Will "Second Chance" help felons get jobs?

CBIA Session Promotes Hiring Ex-Offenders  

My friend has been out of prison for over 15 years and is losing hope of finding substantial work help maintain his home. Does this Act really work or is this another G. W. Bush "Smoke Screen".

 Will "Second Chance" help felons get jobs?

I always tell ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to depend on their will to work hard. It would be foolish to wait for any program or legislation to solve a problem for you. With or without social programs, felons can only hope to get jobs by making themselves employable enough to compete for jobs on the open market.  This will take a definite plan of action that includes a well written resume, job search and interview skills to start.  It will take hours of hard work.

He can get a head start on his job search by making a visit to the local One-stop Career Center.  This should be the first stop for anyone looking for jobs especially those with criminal records.  He will find a number of valuable services that could get him ready to compete for jobs.  He may also find opportunities for training that could mean a new career.  You can find the closest One-stop Career Center as well as all of the available services here:

www.servicelocator.org


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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!

Will "Second Chance" 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

Felon's dad wants to help him get a job

Felon's dad wants to help him get a job

Former felons find new jobs and new hope 

I have a son currently in prison on aggravated assault charge. He is in Bonham Texas which basically a holding facility in which he can only stay a maximum of two years before being transferred to a release facility. I get to see him almost every weekend but I do not know if that will be possible once he gets transferred. Here is my question. My son asked me if I could try and find out what jobs that he will be available to do since he is in on a aggravated assault charge. Once he is transferred, he can take college classes to help benefit him. He just does not know what classes to take to help him. He is on his second year of a four year sentence. If you can help me in any way or tell where I can attain this information it would be greatly appreciated. I tried on the internet putting in what type of jobs available with an aggravated assault charge and not hardly anything comes up. I just don't want to tell him something like nursing when I do not know if someone with his charges even if he has college will be allowed.

James

Felon's dad wants to help him get a job

Hello James,

I know people with aggravated assault convictions that are doing quite well for themselves.There are no professions or vocations that ban ex-offenders or felons. There may be jobs that require licensing or certifications that may prohibit them but they vary from state to state. If he is thinking about being an accountant, for example, I would contact the certification body in your state to see if he would be eligible.

I hope this answers your question.

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!

Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons

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

Felon needs job and career direction

Felon needs job and career direction

U.S. Attorney pushes job training for former inmates

Hello,

My name is Dominique. I'm 23 and am a convicted felon. I was charged in 07 out of prison in 08 and discharged from parole in 09... I have been clean on sober since been incarcerated. Although I don't have any drug charges that was the cause of my mishaps.

I went to a regular college for a little bit but I felt things were going too slow and I needed something to show for my age and enrolled in a Tech school for an Administrative Office Professional degree.  It's a fancy way of saying secretary. I am graduating at the end of the month and just don't feel like that will be enough for me and my life. I want to continue in business but didn't really have a kind of business in mind. I have always been interested in helping people and was looking into a mortuary science degree. It will be a few years before I can complete the prerequisites and then the program, but after that will any doors actually be open for me? I was doing some reading and it's going to be a very difficult road. I don't know what to do.

I am from California and was wondering if you knew anyone out this way I could talk to. I also read that from my discharge date I had to wait 7 years to file for a certificate of rehabilitation and then from there I can see about getting my record expunged. 7 year!? I have to wait that long to start my life and there is no guarantee. I can't afford to do that and am desperately seeking help in this matter.  Is there ANYTHING I can do?

Felon needs job and career direction

Hello Dominique,

Do not assume your record will hold you back. If you want to be a mortician, you should find out if you conviction will prohibit you being licensed. Don't assume it will.

You can more information here:

California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

Next I suggest speaking to a legal professional about the expungement process. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs seek legal assistance before starting an employment search. You can get free or nearly free assistance at you local legal aid office. You can find you nearest legal aid office ion you local phone book.

Even if being a mortician isn't in the cards for you, working in an office environment will give you experience and the opportunity to meet people and build contacts.  Who know what opportunities will open up for you


I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

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 needs job and career direction

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

Felons want to Join The Military

Felons want to Join The Military

Can I Join the Army With a Felony on My Record?

Hi,

I found your info on line and was hoping you could help me find help for my son. He was convicted of a felony that will be reduced to a misdemeanor charge upon completion of his probation, however, for the next year it reflects a felony. He wants very much to join the military but has been told by the local recruiters that the government has cracked down and will not allow felons to join. We even have the county prosecutor willing to modify his current charge if the military will state his acceptance.

