Felon is trying hard to find jobs

Hello, my name is Kevin.  I live in New Jersey.  I've had a few drug charges in my past.  I was put on pre-trial intervention. in 2006 for possession of magic mushrooms, but towards the end of my P.T.I. I messed up again and got caught with possession of heroin (felony) in 2008.  I regret a lot of the things that I've done in my past, but people make mistakes, and I'm trying to change my life around.  People do change.  It's hard to get away from the past when it keeps coming up and haunting your future.

I've been off of probation for about 2 years, but I can't seem to land a job.  Every company I interview for asks about my criminal background, and I don't lie about it.  I thought companies like honesty.  Everyone has said they can't hire felons.  Nobody will give me a chance.  I've been on unemployment, but it's running out soon.  I don't know what to do.  If I didn't have the support of my family I don't know what I would be doing.

I've been applying to warehouse jobs, since my last job was a picker/packer at a warehouse.  I also have forklift experience, but I am not certified.  My question is how do I get a job, and down the road is it possible to get my felony charge expunged, since I have more then one charge?  Also are there any temp agencies that work to help felons get jobs?

Thank you very much.

 Felon is trying hard to find jobs

Hello Kevin,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to apply for as many jobs as they feel they are qualified for.  Remember, even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks.  The key is finding enough jobs to apply for.

I encourage every felon to visit your local One-stop Career center.  There you will find a lot of services that can help you land a job.  Among those services are listings of open jobs in your area.  You can get one-on-one job search assistance from trained counselors.  You can find your local One-stop Career center here:

www.servicelocator.org

As we move in to the holiday season, you may find warehouse opportunities at many retail outlets like:

Target

Kohl's

Toys-R-Us


Sam's Club

Supermarkets may also hire ex-offenders and felons for their overnight crews.

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons. I am in Southern New Jersey.  My students are often hired at Wal-mart, Home Depot and Lowe's.

As far as applying for employment at temporary agencies, my students have more success with smaller independent agencies as opposed to nation-wide companies.  In most cases, the large companies have regulations from their corporate offices that prohibit the hiring of ex-offenders and felons.  Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they feel would be a good employee.

Unfortunately the state of New Jersey only allows one felony expungement which one cannot even apply for until ten years has passed from the date of the completion of the sentence.

I hope this helps.

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

 

 

Felon is trying hard to find jobs 

Female felon needs job search help

I have been looking for employment for the past two months. I feel that I have been unable to land anything because of a felony on my record. I did not serve any jail time and my crime was only mail fraud. I had no idea it would be this hard.

Can you offer any suggestions or do you know of any agencies willing to assist those who may have trouble passing a background check.

Thanks,

Tazzy

  

Female felon needs job search help

Hello Tazzy,
 

Background checks are always on the minds of those with records.  I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to apply with well written resumes and cover letters.  Often when applicants apply directly to employers this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up. This will give a prospective employer the opportunity to meet the person behind the resume. This works especially well with smaller companies that are less likely to do expensive background checks.

When meeting people face-to-face about jobs, it’s important to be honest, but never offer information or go too deeply into your case.  Answer any question with as brief an answer as you can while responding honestly.

Consider working as a temporary as a way of getting a permanent job. Temporary agencies use temporary agencies to quickly fill job vacancies  Often if temporary employees are found to be good workers, they are hired on as permanent employees  Other advantages to temporary employment are:


* You can try new types of work and learn new skills

* You can make new contacts.

* Build a work history.

* Earn a wage until you can find more permanent employment.



Make a list of temporary agencies in your area. Call each one to find out what types of jobs they have available and how to submit an application.  many have online applications. Apply just as you would any other employer.  Once again, it may be to your advantage to apply to smaller independent companies that have fewer hiring restrictions than large national companies.  Small independent companies are free to hire anyone they choose.

One-Stop Career Centers

Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that can help on a felon job search. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

You can find the nearest location of the One Stop Career Center in your local phone book or on the web at:

www.servicelocator.org

Often there are counselors available who have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

 

Real Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs

  

 

Female felon needs job search help

Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

Hello,

I have a juvenile record.  

