More and more Ex-offenders and felons are turning to
military service as a means to a career. Getting a job with a criminal record is tough. Getting a job with a criminal record in a down economy is
even tougher. The United States military is finding it tougher to find
qualified recruits to fill the country's demands of its foreign policies. All branches of the military have been struggling to increase their
numbers as part of a broader effort to meet the needs of world wide military operation. As a result, the number of recruits
needing waivers for felony convictions has grown in recent years and subsequently, the number of waivers has also grown.
In some cases the military offers waivers to convicted felons making them eligible to serve. In fact the the
number of waivers has steadily risen from 2007 to the present.
Typically the crimes that can keep you out of the army are larceny,
assault, rape, drug related and murder. There is also consideration for
those who have only one conviction and those crimes occurred years ago. Generally, the Army will not grant waivers to recruits convicted of sexually violent offenses, narcotics trafficking or sales.
For many felons, this is an opportunity to not only to
put their backgrounds behind them find a job, but to learn skills, trades
and start careers. The military may hold valuable jobs for felons. If a felon is considering the military as a career option, historically, the Army has the best record of granting waivers and the Marines has the next best. Just some information.
To get more information about waivers for ex-offenders and felons contact your local
military recruiter.
Felons Turn to the Military to Find Jobs and Careers
Ex-offenders and felons, know how difficult it is to get a job interview. After properly filling out application after application including the dreaded "Have you ever been convicted of a crime.....?" question and you got an interview. There are too many people who blow the opportunity to get jobs by making costly mistakes. Make the most out your next opportunity by avoiding these top five mistakes made by ex-offenders and felons.
1. Being Late - There is absolutely no excuse for being late to an interview. To the interviewer, if you are late to the interview, you'll be late for work. Everyone know that things happen. Murphy's law is always in effect. Sometimes thing go wrong. Being organized is the best way to keep on schedule. Find out where your interview is and know exactly how long it will take you to get there. If you have never been there, I strongly suggest you go there a day or so before the interview just to see how long it will take to get there. Once you know how long it will take, plan to get there at least 15 minutes early.
2. Dress Inappropriately - An interview is a business meeting. Does your clothing make you look more like an ex-offender or a businessman? Proper clothing will be the difference between being hired and not being hired. Whatever you have to do, get the right clothing. Remember, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
3. Talking Too Much - Employment interviews should not be used to tell your life story or ramble on about mistakes you have made in the past. Just remember "TMI," too much information. Too often when folks are nervous, and interviews do make people nervous, they talk too much. Never talk about personal situations, habits, or relationships. Be friendly but never tell more than anyone needs to know. Particularly avoid conversations about religious beliefs, politics, or sex. If questioned about your convictions, briefly answer questions without going into detail. Make reference to the amount of time that has gone by and what you have learned from your experience. Also talk about the progress you have made and the things you have done to make yourself better.
4. Using Slang or Profanity - As stated before, the interview is a business meeting between two professionals. You must be professional at all times. There is absolutely no place for slang or profanity here.
5. Not Turning off Your Cell Phone - Cell phones are a great convenience but they have no place on an interview. Turning off your phone allows you to focus on your interview and will eliminate the possibility of the rude interruption of it ringing.
Ex-offenders and felons have a difficult time finding employers who will consider them for jobs. When interviews do come, avoid ruining these opportunities with these critical mistakes and get hired.
Take a few minutes to get more great information from the videos below that can give you a huge advantage at your next interview.
Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons make
These are some great tips along with some things felons should avoid at their next interview opportunity
Getting an interview is a great opportunity that felons must take full advantage of. Too many people make mistakes that ruin their chances to get jobs. Unfortunately, some people do not know that they are making mistakes.
Learn from Human Resources professional what the most common interview mistakes are and how to avoid them on your next interview. pt 1
Learn from Human Resources professional what the most common interview
mistakes are and how to avoid them on your next interview. pt 2
I have been helping Ex-offenders and Felons get jobs for many years and I have helped thousands get jobs. One of the biggest barriers that some ex-offenders place in front of themselves is not being able to pass drug tests.
Drug testing has become an important safety issue for many employers. Many companies now have some form of drug testing for prospective employees. Drug testing serves to lower the instance and issues associated with drug abuse in the workplace, including lateness, absenteeism, turnover rate, crime, violence, theft and other side effects. Too many of my students believe that they can use illegal drugs and still pass drug tests. With my experience in human resources, management and employment training, I will attempt to expose the myths and give the facts on drug tests.