Do you have any contacts or advice that could help my son? He's a good kid that made a mistake writing a check that belonged to his grandfather and was convicted of forgery.

Any guidance would be much appreciated!

Sincerely,

Kent

 Felons want to Join The Military

Hello Kent,

You're on the right track. Frequently ex-offender and felon job searches start with some legal assistance. Petitioning prosecutors to downgrade non-violent felonies to misdemeanors is a good choice. If more felons did this, it would make getting a job a lot easier.


Next I would look to the Congressman from your district for assistance. They have staff who address constituent concerns. In a letter, he should express remorse for his poor decision and a desire to make his life better. He should also explain how joining the military would not only make him a better person but allow him to serve his country. His crime is non-violent so he has a better chance of being successful.

You can find your Congressman in the blue pages of your local telephone directory.

I hope this helps.

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

Felons want to Join The Military

 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 | Felons Join Military

Can A felon get a Job as a Nurse?

Can A felon get a Job as a Nurse?

The law said an ex-felon couldn’t be a nurse.

So this single mom got the law changed.

My name is Danielle. I am 17 years I was sent to a 10 month program and I turn 18 in 2 weeks. I want to take my Certified Nurses Assistant class. Will my record hold me back? I'm going to college to be a Registered Nurse.

Will my record hold me back?

Can A felon get a Job as a Nurse?

 

Hello Danielle,



I have worked with ex-offenders who have criminal convictions and hold health care licenses here in the state of New Jersey. I don’t know where you live or what your offense was, but you can contact the medical licensing board in your state. They will be able to advise you of licensing restrictions relating to your conviction.

Often ex-offender and felon job searches require some legal assistance. Once again, I don't know what your conviction is but it may be possible to have your charge expunged or downgraded. This will make it easier to work with. I suggest you contact your local legal aid office. You may be able to low-cost or no cost assistance getting this done.  Expungement, unfortunately will not help you to get licensed. Expunged or sealed, your conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.


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!

Can A felon get a Job as a Nurse?

 Medical Jobs For Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Nursing Jobs For Felons | Nursing 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 | Nursing Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

Trucking Jobs May be Perfect for Ex-offenders and Felons

Piedmont trucking company 

I got out Feb. '16 and went and talked to my old boss. I worked for a paving company and it was the the wrong time of year to put me on so I started to draw unemployment and thinking about how to get out of doing labor work. I paved for 2 yrs but I'm a 17 yr journeyman roofer that's another part maybe will talk about that later. The long and short is I have my CDL (Commercial Driver License) with all my endorsements. If I can just get a shot who ever I work for will love me. I've never been fired and have good references but they won't even talk to me can you help me my school sure ain't. I really want to long haul but ain't choosy. I'm 48. The kids are grown and the ex is gone. It's perfect for me. I've always wanted to see the states. Please help if you can or point me in the right direction. I think I've applied on most of the sights.

Glen

Trucking Jobs May be Perfect for Ex-offenders and Felons

Hello Glen,

Your situation may be perfect for a trucking career. Often I meet ex-offenders and felons who have opted for driving jobs.

Here is a page with a good list of trucking companies. A large number of them hire ex-offenders and felons. There are even notations regarding their hiring policies.

http://www.classadrivers.com/index.php?method=CompareCompanyListing&ListAll=1

Each trucking company makes its own rules regarding felony convictions. Some will employ a driver after 5 years or longer since the conviction. Other companies won't hire felons, regardless. You just need to get on the phone and start contacting carriers.

Without experience you are somewhat limited as to will hire you. Having the felony conviction reduces your pool of companies further. The best thing you can do is make some phone calls.

Best of luck to you.

Trucking Jobs for Felons

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!

Trucking Jobs May be Perfect for Ex-offenders and Felons

 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 | Trucking Jobs for Felons 

Felon needs a Resume to get a Job

Felon needs a Resume to get a Job

Writing a Resume for Someone Who Has Done Jail Time

Hi Eric,

I appreciate your website. This is my question. I have a felony and I need a job.  I see job listings that ask for a resume and a cover letter.  I don't know how do do neither one.  I need help to prepare a resume. Also, a cover letter. How can I get started?

Thank you,

Lisa

 Felon needs a Resume to get a Job

Hello Lisa,

A felon stands a better chance of getting a job by applying with a resume and well written cover letter.  Often when one applies in this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up.  The quality of your resume will say a lot about you.  Every positive felon job search should begin with a well written resume. There are many resources on the internet to get you started.  If you have trouble after that, I suggest getting help from someone who has experience writing them.  Whatever you do, make sure both your resume and cover letter are top notch.  If you do not know anyone who can help, you can get help with writing a resume and other job search assistance at your local One-stop Career Center.