When I was younger, I got into some trouble. Looking back, I'm really sorry for the things I've done. I am hoping that the stupid things I did as a kid won't keep me from having a good future. I want to go to college.  How can I move forward now?

Thanks for your help.

Calvin.

Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

Hello Calvin, 

That’s a very good question. Many people believe that juvenile records disappear when one reach the age of adulthood. In most cases, juvenile records are sealed by the court. When a case is “sealed” it can only be examined by order of the court. Sealing of a criminal record entails that a court clerk is ordered by a judge to conceal a court record of criminal proceedings from public view. The records are not destroyed because under certain conditions, a court can order that previously sealed records be reopened. Loosely speaking, the effect of sealing is the court treats the information in the record as if never existed.

 A court not only seals its records, but also orders that records with information about the charges held by others be sealed as well. Persons may then by rights and legally respond to any inquiries about the arrest, acquittal, conviction etc., as if they never happened. For instance, you may by rights in a job interview or even under oath to deny a sealed conviction. Once a record has been sealed it is not gone. It will be visible to law enforcement, government agencies and the courts. This may impact you eligibility for civil service jobs or jobs that require a license or certification.

In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed. You can find out if your juvenile record was automatically sealed or if you have to apply to have it sealed. An Attorney can help you with this. You may be able to get free legal advice regarding this at your local legal aid office.

 I hope this helps




Please Rate This Post at the Top!


Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: adogzheart2@gmail.com.

If you are really serious about finding a job with a criminal record, or you want to help someone you care about, visit my website From Jail to a Job

Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

Felon mom in PA needs help finding jobs

Q: Hi Mr. Mayo,

My name is Martha.  I am a Phlebotomist.  I just got a felony in 2010.   I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Can you please help me help my self.  Before my conviction I was a phlebotomist working in a hospital.   I lost my job because of it.  My charges are aggravated assault and conspiracy.

Will I ever find work in that field again and if so what company should I go to or what programs are out here to help me help my self.  I also have a housing issue as well.  Do you have any advice on that.  I lost my section 8 due to my felony and I have a daughter I need to take care of before I lose her to the system.

Thank you for caring and God Bless You.  Maybe I can help others in PA as well.   I know a lot of brothers that need your advice,  two of my sons included.

Please respond ASAP.  Desperate running out of time.

Martha
 

Felon mom in PA needs help finding jobs

A:  Hello Martha,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  May I also suggest contacting your local United Way office. The United Way could guide you to any number of services they support that may be able to help you and your
family. You may also ask about services that assist ex-offenders and felons looking jobs.

You can find the United Way in you area here:

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

As far as your career as a phlebotomist, you must find out if your conviction has affected your certification.  You must contact the place where you got your training.

I hope this helps.

Please Rate This Post at the Top!

Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

 

 

Felon mom in PA needs help finding jobs

Felon in Tenn Needs help Finding a Job

Q: Hey,

I found your website and ur email and I live in Nashville TN, Link Antioch to be exact and I have one felony theft charge on my record. It all happened years ago and I am having trouble finding a job anywhere... even places like Burger King. If you know of any places in the Antioch / Nashville area that would be a good place for me to look I would be greatly appreciated.... I just turned 25 have a son that will be 6 in April and I need a job desperately. I have applied to so many places and Ive even tried lying on the application checking no in the felony question box to see if that would help.... Before my felony charge I worked at a Wal-Mart for a while and before that I used to help a buddy of mine laying floors. Carpet, hardwood, tile etc.... If you could help me at all I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Felon in Tenn Needs help Finding a Job

A: Hello,

Frequent readers of my blog know, my first suggestion to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is the nearest One-stop Career Center. These are very underutilized resources that can not only help ex-offenders and felons get jobs but may help them find careers and vocational training.

