. Do I list the felony on an application, even though I am on deferred probation? I read somewhere that the felony charge will not show up on a background check. How accurate is that? I reside in Houston, Texas. I do have an advantage, I served honorable in the military for six years. I am now in the Inactive Ready Reserve. My obligation will end in two years. I need advice on what to put on an application. How do I explain myself while in an interview?

Thank you,

Ramiro


Hello Ramiro,

Your question not easily answered and I can see how that can affect a felon job search. Deferred adjudication, withheld adjudication, deferred probation all fall into the same basic category.  In most cases, adjudication is withheld pending some other action, usually successful completion of the terms. These terms are typically a fine and probation.  If you successfully complete the terms, in most cases the charges are dismissed. When you complete the terms you will be given a document declaring the charges dismissed.

My suggestion to you is to contact the prosecutor or court officer that is assigned to to your case and inquire if the charge was indeed dismissed.  If it was dismissed, you can answer "no" to the conviction question. This is not intended as legal advice, just information.  For more detailed information as it relates to deferment in your state, you should get help from a qualified legal professional.  I suggest your local legal aid office.  You should be able to get low-cost, probably no-cost assistance.

I hope this helps.

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Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs

Are Pell Grants and other Financial Aid Programs Available to Felons?

Felon is looking for training and a career

Can felons get financial aid for school?

There seems to be a lot of jobs for Ultra Sound and X-ray Techs. I think either of these would be great jobs for my son and other young people who want to turn their lives around. Please can someone give me an answer on this. I try hard to get as much help as I can in these areas. These people have done their time, they have been punished and so has the parents!

Katheia



Hello Katheia,

I have students with felony convictions who were able to get grants and loans for education and subsequently jobs. Unfortunately not everyone convicted of a felony is eligible. Certain drug convictions require that you complete an accepted drug rehabilitation program in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.

I suggest you contact the financial aid office of the institution you wish to attend. The institution wants you as a student and will do everything they can to help you get financial aid. They will also help you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.)

You can get get the more information as well as a down loadable FAFSA here:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/faq003.htm#faq003_5

There also may be financial aid available from your state.

I regards to getting a job in the medical field, I suggest contacting the medical licensing board in your state to find out if your conviction will prohibit you from being certified or licensed in your state.

I hope this helps

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Medical Jobs for a Felon