Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs
Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs
Get a Copy of your Criminal Record
At some time during the job search, the question about criminal record is going to come up. I encourage my students to be totally honest when talking about their background. The best way to do this is to have an accurate record of your criminal convictions. If you have a probation or parole officer, he/she can help you get a copy of your record.
Find out if the convictions on your record can be sealed or expunged. To be clear, NO RECORDS CAN BE ERASED. If someone tells you that you can erase your record, do not believe them. There are legal processes that can have certain convictions and charges hidden from public view making your record easier to work with. Your record, even if hidden from public view, will always be available to all government agencies, court systems and law enforcement.
There are lawyers who make tons of money by using these processes so they are not going to like this but, you can get this done for little or no money. I suggest to all of my students to contact their local legal aid office. There you will be able to find out of expungement or sealing is available in your state and what can be done about your record. If it is an option for you, you can get help getting it done for little or no money.
Get Some Really Good References
Increasingly employers are paying attention to references when considering new employees. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should be able to provide strong references that will help them make a good impression on employers. There are employers that will hire a felon and a strong set of references from the right people can help you get hired.
References are upstanding members of the community who would say something positive about you. Good references could help an employer look past your record. References from religious leaders, teachers, former employers and local political leaders would look great to an employer.
Most employment applications ask for for three references. You should always have at least four. Be prepared to list a name, title, and contact information for each one. Make certain contact information is current and keep it updated. Over time, phone numbers, titles and addresses change.
Get permission from anybody you want to use as a reference. Let them know that you are looking for a job and a reference from them would really help. Never offer anyone as a reference without their consent. Once you have your references all together, keep them in your job search folder for easy access when it is time to fill out an application.
Only offer references when they are requested. Never put references on a resume. Include a line on the resume that may say "References will be furnished upon request."
Taking the time to get good references will have a powerful impact on your job search.
Get A Resume
If you are looking for a job without a well written resume, you are at a disadvantage. A resume is a short, concise document that states relevant information regarding your education, skills, experiences, accomplishments, and job-related background. A well written resume will help you present your best qualities to an employer. If you have a resume, have a professional person look at it to judge it's quality. If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get some help putting one together.
Dress to Get Hired
First impressions are very important. What people think upon meeting you depends so much on what they see. When prospective employers meet you for the first time what will they think they see? Will they see a potential problem? Will they see an ex-con trying to get a job? Will they see a polished professional looking for an opportunity? That will totally be up to you.
It is important that you look like someone of quality. A well fitting suit with a nice shirt, a coordinated tie and polished shoes is what most ex-offenders and ex-felons should shoot for. Your clothing should more for you that anything you say.
Get Some Quality Job Leads
Do you know what type of job you are looking for? Do you know where open jobs are? There are many ways to find out where jobs are.
1. Networking - Networking is the single best way to find out where jobs are. Networking is simply talking to people you already know to find out if they know about any open positions.
2. State Job Services - State sponsored employment services have access to job openings and other services that can help you get a job.
3. Temporary Employment - Companies use temporary employment services when they need help immediately for a certain amount of time. A temporary agency could have you working on a very short time. Some temporary assignment turn into permanent jobs. Temporary agencies cater to a wide array of businesses like offices, restaurants, construction companies and even the medical industry. Whatever type of work you do, you will be able to find a temporary agency that needs employees. Check you local telephone directory or search online for agencies in your area and apply just as you would any other employer.
4. Help Wanted Ads - Help wanted ads can be found in local newspapers. These advertisements can be found in the classifieds section of you daily newspaper, having listings of open jobs. Ex-offenders and Ex-felons looking for jobs can also use the Internet to find help wanted ads.
Unfortunately, not all job fields are open to ex-offenders and ex-felon and you may not get the job you want right away. You may have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Be prepared
Practice Interviewing
The key to successful interviewing is practice. You will have to practice how to answer questions especially the one you will get that relate to your criminal record. Find someone to work with you practicing answering questions until you sound convincing.
These tips will get you started on your task of finding a job. As I said before, it won't be easy, but having determination and working hard will definitely pay off
Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs
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Eric Mayo