In addition, these centers provide a long list of valuable services. Some services available are:
 

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings in your immediate area

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers to use to find jobs

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

The nearest One-Stop to you is:

Tennessee Career Center at Humboldt

1481 West Mullins Street
Humboldt, TN 38343
phn: 731-784-3552

You can Find more information here:

Tennessee Career Center at Humbold

I hope this helps.

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: adogzheart2@gmail.com.

If you are really serious about finding a job with a criminal record, or you want to help someone you care about, visit my website From Jail to a Job

 

 

Felon in Tenn Needs help Finding a Job

Felon in Texas wants job as teacher

Hello, Do you know if someone who received Deferred Adjudication for a felony assault could receive Teaching Certification in Texas and teach?

Thank you






 

Felon in Texas wants job as teacher

 Hello,
 
In most cases I would not attempt an answer for a question of this nature because I am not a legal professional. I believe there are other ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs that are in similar situations, I will offer a suggestion. My understanding of deferred adjudication is, there is an initial plea of guilty. It is my understanding, once the conditions of the deferment are met (typically a fine and probation,) the charges are formally dropped. Since there is no conviction, you may legally answer “no” when the questions asked “Have you been convicted….” The charges although formally dropped, they will still remain as a charge and will appear on background checks as a charge and not a conviction.

Here is the tricky part. Even though the charges are dropped the deferment will always be visible to law enforcement the court system and government agencies. Since a state agency certifies teachers, it will be visible. Too many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that their convictions make them ineligible for hire. My suggestion is that you contact the State Board for Educator Certification to find out if your conviction will keep you from being certified in Texas. You can reach them here:


State Board for Educator Certification
1701 N. Congress Ave.
WBT 5-100
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 463-9734

I hope this helps.

 

>

 Real help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

 

 Felon in Texas wants job as teacher

Volunteer wants to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Hello Eric!

My name is Ernestine and I volunteer at a drug and alcohol treatment facility for men on parole or probation in , Oregon. I have begun to facilitate an employment/transition preparation class at the facility. The class meets for an hour and twenty minutes once a week for about five weeks. To take full advantage of the time we have together, I want to make sure that we are covering the most useful information and tips. In your experience, what have been the most helpful and useful topics/exercises? Which kinds of game plans have been most successful for the men you have worked with?

Thank you so much!

Volunteer wants to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Hello Ernestine,


Getting a job requires a combination of things. If I had to single one or two things, I would say that the ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs would have to present a totally professional presentation. That is resume, dress and grooming. No one gets a second chance to make a first impression. Secondly, they must develop a plan of action that would help them get an extensive list of employers to apply to. Finding a job is indeed a numbers game. The more applications, the more interviews. More interviews mean more opportunities to get hired.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!  

Volunteer wants to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Felon wants a career in Psychology or Broadcasting

 

Good afternoon,

I have read your blog and have gotten a lot of great ideas to pass along to my clients. Thank you very much for that! However, I'm clueless when it comes to my partner. We have been together for 3 yrs. I knew getting into the relationship about his past, but growing up on the "other side of town", I thought once you did your probation and paid your fines you were good! How wrong was I. He has not served any prison or jail time, but does have 3 felonies for drugs and last yr was charged with felony manslaughter (grand jury turned it down...and we were told he was charged b/c the other family was pushing the DA...small town) but this is on his record as well.

So, my question to you is where do we begin. He has an interest in psychology and broadcasting but not sure if he could have a job once a degree is obtained. I know this was rambling, but I know he is at the end of his rope, and every path is a dead end.

Thank you for any information that you can share. By the way we are in N.C.

Miss K,

Felon wants a career in Psychology or Broadcasting

Hello Miss K,

I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to apply for anything they feel they are qualified for. Your friend is looking at a career in Psychology. The only problem I see is that there are some jobs in the psychology field that require licensing or certification.

Before he invests time in money in pursuing a degree in that field he should find out if he can be licensed in your state.