The typical methods that employers use for detecting illegal drugs are:
Urine Testing:
Urine testing is the most common of the screenings used for illegal substances. Drug users would sometimes use outlandish methods like using fake urine that is sold in some places or using a sample taken from someone else in place of their own. To avoid the applicant using urine not his own, I would always have a sample given in the presence of a staff member. Others believe that drinking large amounts of water will dilute the sample and the drugs will not be detected. Water passes through the body much too quickly to beeffective. I have even heard of using ridiculous home remedies to beat urine tests. These remedies include aspirin, eye drops, ammonia, vinegar, bleach and even commercial drain cleaners! There are commercial products that claim to mask the traces of drugs making them undetectable. many of these products use nitrates which will mask the drug to an extent, but laboratories have gotten more savvy and also test for the nitrate compounds that these products contain. In many cases the presence of nitrates will result in a failed test.
A single use of marijuana can be detected up to seven days in the urine, while extended use can be detected up to 100 days
Amphetimines, cocaine, heroin, opiates and PCP can be detected accurately up to seven days after use.
Ex-offenders, Felons, Jobs and Drug Tests
Saliva Testing
Saliva tests are the least popular because it can only detect toxins used three or four days prior. Saliva tests can detect fresh elements of alcohol and drugs in the mouth.
Hair follicle Testing
My experience is that hair follicle testing is the most effective method of narcotics screening. A hair test is an examination that uses a small sample of hair to identify specific drugs used by the person being tested. Typically, the sample is taken from the head, but can be collected from several other body locations such as arms, legs and back and may be combined to obtain the required amount of hair. Drugs can be detected with high accuracy for a six month period after use. Chemical compounds of drugs are circulated in the blood stream and become part of the cells of the body including the hair root where they are easily detected.
There are hundreds of detoxifying products on the market that claim that with their use, drugs will not be able to be detected. There products that claim that they can wash toxins out of the hair. Most of these are absolute scams. The rest have a very low success rate. An experienced screener would pull the hair out intact, exposing the root where the compounds collect.
A one time use of marijuana will likely not show up in the hair while extended use can be detected for three to five months after use depending on the test used.
Amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, opiates and PCP can be detected accurately up to five months after use.
Certain non-prescription medications can interfere with accurate results. These common medications include ibuprofen and ephedrine-based products. Most drug testing companies will ask the applicant in advance if they have taken any prescription or non-prescription medication prior to the screen.
In most cases if any drugs are detected, the applicant will have the opportunity to provide a doctor's prescription or choose to be retested.
Jobs for felons and "ex-offenders" are hard enough to get, so why blow an opportunity to get hired by using drugs?
The facts about employee drug testing for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs
Jobs for Felons: Hair Test, Saliva Test, Urine Test, Substance
Jobs for Felons: How Drug Test Cheats get Caught
Ex-offenders, Felons, Jobs and Drug Tests
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I have a criminal record and I can't find a job. I have been filling out applications everywhere. Do you have any advice for someone who has made some mistakes? I hear this from felons all the time. Please don’t quit. You get nothing when you give up. You may just have to change your strategy. If I am an employer, I probably want to hire someone without a record before I hire someone without one. Most applications will ask about criminal convictions. If you are honest, as I recommend, an employer may not want to hire you.
A good strategy for finding job openings is to apply to employers directly. Once you have decided on the type of work you would like to do, the next step is to choose employers that could use your services. Felons stand a better chance of being hired by smaller companies rather than larger ones. The owners or managers of smaller companies usually make the hiring decisions. Make a list of employers in your chosen field. Contact each one of them to see if there are positions available and how to apply. The telephone is the best method of contacting employers. You may even get job leads from people you know. Another advantage to applying to small companies is they are less likely to run background checks because they can be expensive.
If you get an interview, make a point to mention the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. To a small business, this may be an incentive to hire a person with a criminal record. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is offered to employers as an incentive to hire any one of nine targeted groups with barriers to employment, felons included. An employer may receive a credit of as much as $2,400 for hiring a felon. You can find more information here:
Also remind any prospective employer that you can be bonded by the Federal Bonding Program. The ability to be bonded will be a big plus. A felon can be bonded free of charge. You can get more information on the federal bonding program here:
Good References help Ex-offenders and Felons get Jobs
More and more employers are paying attention to references when trying to decide who to hire. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should have good references that will help them make a good impression on employers. There are employers that will hire a felon. A strong set of references from the right people can help you get hired.