You can find the nearest One Stop Career Center here: www.servicelocator.org

There are counselors who can provide one-on-one help. Often counselors are experienced in helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs. Take a look at the video below.

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

You can find your local One-stop Career Center here:

www.servicelocator.org

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Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Résumé Writing Video Tutorial

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 needs a Resume to get a Job

 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 CriminalRecord | 

Felon Wants Job as a Teacher

Felon Wants Job as a Teacher

Teacher gets second chance after felony conviction

I have a criminal record for credit card abuse when I was 18. Long story short, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. My room mate used it at a grocery store and I was the driver, but did not know until after. When I found out, and the investigators talked to me, I told him everything. My options were receive probation and community service for $1500 or fight it for $10,000. Needless to say I was a kid and didn't have that kind of money so I had to do the probation. I want to teach and I'm 29 now, my question is will I be able to or am I wasting my time in school? I just need to know so I can change my major.

Thank You for your time.


Jenny

 Felon Wants Job as a Teacher

Hello jenny,

You may want to look into expungement. I'm not sure what state you are in so you better speak to a legal professional. Often felons and ex-offenders require some legal assistance before looking for jobs. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. You may qualify for low-cost or no-cost legal assistance.

You can always contact the school board where you wish to teach to find out if your conviction would exclude you from employment consideration. If you find that it will, there are other teaching options.  You may try private schools, career schools and even community colleges. They usually have fewer restrictions than public schools.

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

 

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 Job as a Teacher

Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

Hello Mr. Mayo,

Last year I was arrested and and charged with a crime.  I was given deferred conviction.  I just applied to work in the kitchen of a hospital.  It is a really good job and I want to know if that deferred conviction will keep me from getting it.

Kelly

 Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

Hello Kelly,

Deferred Conviction / Deferred Judgement / Deferred Adjudication is sometimes offered to first time offenders who commit lesser crimes.  It allows the offender to keep a clean record.  In most cases the offender enters a guilty plea and is sentenced to probation and and a fine.  One the probation is finished and fine is paid, the original charges are dropped allowing the offender to keep a clean record.  Since the charges are dropped, there is no conviction.  The arrest will be there but no conviction.  This process allows the court system to process more cases without clogging up courtrooms.

When it comes to applying for jobs, most employers are only concerned with convictions rather than arrests.  When filling out the application, pay careful attention to the wording.  If the application asks "Have you ever been arrested......" You must list the arrest.  If it asks "Have you ever been convicted......"  you can answer "No" because there was no conviction.

I hope my explanation makes sense.  If it does not, I suggest you contact either the prosecutor of the case or your probation officer to give you a better explanation.  The point I am making is, do not list your arrest if you do not have to.  I encourage everyone with a criminal background who is looking for a job to never offer information that isn't asked for.  Never tell anyone anything they don't have to know especially if could harm your chances of getting hired.


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Jobs for Felons: What is the difference between deferred adjudication and probation?

Jobs for Felons: Know your Rights about Background Checks

Jobs for Felons: Employment Background Checks Basics

 

Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

I Never Use Indeed To Help Felons Get Jobs

I often hear of people using Indeed to look for jobs.  In fact, Indeed says that it gets 140 million unique visitors to its website every month.  Out of that number, I wonder how many real job leads are found there and out of that number, how many people actually get jobs.  When you click on the "apply" links on the Indeed website, what happens?  When you click the "apply" link you are asked for your personal information but I'm not really sure if the application actually reaches the employer.

My experience is that when you sign up with Indeed your email address is sold  and you will get tons of emails from career schools, how to make money at home schemes and other things that have nothing to do with getting jobs.  I never encourage the ex-offenders and felons I work with to use Indeed.  A lot of the job listings are stale and the jobs are no longer there.  I have also seen instances where the job didn't even exist.  For instance, I saw one job listed that I always see in my area here in southern New Jersey.  I mean that I see the same job listed all the time.  It was for a job at a nationwide retailer.  It was one of the companies on my list of companies that hire ex-offenders and felons.  So, I went to the store to talk to the manager, who I have known for years to see if the job was actually open.  The manger told me that he had no openings and that Indeed has had that job posted for months.