As far as a career in broadcasting, I see no reason that he cannot get hired. In that field he will be subjected to the the same factors that ex-offenders and felons in other fields have to deal with.  The good news here is that broadcasters have to report their fair hiring practices to the FCC.  Hopefully those fair hiring practices include ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.  He will have to find an employer who will be willing to overlook his convictions. How can he do that? He will have to apply, apply and apply until he finds an employer who will work with him.

I hope this helps.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felon wants a career in Psychology or Broadcasting

Sex-offender with deferred adjudication needs a job

Sex-offender with deferred adjudication needs a job

How are you doing?...I'll get to the point. I was received deferred adjudication for aggravated Sexual assault when I was 17...I make no excuses for my actions I was in a very dark place at that time with drugs, liquor, among other things...I plead guilty and received 3 yrs probation and rehab.... Ive since been clean and sober for 9 years.

After rehab my family and I moved to Texas in hopes of starting fresh. I was told I would have to register as a sex offender which at the time I was o.k. with doing...because my probation officer told me before that I never received a tier hearing because the judge believed I had no risk of re-offending (and I'm proud to say I have not since I was 17...I'm 26 now) so although I had to register only law enforcement, courts, and anything fed related could actually see it... But as I found out not soon after that it was very much public record not only was I on quite a few websites on every background check it also shows up...I've tired to get in contact with my old p.o. but when I called the number he gave me the last day of probation i find out he had a heart attack and passed...he was really the only one to really ever try to help me because he knew the whole story...its been extremely hard to find any kind of work here in Texas beside fast food but I have two kids that I have to provide for and I'm running out of options....

The thing is I actually have no problem registering but I was wondering if there is anyway to get myself off these websites or anyway really to get it to a point where its not public at all????

Sex-offender with deferred adjudication needs a job

Hello,

In most cases I would not attempt an answer for a question of this nature because I am not a legal professional. I believe there are other ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs that are in similar situations, I will offer a suggestion.  My understanding of deferred adjudication is, there is an initial plea of guilty. It is my understanding, once the conditions of the deferment are met (typically a fine and probation,) the charges are formally dropped. Since there is no conviction, you may legally answer “no” when the questions asked “Have you been convicted….” The charges although formally dropped, they will still remain as a charge and will appear on background checks as a charge and not a conviction.

If your charge is appearing on registries, there may be a reason that you don't know.
Because this seriously impacts your ability to get a job, I suggest you get legal assistance in first establishing the terms of your deferred adjudication and then what your rights are.  Many ex-offenders and felons who need jobs also need legal advice. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office to get assistance.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Sex-offender with deferred adjudication needs a job

Help for a Felon in Atlanta

I would like to say thank you first of for the words or encouragement.  I am located in Atlanta GA , I have a theft by conversion charge and I don't really know where to start as far as finding a job, the charge at this time is 5 years old. I am going back to school in Jan for Respiratory Therapy but in between the time I need to work because I have a new baby.  Do you have any advice, I have a back ground in the medical field, retail and tax preparation.

Angie 

 

Help for a Felon in Atlanta

Hello Angie,

Thank you for your kind words. The very first stop for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should be the local One-stop Career Center.  In you area it is the Georgia Department of Labor.  There you will find many resources that can help you get a job or insight into where you can go after your training is finished.  Services there can help you to:

• Prepare a resume
• Organize Your Skills
• Know the Job Market
• Learn About Education and Training
• Develop a Marketing Package
• Tap Into the Hidden Job Market
• Talk the Talk: The Interview

Georgia Department of Labor
148 Andrew Young International Boulevard, NE
Suite 276
Atlanta, GA 30303


Georgia Dept of Labor



Another great resource for ex-offenders and felons is Goodwill of North Georgia. Goodwill operates a computerized training center that provides career alternatives for unemployed and underemployed people.  

Goodwill posts weekly listings of local job openings (often not found in the newspaper) to help connect job seekers with employment opportunities. We can also point you to other resources including those on the Web. 