In short, references are upstanding members of the community who could attest to your character and/or abilities. A set of great references could help an employer look past your background. Ideal people to have as references would be religious leaders, former teachers, former classmates, former employers and local political leaders.
Most applications ask for three references. You should always have at least four just in case. Be prepared to list a name, title, and contact information for each one. Make sure you have good contact information and keep it updated because over time, phone numbers, titles and addresses change. Always be sure your information is current.
It is always a good idea to get permission from anyone you wish to use a reference. No one wants to be caught off guard and get a call out of the blue from a prospective employer. Once you have your set of references and contact information, keep your list in your job search folder for easy access when it is time to fill out an application.
One thing to remember is, only offer references when they are requested. They are far too valuable to be used as casual information. When putting a resume together, never put them in the resume itself. Include a line that may say "References will be furnished on demand.
Ex-offenders and felons can increase their chances to get jobs by getting some great references.
There are a great number of companies that will hire a felon or ex-offender. There is a link below to a large list of companies that hire felons. Now, bear in mind that these companies will not hire you just because you are a felon. These companies will hire a person who is a felon if he/she is the best person for the job. Getting some great references will put you in a better position to jet a job.
Jobs for Felons : Tips for Collecting Job References
Jobs for Felons: Using Personal Data Sheets to get Jobs
Jobs for Felons: Employment Applications
Jobs for Felons: 3 Most Common Mistakes Made on Employment Applications
Good References help Ex-offenders and Felons get Jobs
Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?
Hello Mr. Mayo,
Thank you for this blog. I live in San Francisco, California. I have multiple convictions for a few things. I was talking to someone here and they told me that because I have a record in California, I should move to another state. My record will not show up in another state. I have relatives in Illinois. Will moving to Illinois help me get a job?
Karl
Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?
Hello Karl,
I am glad you are seeking another opinion and not relying on information from that person. Totally false! Your record will follow you wherever you go. In this age of computers and extensive data banks, you can find out just about anything on anyone. There are companies that exist just to sell information to anyone who will pay for it.
A history of criminal record would include an individual's personal identifiers (descriptive information and fingerprints), arrests and subsequent dispositions (final outcome of a charge.) Dispositions are posted to the
National Criminal History Record File by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Not only convictions but each criminal arrest for which the CJIS Division has a fingerprint submission would be on file. So you see, your record is fairly easy to get.
There are organizations in your area that can help an ex-offender or felon looking for jobs.
Arriba Juntos
Arriba Juntos, a community-based organization in San Francisco. This organization has an employment program for ex-offenders and felons. They even offer , direct job placement for clients who have job skills. Also available in career training in computer technology, including MS Office Suite, and certified nursing assistance with the ability to obtain California licensing. The center will assist clients in obtaining licensing from the State of California. In cooperation with the San Francisco Municipal Railway they offer a driver training course. Clients may obtain their Commercial Driving License and consideration for employment with MUNI as bus drivers. These training programs include a Life Skills component, job interview techniques and resume writing in addition to daily survival skills. There may be paid on job training program that is used as an incentive to employers to hire felons and ex-offenders.
You can contact them at the address below:
1850 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-487-3240
415-863-9314 fax www.arribajuntos.org
Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC)
Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC) is a non-profit organization that provides employment, training and research services to employers and job seekers in San Francisco. PIC is a public/private collaboration for workforce development. PIC contracts with over 60 community- based organizations to provide training and employment services. They may have contacts to employers who hire ex-offenders and felons who need jobs
You can contact them at the address below:
1650 Mission Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-8700
415-431-8702 fax
Web Site: www.oaklandpic.org
Also take a look at the video below. There are other options for finding jobs in your area.
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
Jobs for Felons: Know your Rights about Criminal Records check
Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?
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I am a twenty six
year old man who was released from prison in September for a violent
felony. As soon as I was released, I gained employment in a restaurant, I
would love to try to find a real career someday, I am starting college
again this month, I have thought about becoming a physical therapist, or
counselor, I have received advice from many different people, some of
which say I would be a great counselor or this or that, but I need to
know if it is possible to gain employment in these fields with a felony,
I am willing to relocate after I am finished with school, and plan on
staying employed at the job I work. Should I continue my pursuit for
one of these jobs or just try to find a trade like welding or
electrician? Thank you for your help.