I Never Use Indeed To Help Felons Get Jobs

Can Indeed be valuable in any way?  I teach my students that if they must use Indeed,  never sign up for their website so they don't get bombarded with a bunch of spam emails.  Secondly search for jobs their area but don't click the links on the Indeed website.  Instead of clicking the link, look up the company on your own.  For example, if Indeed lists a job at XYZ company, don't click the link on Indeed, go directly to the XYZ website.   Once you get there look for the link to the company's own employment section.  It often is at the very bottom in small print and it may say "Employment" or "Careers."  Click on the link.  You will be surprised at what you will find.  You will find all of the actual open positions along with the job descriptions, requirement and how to apply.  If the company is nation-wide the job listings will be listed by geographical location.  You will often find more jobs than are listed on Indeed.

You will find that this will result in more and better job leads.

Best of luck in your job search.  Please feel free to comment on this article.

Eric Mayo

  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

I Never Use Indeed To Help Felons Get Jobs

Felons can find jobs and assistance

Hello,

My name is Angel and I'm having a really hard time. I am a felon and I can't seem to get a job anywhere. Nobody wants to deal with me . My parent agreed to help me get back on my feet. Now my parent is going back on their word so I'm all alone in a rough city trying to make it but nobody wants to give me a second chance.

I'm the mother of 4 and I can't get any help. I never went to jail I got probation and house arrest. I have finished house arrest but I have another year of probation and nobody is trying to give me the time of day. I'm about to be in the street and I have nothing to fall back on. No money, no car, and no home. I feel like I can't go on but I can't give up. Is there somebody, anybody out there I can go to.

I'm in Chicago and wow its hard here if u aren't a felon. I committed a white collar crime, conspiracy to commit fraud that seems to be the worst crime. Nobody wants to give u another chance. I messed up and I know I did and I don't ever wanna do anything illegal ever again. I was trying to feed my family. Being a single mom is a very challenging job but I know I don't have to commit a crime to survive but nobody will even give me a chance to prove that or myself. What do I do?

Angel

Felons can find jobs and assistance

Hello Angel,

My suggestion to you is to contact 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.

You can find the United Way in you area here: http://www.uw-mc.org/


As I always suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, your local One-stop Career Center Can also assist you. There you will find a long list of services that can assist you in finding a job or a career. Take a look at the video below:

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!

  Felons can find jobs and assistance

Felon in TX with DWI needs a Job

Mr. Mayo,

My sister  is a convicted felon for the 2nd time for DWI's.  She lives in Angleton, Tx.  She is a hard worker.  She has mainly done construction throughout her lifetime but she is getting too old to continue this type of work.  She has been to the WorkSource numerous times and she continues to look for employment; but she is getting really discouraged.  I have been online to find a list of company names that hire convicted felons and have now wrote them down.

Is their anything else you can think of that might help her seek gainful employment?

Thanks
 

Felon in TX with DWI needs a Job

I'm sorry your sister is having so much trouble.  The good news is that people with DWI get hired everyday.  It is my experience that people with DWI tend to have more success finding jobs in the retail or hospitality industries.  Employers in these fields want people who will be reliable and punctual. 

Don't give up on the WorkSource in Texas.  New positions are added everyday.  A counselor can show you how to browse open positions from home if your are not already doing so.

You can sign up to browse open positions here:

https://wit.twc.state.tx.us/WORKINTEXAS

The closest center to you is:

 Workforce Solutions - Lake Jackson
 

 491 This Way
Lake Jackson, TX  77566

One last suggestion, when you find an opening you like, the absolute worst thing you could  is to lie on a job application your charge.  I would just be completely honest and in the interview explain the situation to the employer.

I hope this helps.

 Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

 

Felon in TX with DWI needs a Job

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

Hello Eric,

First and foremost, I want to thank you for taking your time to both run your very informational blog as well as to view my e-mail. Secondly, I apologize in advance for the multiple questions that I am asking. Now, for some insight...I met my boyfriend two years ago, just before he was going to jail in MD for a violation of probation. He also confided in me from the start that he was facing seven felony charges in PA. Caring deeply for him, I agreed that so long as he was a changed man and did not participate in the activity that landed him in trouble in the first place from there on out, that I would stay with him. I waited for him while he served his violation of probation sentence, and ever since a little over a year ago, we have been in a serious, committed relationship. He has been sober ever since we met...and you can ask anyone, his friends, family, teachers, old co-workers...he has certainly changed, for the better.