This center also has its own staffing service that places their clients.  You can get more information here:

Goodwill of North Georgia Training Centers


I hope these resources are of help to you.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

 Help for a Felon in Atlanta

Felon with DUI needs Job

My name is Felicia and my husband is a felon because of 4 DUI's. We have been married 2 1/2 years. We moved from GA to TX in May and before we got here we applied for a job for Sam's on line. Every thing looked good until he went in the office to finish his paper work. We never lied about the his background and it is not getting us any where. We are about to lose a lot because I am also looking. I am not a felon but it is even hard for me. We get up every day like we are going to punch a clock and come home wait and in the end nothing because of his background. And as I write this email my husband is wanting to leave TX and go back to GA. I really don't want to leave my only to grandchildren and go back to GA. I know this may be a long shot and I don't even know if the right person will see it, but I am going to believe in God in at this hour that a break through will come. God bless.

 Felon with DUI needs Job

Hello Felicia,

Do not assume that your husband cannot get a job because of his record. Ex-offenders and felons are hired everyday. Finding a job is a numbers game. The more job leads you find, the more interviews you will get. The more interviews you get, the more offers you will receive. The challenge is to get as many quality job leads as possible. Regular readers of my blog know the first suggestion I make to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to make a visit to their nearest One-stop Career Center. This is a really underutilized resource. Each state has a network of centers that provide an assortment of free services that can help you and your husband in getting a job. In addition, these centers provide a long list of services that can help people get jobs and even train them for new careers. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Lists of local job listings

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. You can find the One-stop Career Center nearest you at:

www.servicelocator.org


One final suggestion I will make is for your husband to join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. Along with getting help for his problem, he will meet people in his same situation or has overcome it. He will probably meet people who know of employers who hire people with convictions like his.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felon with DUI needs Job

Job Opportunities for Educated Felons

 

Hello,

My name is Patrick. I am a 37 year old father of six children from Alabama, and I have sustained a blemish of one felony on my record. Both during and after incarceration, I've made every effort to not only enrich my life but enhance it. Since my release in 2009, I've searched and applied for numerous jobs, and basically came up with nothing. I possess an A.S. in Sociology and I am currently six classes away from my B.S. in Applied Computer Science.

I know the economy is in a slump,and there are plenty of people out of work, however, I try to remain optimistic that things will get better. My faith in God is all need to sustain me. The correction system is punitive than rehabilitative. If a person is convicted, serves their time, some forgiveness should be shown and afforded to that person and become a productive citizen. I welcome all resources, literature, and etc. to help me find a career. Please help! Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Patrick

Job Opportunities for Educated Felons

Hello Patrick,

For many ex offenders and felons searching jobs, the United Way is a great place to begin. The United Way supports a number of organizations that have contacts to open positions. Perhaps a more polished professional like yourself may be better served by contacting your local S.C.O.R.E (Service Corp of Retired Executives) office. As the name implies, there are retired executives who serve communities in many ways. Perhaps you may find valuable contacts that could help you locate your next opportunity.

Another suggestion I often make to ex-offenders and felons looking for employment is to apply with cover letters and resumes. Often when applicants apply directly to employers this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up. This will give a prospective employer the opportunity to meet the man behind the resume.

One final suggestion, I also suggest to those with college degrees to look to local community colleges. Often there are adjunct instructor positions available teaching basic subjects like English or basic math or perhaps there is an opening teaching your specialty.

I hope this helps.


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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Job Opportunities for Educated Felons

 Felon moving to Texas for a job

Hi!

My name is Jessica. I am coming to you because I need help. My husband and I just had our first son and recently moved to Waco, TX and have been looking for jobs but my husband has three felonies on his record from years ago. We have been looking for almost three months and every time he finds something he is turned down because of his background. I wanted to know if there is anything that you can think of that would help us find him a job. I have also been thinking about opening a staffing agency that helps felons and other criminals find jobs. I do not have the money to start it right now but I know it would be helpful to many people if I could make it work. Do you have any ideas on this or where I could find more information on it.