Felon wants a Career not Just a Job
First of all, let me say that it is great to see that you are not letting your past dictate your future. It is easy for a felon to give up without trying. You have many options and considerations. Let me start with careers in physical therapy or counseling. The only consideration is, do either require licensing and would your conviction prevent it.
Having a trade is always an attractive option for ex-offenders and felons. Who would care about your record if you were good at what you do. Having a trade, you could work for a contractor or for yourself.
As far as pursuing a professional career, your major concern would be if it require any special license or certification. If not, I suggest you apply for every job you feel qualified for. There
are companies that will hire a felon. Your challenge will be to find them. Look for the flashing gold bar below. If you click it, it will take you to a huge list of companies tat hire ex-offenders and felons. You will also be able to search for open jobs in your local area. Remember, apply for every job you are qualified for.
There are jobs for felons and you can get hired. The only way to do this is to not limit yourself and apply just like you didn't have a record. If the question of your background comes up, be honest but focus on your education and positive qualities.
You also have an idea of what to takes to work in a restaurant, so don't rule out the culinary arts as a career.
If you do pursue a job, please do not forget The Federal Bonding Program as a useful tool. Check out the video below.
Remember, never exclude yourself from any opportunity to get a job.
Jobs for Felons: The Federal Bonding Program
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
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Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs
There were over six hundred thousand convicted felons discharged from prisons in 2018. Without jobs, a lot of felons will find themselves once again behind bars. Job search expert Eric Mayo is skilled at teaching ex-offenders and felons to get jobs. Mr. Mayo has been helping previously incarcerated people get jobs for many years.
He is pleased to share some of the information he has use that has helped thousands of ex-offenders and felons get jobs
Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs
Companies that Hire Ex-offenders and Felons
Ex-offenders and felons are hired everyday. Find out which companies have hiring practices that do not necessarily forbid the hiring of ex-offenders.
Writing Resumes that get Jobs
The resume is a very powerful self-marketing tool that should show your skills and qualifications in one neat package. An effective resume will give you an advantage over your competition in getting an interview where you can sell yourself.
Powerful Interviewing Techniques
For most people interviewing is stressful. It doesn’t have to be. The interview is the time to show just how professional you are and that you are the right person for the job. Doing well on the interview can help you overcome your criminal record.
Effective use of Body Language
Interviewing isn't just about responding to questions. It is a combination of things that will influence an employer's decision to give an ex-offender a chance. learn what these things are and how to do them to get results.
Cleaning up Criminal Records
It is crucial to know what information is in your criminal record. There may be false information included in your report that could seriously hurt your chances to get a job. You can have false information permanently removed from your record. In some cases certain charges can be officially and formally erased from your record.
Finding Jobs with Help-wanted Ads
For some, the newspaper help wanted ads are the first choice of many job seekers for finding job leads. Find out what the best approach is to have success with newspaper help-wanted ads.
Businesses Felons and Ex-offenders can Start
Getting a job may not be the best choice for ex-offenders and felons. There are many small business that can be started with hard work and not very much money needed to start up.
Handling Tough Interview Questions
Interviews may present some tough questions some relating to your criminal record. Knowing how to handle difficult questions will be the difference between getting hired and not being hired.
What to Wear to Interviews
You will never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. Looking the part of a professional is just as important as what you say. People will make assumptions about your professionalism and potential performance based upon your appearance.
The Best Place for Ex-offenders and Felons to Find Jobs
Part of the battle for ex-offenders and felons is knowing where to find available job openings. There are places to find jobs that most people don't think of
Job Fair Success
Employers use job fairs to promote their companies, and quickly fill entry level positions. They usually attract a large number of job seekers. Being prepared is the best way to get the most out of a job fair and maximize your chances to get hired.
Using the Telephone to get Jobs
Contacting employers on the telephone can be a way to reach many employers in a short time.There is a method to conducting a successful job search over the telephone.
Job Search Expert Offers Advice for Ex-offenders and Convicted Felons Looking for Jobs
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The Job Market is Cold Blooded out here. I need help I have lost my Job, my Apartment. When people know that you have a record they will not respect you as a working class person. I was fired so a Chef could get my job. I had been there almost one month. I told the Chef about my record he was like can you pass a Drug test I was sure. I passed. I told him my charge was over 20 years old he was like don't worry about that. The Sous Chef wanted my job for his friend so he had the Chef's boss do a background check and the fired me saying I was not doing my job. Two months later I run into a old co - worker they said I was fired because of my record. It's hard out here.
