Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Hello Eric,

My name is Steve.  I am 24 years old.  In 2009 I committed a crime consisting of Vandalism, Burglary, and Arson. I had never been in trouble my entire life and grew up in a strict household.  I was with five other guys and I was the oldest.  I was the only one to turn myself in and give a full statement on the matter. It landed me on a four year probation term and after that, it will be expunged from my record. (THAT WAS THE PLEA AGREEMENT). It happened in Tennessee and now I am currently living in Fort Wayne, IN.

There are a lot more jobs up here than down there but the problem I am facing is that when I go to a temp agency that IS SUPPOSED TO HELP FELONS FIND WORK they tell me that my current felonies together seen on paper would make it really hard for a potential client to take interest in my employment. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I have not been in trouble since my sentencing. I am a proud step father now of three and I have already completed two full years on my probation.

Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Hello Steve,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I meet people everyday that have done some really stupid things when they were younger and are still paying the price as they get older.  My advice to them is to apply, apply apply for as many jobs as they feel they are qualified for.  I tell felons looking for jobs 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 greater the chance you will find an employer who will give you a shot a job.  Felons get hired everyday.  It's all about finding job leads and applying.

You can find open jobs in your area: Click Here!

When you get an interview and the question about your record comes up, acknowledge that you made some mistakes when you were younger.  Don't spend a lot of time talking about the mistakes, but focus on the things you have done to improve yourself and your attitude since.  You may say something like this:

I was into some things when I was younger that landed me in jail.  Jail is a tough place to be but I made the best of a bad situation.  I had a job which taught me respect for authority and patience through hard work.  I can honestly say, today I am a different person than I was going in.  If you give me this opportunity I’ll make the most of it.

As far as applying to temporary agencies, you may have more success applying to small privately owned agencies rather than large national companies.  Smaller businesses in general are more flexible when it comes to hiring felons.  Use the state sponsored employment service.  Each state has a network of offices that assists individuals in finding jobs.  They also provide a long list of services that help you get a job or find a career.  Some services are, resume preparation, and interviewing skills.  There lists of open jobs in your area. Each offices has trained counselors that can provide individualized assistance.  Many of the counselors have experience helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  You can find the nearest office in any community at:

www.servicelocator.org

WorkOne Northeast Indiana- Allen County
201 East Rudisill Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46806-1756 

GO BIGGER THAN YOURSELF: THE POWER OF NETWORKING

Jobs for felons: Ten Simple Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record  

Jobs for Felons: Know your rights in regard to Criminal Background Checks

Jobs for Felons:  How Employers Look at Criminal Records

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Information to Help Felons get Jobs

Information to Help Felons get Jobs

Can ex-felons get local jobs

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I work with felons in a job center in Ohio and I see what they go through everyday trying to find jobs. I have been to your website and I find it appalling that you want to profit from felons by selling them a book that they need.  You say that you want to help felons but it looks like you are helping yourself.

You should be giving your book away.

Debbie

Information to Help Felons get Jobs

Hello Debbie,

I'm sorry you feel that I'm taking advantage of felons. You believe that I should be giving my book away.  You say that you help felons at a job center.  Do you do it for nothing?  You look for your check on Friday don't you?

Most of the people who purchase my book are not felons, but family or friends who want to help them.  Some them believe that the information in my book might benefit them more than buying them a pack of cigarettes or a drink.  I know that there are people that want to help a friend or a family member that may not have the $17.95 that we are asking for the softcover book, so we offer an ebook at a price that almost anyone can afford.  This ebook can be read on any device and is completely printable. You can check it out here: From Jail to a Job

If you were on my website. you were probably looking for information.  I also have two blogs that I have answered hundreds of questions from ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.  You can find those blogs here:

How Felons Can Get Jobs

Real Answers for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs


That's two blogs with tons of free information to help felons get jobs.  Who knows you may even learn some things from my blogs that you can use to help your clients.

Best of luck to you and your clients Debbie!

Information to Help Felons get Jobs

 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Job Information for Felons

Eric Mayo

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

Please Rate This Post at the Top!

- Eric

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record

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