Thank you,



Hello Jessica,

As you noticed on several posts on this blog, my first suggestion to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is the local One-stop Career Center. This is a really underutilized resource. Each state has a network of centers that provide an assortment of free services that can help you in getting a job. In addition, these jobs and even train them for new careers.  You could also get referrals to help with your family, child care, transportation assistance and other resources that could help get you on track

centers provide a long list of services that can help people get

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job postings and referrals


Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience
assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs or know of employers in your area who have hired people with criminal records.

The center in Waco is:

Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas - Waco

1416 South New Road
Waco, TX 76711-1335
phn: 254-296-5200

I hope this helps.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!
 

Felon moving to Texas for a job

Ex offender seeks professional job

Eric,


Here's the situation (a mess in some ways...good in others);

I'm 52 years old, white male, MBA in Finance and MIS, BS in Computer Science and Marketing...worked in Mortgages with Village Bank and Credit Card Decisioning, Billing, and Marketing Websites with The Miller Bank (Star Bank).Village Bank and The Miller Bank/Star Bank both went out of business due to the economy. I've been unemployed for a while, since March 2008...there have been a few jobs thrown in here and there since then but they didn't last (Funeral Sales and Sr. Manager with a consulting firm).

The funeral sales position required me to be licensed in Life, Accident, and Sickness. I was completely honest during the interviews and application concerning past and a recent shoplifting arrest. I cleared the background check and was hired. I was denied a temporary license to sell insurance due to the shoplifting incident. The company fired me...yes, even though I passed their background check and the fact that they own the insurance company. Confusing, but true.

I have 6 children and the financial pressures are mounting. I have the following on my background...

• A DUI from 1989...I was slapped on the hand with an ARD sentence but the charge was not expunged.
• In 1992/1993 My boss told me to take home the following...a water cooler, a fax machine, and a word processor because we were getting new equipment. I was arrested for "theft by taking" and "receiving stolen property"...both misdemeanors. I plead guilty because the company wasn't backing down. My ex-boss later married my ex-wife. Still, the charges are on my record.
• Since I've been in Georgia in 1996...I married a widow and there have been domestic violence arrests but all "nolle prosse".
• Also since 1996 in GA...In 2007 a shoplifting incident that was handled via a first time offender conviction..."nolle prosse", but not expunged.
• And last year (2010) in Florida...another shoplifting incident that was handled via a guilty plea in absentia...adjudicated guilty. Since this was not "adjudicated withheld" I am not eligible to have this case expunged...ever. I have completed all probation and restitution requirements (fines and community service).

So...you can see when my background gets pulled there is a ton of things that show for me...all misdemeanors...all ugly.

I'm always honest on my applications and in interviews. With the state of the economy it appears I'm too big a risk...plus I know my age is a factor. So, I'm fighting a sketchy past and an age issue. I feel there is no hope.

But, you mentioned The United Way in your blog. I am a true professional from head to toe. Look as polished as any attorney or CEO during interviews. I know I can be of value to a corporation in some capacity. Do you think The United Way is my best place to start to rebuild myself and get back to work?

I hate to see convicted felons (aka sports stars like Michael Vick) return to society after having served their time and paid full restitution move back into society like nothing occurred. How does the little guy do that?

I'd appreciate any all information you may have for me.

Thank you!

Steve

Ex offender seeks professional job

Hello Steve,

For most ex offenders and felons looking for jobs the United Way is a great place to start. The United Way supports a number of organizations that have contacts to open positions. Perhaps a more polished professional like yourself may be better served by contacting your local S.C.O.R.E (Service Corp of Retire Executives) office. As the name implies, there are retired executives who serve communities in many ways. Perhaps you may find valuable contacts that could help you locate your next opportunity.

Another suggestion I often make ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply with cover letters and resumes. Often when applicants apply directly to employers this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up.  Take a look at the video below.  It outlines how ex-offenders and felons can use resumes sent with well written cover letters as a way to get interviews.  This will let prospective employers the opportunity to meet the person before meeting the criminal record.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Sending Resumes and Cover letters

I hope this helps.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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Ex offender seeks professional job