Felon wants to expunge federal and state convictions
I have good news and bad news. You may have a possibility of having your state record expunged. Oftenex-offender and felon job searches begin with some legal assistance. Check with your local legal aid office to see if you are eligible in your state. There you can get the best information on the expungement process as it relates to your state. If possible, you may also get help getting that done there. As far as your federal charges, there is no such thing as the expungement of federal records. You may apply for a federal pardon, but they are rarely given.
Be tough in your job search. Apply to every restaurant you can think of. Even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks.
Take a look at the video below. You will find some possible places that ex-offenders and felons can get some job leads.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
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 to expunge federal and state convictions
I am currently in the process of getting my degree in Information Technology. I am concerned that when I receive my degree, I will not be able to land a job because of my background. I was convicted of Possession With The Intent to Distribute, 8 years ago. I have spoken to a lawyer and he said that in Virginia, if you plead guilty there is no way to expunge the conviction from my record. Now, I have stayed out of trouble since then and that is my only felony. When I see a job on-line, I notice that they say "must be able to pass a background check". What exactly does this mean. I seen on-line comments that it depends on the charge and the how long it has been. I would one day like to be able to receive a security clearance. Do you think I will ever be able to get past this blemish on my record or will I always be doom because of my past? Thank you, Daniel
Felon wants job in Information Technology
Hello Daniel,
Unfortunately your conviction isn't going anywhere. You have nothing to lose by applying for every job you believe you are qualified for. One suggestion I have for ex-offendersand felons looking for professional jobs is to always apply by mail using your resume and a well written letter of introduction that explains exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Never mention that you have a criminal record until the employer does. Hopefully using this method, your criminal record will not even come up. If it does come up, briefly explain what the problem was and focus on your accomplishments and why you are the person for the job.
Take a look at the video below. It will give you some insight on this method. Also, in 2015 President Barack Obama started what is known as the Fair Chance Initiative. The Fair Chance Initiative encourages employers to offer qualified ex-offenders and felons equal opportunities when being considered for jobs. You can find more information here.
Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: sending Resumes and Cover Letters
Don't make the mistake that many ex-offenders and felons make looking for jobs. Do not assume that because you have a criminal record you will not be hired. You must go after every job you feel you are qualified for. Don't give up. Remember, even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks. 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
Jobs for Felons: Ten Tricks Interviewers Use - Ex-offenders and felons have a very tough time finding jobs and even getting interviews. That's no secret, so when an interview finally comes, they should put themselves in the best possible position to get hired. While we all know that the applicant wants the job, the interviewer has a responsibility to hire the best person available.
In my career that spans more than thirty years, I have have seen and used a number of tricks that interviewers use to get through all of the rehearsing and other things applicants use to put themselves in the best light. These tricks are used to make applicants reveal who the really are. Often these tricks go unnoticed. I am going to share with you my all time favorite interviewer tricks.
1. The Waiting Game - I have seen applicants been made to wait up to an hour to be interviewed. What I have learned is that the longer people wait, the more they become themselves. The combination of nerves and aggravation will reveal true personalities. Whether it is using bad language, complaining, or engaging in inappropriate conversation, this is a true test. I have even seen applicants flirt with the receptionist, employees and other applicants thus exposing parts of their character. No matter how long you have to wait, stay professional at all times.
2. Just One of the Guys - Some interviewers will present themselves as really friendly types that throw formality out of the window. This often will make the applicant relax (sometimes too much,) which causes them to let their guards down. When guards come down, things slip out. I teach my students never to reveal too much information especially about their criminal backgrounds or other errors in judgement. Never offer information that isn't asked. The interview is not the place to tell your life story or talk about all of mistakes you have made in your life. Never talk about personal problems, habits, or relationships issues. Be personable but never tell more than anyone needs to know. Never talk about to religion, politics, or sex. Even If the interviewer brings them subjects up, these are not discussions you want to get into. Never, ever use slang or profanity.
3. The Big Squeeze - This neat little trick I use to when I ask applicants into my office. I stand partially in the doorway, forcing the other person turn sideways to squeeze by. In the few seconds it takes to squeeze by, I get a lot of information. I can get a hint about the individual's personal hygiene, if they have smoked recently or even taken a drink. Many employers shy away from hiring smokers. Smokers require more breaks than non-smokers. Smokers have more health problems than non-smokers. If you do smoke, do not smoke before your interview. If you have alcohol on your breath, forget it!
