Can I get a Professional Job with a Criminal Record?

Can I get a Professional Job with a Criminal Record?

Hello,

I have been trying to get a job with an insurance company or large law firms and no one is calling me back. I assume it is because I was arrested in 2002 and plead out to probation. I am not a convicted felon, but that is still on my record. Also, I have an arrest for battery on my record, but the case got thrown out. Can you really help? I received an email from Allstate that they want to set up an interview with me next week. Will this mess me up once they look up my background?


Mattie

Can I get a Professional Job with a Criminal Record?

Hello Mattie,

Let's start at the beginning.  You state that you plead to probation, which means that you were convicted.  I don't know what your conviction was for, but if you were convicted of any type of theft, fraud or robbery, some jobs may not be available to you. 

In case of any other arrests, employers are more concerned with convictions rather that arrests.  That is why the question on applications typically begin with. "Have you been convicted of a crime..."  I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to get a copy of their criminal records so that they can answer this question honestly and accurately.  The best place to get this is from your probation officer.  I'm sure he/she can get a copy for you.

When your interview comes, as I advise everyone with a criminal record, answer every question honestly, but never volunteer information.  If the question does come up on the interview like this, "I'm glad you are asking this question, because I want you to feel comfortable hiring me....."  Then briefly explain the circumstance surrounding the infraction.  Spend more time talking about the steps you have taken to overcome that situation.

Don't assume that your legal issues are the reason you are getting few call backs.  Continue to apply for every job you qualify for for.  Don't assume that because you have a record, you won't be considered.

I would also try to find out if expungement in your state.  Expungement essentially means that your criminal record would be hidden from public view.  Once that is done, you may claim not to have a record when responding to the "Have you ever been convicted....." question.  Expungement is a legal process that you should not try alone.  You should contact your local legal aid office to see if your state offers the opportunity for expungement.  You may also qualify for free legal services.

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Can I get a Professional Job with a Criminal Record?

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and if there is one thing I stress is the power of the first impression.  How you look is going to speak volumes about you before you ever open your mouth.  Whether out looking for a job, filling out applications or interviewing that first impression is powerful.  What do people see when they see you?  Do they see a thug or a businessperson?  Everything about you should "Professional."

The classic look for men is a dark suit with a light colored shirt and a color coordinated tie.  At the very least, dark slacks, with a light colored shirt and a nice silk tie.  Don't forget the shined shoes.  For women, a classic  pant or skirt suit with coordinated pumps. 

I meet ex-offenders and felons who tell me that they do not have the money to buy the kind of clothes that I'm talking about.  There is a solution, the local thrift store.  I know what you are thinking- used clothes,
yuck!  Get rid of you prejudices that thrift stores are full of junk that other people threw away.  The fact is, thrift stores often have high quality clothes at bargain basement prices.  Check this true story about an actual student of mine:

"Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs" 

 

I recently took a student of mine to a local thrift store because he told me he did not have clothes for an upcoming interview.  This is what we got.


1 pair of  Perry Ellis Portfolio double pleated, cuffed slacks - $4.00

1 Ralph Lauren Dress shirt - $3.00

1 Nautica silk tie - $2.00

1 pair of Cole Haan shoes $12.00

He went home with clothes that would make him look like a million dollars for $21.00!

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are great for finding good bargains on clothes. Here are some tips to make thrift store shopping a great experience.

 Give yourself time.  Thrift stores usually have a lot of things to look through.  Take your time and find what you need.

Go with a friend.  It’s good to have a second opinion. If you're a guy, go with a girl.  If you're a girl, vice versa.  Your friend will be able to help you decide if something really looks good on you.

Find out if there are any sales.  Some thrift stores color code the sale items.  Some stores even have a sale day.  Find out how to make your thrift store bargains even better.

If possible, buy clothes that are machine washable.  What good is getting a good deal on slacks if you can only dry clean them.

Look clothes over very carefully.  Nothing is worse than thinking you have found a nice shirt, only to get home and find a hole on the back or the cuffs are frayed.

Try clothes on.  You will feel really bad if you got those great slacks home and they don't fit

Wash clothes when you get home.  Thrift store clothes are basically clean, but many have been on the rack for a while and need to be freshened up before wearing.

Thrift stores are a great option for ex-offenders and felons who want to look professional but do not have a lot of money.  To find your local thrift store, check your local telephone book.  Even if you haven't decided that thrift stores are for you.  Try one anyway.  Go down and look around.  Even if you don't buy anything the first time, don't be surprised if you go back at another time.


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 Jobs for Felons: How to Shop at Thrift Stores

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Jobs for Felons and Ex-offenders: How to Tie a Tie

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

 

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: Adogzheart2@gmail.com.

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

 

Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores

Can I get  Job with an Adjudication Withheld  Sex Offense?

Hi,  I seem to be having issues getting a job. I’m a registered sex offender in Florida. I have Adjudication withheld innocent. Never on probation and no restrictions. I only have to register twice a year. I’m a one of a kind since most offenders had probation etc. I can vote and carry a gun.

 I had sex with my wife when she was two months shy of 18. State attorney charged me with statutory rape. We are still married and have a 5 year old daughter. This is affecting my life. I have an MBA and masters in criminology.  I was forced to quit my job as a police officer of 15 years because of the charges.

Every time I apply for a job I get turned down. I guess I could move to any of the 36 other states that don’t consider my crime as a problem since most states is 16. Also adjudication in say Georgia is not a problem since they consider it as innocent.  I want to stay in Florida what do you suggest short of writing the Governor for a pardon.

- WG

Can I get  Job with an Adjudication Withheld  Sex Offense?

Hello WG,

Since very few pardons are granted, that may not be a viable option.  The good news is that Withheld Adjudication has a positive outlook.   Typically, there are terms associated with the this process, usually a fine and probation.  Once the terms are met, the original charges are dropped leaving only an arrest record.  When background checks are done, only the charge is seen.  You can find out from the prosecutor associated with the case to find out if the terms were met and the charges were indeed dropped.

If indeed the charges were dropped, expungement may be an option.  Expungement essentially is a process that will hide the charges from public view.  If an expungement is granted, the charge will not show up on a background check, making getting a job a lot easier.  Because this a legal process, I would would seek assistance from a qualified legal professional that understands the process in your state.  You should contact the legal aid office in your community where you could possibly get free legal assistance in this matter.

Can I get  Job with an Adjudication Withheld  Sex Offense?

Eric Mayo