Why can't I get a Job with my Conviction? ~ Jobs for Felons: How felons can get jobs

Why can't I get a Job with my Conviction?

I have been reading your blog for a while. I applied to some of your some of the employers on your list but I have not been contacted by any one of them. My cousin works at one of them. She has a record too. Why can she get a job and I can't? What can I do?

Kathryn from Marietta, GA

Why can't I get a Job with my Conviction?

Hello Kathryn,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble finding a job. Regarding our List of Companies that Hire Felons, many people are confused by this list. The employers on the list will not hire you just because you are a felon. These employers hire a felon if he or she is the best person for the job.

I have been working with felons for a long time and I find that the most difficult felon to help get hired are those with any type of sex offense. Plain and simple, most employers want nothing to do with sex offenders. Their best opportunities to get hired is to apply for jobs that have limited contact with people. Unfortunately, most sex offenders cannot work anywhere near schools, parks or anywhere there are children. This makes things a lot more difficult for them

The next most difficult group, are those with any type of what I call integrity crimes. Those with any type of theft, robbery, forgery, identity theft, fraud and similar convictions have a difficult time. They have little opportunity for retail jobs or any jobs that require trust of any kind.

The third most difficult convictions to work with are violent crimes. Applicants with any type of assault or weapons convictions are a concern to employers and they are often avoided. Once again, those with any type of violent crimes may have more success applying for jobs that require minimal contact with other people.

I don't know what your conviction(s) or what types of jobs you have been applying for, but I hope this sheds some light on your situation.

Finding a job is not an exact science. People without criminal records don't always get jobs they apply for. The best advice I can give you is to apply for every job you feel qualified for. The more jobs you apply for, the greater opportunities you will have to get interviews. The more interviews you get, the more opportunities you will have to get a job

Best of luck to you.