4. Hold up! Don't sit down! - To many people, respect and manners count for a lot and some interviewers will test this a number of ways. My favorite is sitting down and waiting to see what the applicant does. My office is like my house. If he sits down without being invited, it may be because he lacks social graces or he is simply disrespectful. When you get to the interview area, always wait until the interviewer asks you to be seated. If he doesn’t offer, politely ask “May I sit?” Never touch the interviewer’s desk or put anything on it.
5. Butter Fingers - Another one of my favorite personality revealers is very subtle but it tells a lot. I may drop a pen or other small object. If the applicant picks it up, more than likely, the person is a caring, helpful individual. If he doesn't, it usually means he cares only about himself.
Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons make
The next five are not really tricks, but they are clever ways interviewers weed out applicants with questions.
6. Have you Done Your Homework? - Often interviewers ask "What do you know about our company?" Interviewers ask this because they want to know if you are serious about working with them. If you haven't prepared for the interview by doing some research on the company, it will show.
It would appear that you are very interested in the job just by doing some research. Some things you should find out:
How old is the company.
Number of locations
Number of employees
What the company business
Who is the competition?
If it is a large company, you may find this information on the internet or the library. If you are interviewing with a small local business, you may get the information from the receptionist if you call.
7. Money, Money, Money - "How much money are you looking for?" This is a tricky question that is used to disqualify applicants. It's tricky because if you give a dollar amount that is too low, you may be paid less than others doing the same job. If you give an amount that is too high, you may disqualify yourself. I teach my students to never talk about money until someone offers them a job. So, the response may be "Are you offering me this job?" Whether the answer is yes or no, the response should be something like this, "I want to be paid fairly. I know you will make me a fair offer." If that answer is not enough, remember no dollar amounts, you should answer, "I want as much as you can afford to pay me."
8. I'm Feeling Weak - We all have gotten the question, "What is your greatest strength?" and we pretty much know how to handle that one. People have a a lot of trouble with the follow question which is sure to follow- "What is your biggest weakness?" Most people blow that one because they forget that the interview is used to sell yourself. With that in mind, do you think I would be foolish enough to tell you about a real fault of mine that might cost me the opportunity to get a job? Interviewers count on it! Every has weaknesses, but don't not tell the interviewer anything that can be used against you. There are two ways to handle this. You can present a strength you have as a weakness or you can offer a technical weakness as long as it has nothing to do with the job. You might say "I get really upset at myself when I don't finish everything on time." It looks like a weakness, but it come across really well because it tells how important it is for you to finish thing promptly. The second option is to offer a technical weakness (as long as it has nothing to do with the job." It may sound like this, "I want to brush up on my writing skills. I write ok, but I want to get better."
9. Bossy, Bossy - This question is used to spot a troublemaker and it works every time, "Tell me about the worst boss you've ever had?" Under no circumstances should you ever say anything negative about any past job or supervisor. To an interviewer, only a troublemaker would speak ill of former job or company. In the mind of the interviewer, you were a problem. That's why you are no longer there. It's ok to quit a job or even get fired and there are positive ways to explain even a not so great situation. You might say something like. "I have had bosses, some better than others. I have learned something from all of them even if it is what not to do."
10. I have a Question - The final one is a question that is not tricky at all, but an interviewer can find out a lot about what on an applicant's mind with it. "Do you have any questions for me?" I am amazed how often applicants answer "no" to this question. By answering "no" job searchers pass up a golden opportunity to finish off on an extremely high note. Some really great questions are:
Why is this position open?
What are the day to day duties of this position?
hat are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this job?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
Did you know I can be bonded? (Federal Bonding Program)
By asking questions like these the interviewer will get the impression that you are interested in more than just a paycheck, which looks really good.
Ex-offenders and felons have a tough time getting interviews so when they come, they have to make them count. These are some clever tricks that a seasoned interviewer would use to find out more about the person sitting in front of them than what they are saying. Now you will recognize them when you encounter them and make them work to your advantage!
Jobs for Felons: Dirty Little Tricks Interviewers Use
Jobs for Felons: Preparing to ace the Interview
Jobs for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs : What to wear to the interview
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 felons get jobs. You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.
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
Find your next job here!
Jobs for Felons: Ten Tricks Interviewers Use
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