Of course, our lives together have been a roller coaster. His charges from PA loomed for the first nine or so months of our relationship. Every court date, I did not know if he was returning to jail, and if I would be left waiting again. In the meantime, he did everything that he needed to. He voluntarily participated in rehab, did volunteer work at a local non-profit organization, and stayed sober. When his sentencing date came around, the judge recognized all of his hard work and let him off with six years of probation instead of the two years in jail that he had agreed to in the plea agreement. Even his lawyer was shocked, and shook his head when my boyfriend thanked him, before saying, "I did nothing. You did all of the work." The downside was that he officially became a convicted felon, instead of having pending felonies. Thankfully, they were dropped from seven to three.

This was very exciting news, of course. Even more so exciting was that a couple of hours after we got home, he received a phone call for an interview. By the next week, he already had a part-time job. He held the job for a month without any problems until recently. Despite being a very hard worker and increasing sales by $5,000 single-handedly in the short amount of time that he worked there, corporate obtained his background check and the store let him go. This was very frustrating, especially seeing as when he was hired, his managers knew every single little thing on his record. He was never dishonest about anything. The local store wanted him, but corporate did not.

This leaves us in a pickle. We have bills to pay, bills that I cannot afford on my own. We realize how much of a struggle it was for the first nine months for him to even get an interview, and here he is, back at square one. Everything feels like it happened so quickly - he was given a second chance, and it was ripped away from him just as fast. He has a strong resume that we have sent to numerous employers, but he obviously cannot pass a background check. Even local laboring agencies will not accept people with so much as a misdemeanor, since they are specifically for "individuals with clean records who just cannot find jobs," as he was told on the phone. He is getting pretty discouraged...I can provide emotional support, no problem, but financially, I cannot hold us both up for too long. What would your best suggestion be? Should he even mention this latest job on his resume? He was a great worker - they just did not want him after the background check. How is he supposed to explain working for simply a month to the next person who offers him an interview?

To add to his woes and dreams getting crushed, he wants so desperately to join the Army...unfortunately, every recruiter that we have talked to laughs in his face and turns him away. One of our best friends is a Sgt. MP and he keeps giving my boyfriend hope, though that goes away when the actual recruiters say there is no chance. Considering that my boyfriend was represented by a public defender in his court case involving the felony charges, what course of action can we take? I have seen on your blog the mentioning of sending letters to lessen felonies to misdemeanors, etc to help with this problem. It is just very confusing when his public defender says that he has to wait seven years to have his felonies expunged before he can join the Army, the judge says he only needs to finish probation to join the Army, and the recruiters say no matter how old a charge is, he can never join the Army.

Being with this man whom I care so deeply for and yet feel like I can't help is a very overwhelming feeling. I have such a strong passion now to organize and rally, to contact my local government to encourage them to encourage employers to hold ex-offender friendly job fairs, etc. not just for my boyfriend, but for all reformed convicts who truly do want to change their lives. How would I go about doing that? Would a letter suffice? Who would I even write to in our local government? I want to advocate to help others get the second chances that they deserve, I just feel as though I need a bit of direction or encouragement to get me going.

Thank you so much for reading, and God bless your work and all that you do.

-Hoping to Help

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

Your boyfriend is lucky to have someone like you in his corner. Many ex-offenders and felons usually don't have as much support. As for listing such a short term job, I would not. It would simply raise more questions. I would apply at smaller companies that can hire at their own discretion. Your boyfriend may also consider temporary employment. Once again he may have success applying at small independent employment agencies who are free to hire anyone they please rather than national companies that have stiffer corporate hiring guidelines. Another option is contact your local United Way. The United Way financially supports social service agencies including some which help ex-offenders or may even employ them. Goodwill Industries also have programs which help and employ ex-offenders and felons.

Expungement is not an option when seeking to join the military. Expungement does not erase convictions. It makes them unavailable for view from the public. They will always be visible to law enforcement, the court system and government agencies. The Army will grant waivers for those convicted of certain felonies allowing them to join. If the recruiter tell you that you are ineligible, then you are.

In these tough economic times, there are so many unemployed people who do not have criminal backgrounds making jobs for ex-offenders and felons even more difficult. An out-of-the-box approach may be to contact elected officials in your area and ask for help. He can express his desire to be employed and once again become a productive member of society. Elected officials have staff members that answer letters and respond to inquiries from citizens. Officials that could offer assistance are: Mayors, Council Members, Commissioners, Aldermen, Board Members, Assemblymen, and Judges. Never ask for jobs, only suggestions. He may be surprised how well this works.

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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!

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

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