Just recently my husband applied through a staffing agency called Staffmark trying to find some kind of employment. He has 3 more years on parole and has been out of prison for over 2 years. He and I have been married for a year this November and altogether have 3 children between us both. I am the only one working, supporting my 2 children and his biological child. He has full custody of her and can't find work anywhere. Staffmark actually called him back after he applied... went to the Tennessee Career Center in McMinnville,TN. for an interview. Did the entire hiring process for a temporary service... drug-screen, orientation... They gave him a tag-out badge, bank card to activate after his first check, and all the insurance information he needed to be able to decide what plans he wanted. As of yesterday, his brother, who is a supervisor at this company, Yorozu Automotive (has been trying to help get him in the door) , called yesterday informing him they are not going to hire him. The brother didn't know the reason, but told him to call the agency so they could explain why. He didn't lie on his application, I completed it for him online, his charges was for drugs... and it has been 7 years this coming February since his last arrest. So where do we go from here???
Felons can use Temp agencies to get jobs
Your husband is on the right track. One-stop Career Centers are under-utilized resources. continue to use it. In relation to applying at temporary agencies, that is a good strategy.
I often encourage ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to consider working as a temporary as a way of getting a permanent job. Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world. Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them. Good workers are hard to find. If an employer sees that you are hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently. The key to applying for temporary employment for ex-offenders and felons is to apply at smaller independent agencies rather than large national companies. Small independent agencies have fewer hiring restrictions than larger national companies and are free to hire anyone they choose. He will be able to get a list of these agencies in your local phone directory.
One agency I recommend is Labor Ready. They have an excellent track record of hiring ex-offenders and felons. You will find their website here: http://www.laborready.com/
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: Working with an Employment or Temp Agency
September 2020, I was charged with grand theft in the amount of
$30,000 and as result I have a felony and must complete 5 years
of felony probation. The actual crime occurred 8 years prior in
2012, at the age of 20. Characteristically, I don't even vaguely
resemble the young person that I was then. I feel like I'm stuck
working in a job that has no benefits, opportunities, or room for
enhancement.
I was scheduled to begin classes this year for
respiratory therapy, but the board does not allow felon
participants because I will not be able to obtain state
certification here in CA. Furthermore, as a convicted felon, I
don't meet criteria to receive federally funded financial aid to
attend any 2 year college.
I make $11 an hour and can't afford to pay for classes with my
limited income.. I feel like giving up because I just don't know
how to turn this around. The DA is willing to reduce it to a
misdemeanor in 2 years and can be expunged after the $30,000 fine
has been satisfied, but realistically, that may never happen.
In the meantime, I don't know what to do. I have an 8 yo son and
I want to provide him with life beyond the necessities. I just
don't know how or even where to begin.
Can you help me manage my life and come up with a plan, please?
Kindly,
Allison
Felon is looking for training
and a career
Hello Allison,
Despite what you may consider a bleak situation, you are better
off than most ex-offenders and
felons...you have a job. You may not qualify for federal
educational funding but you may qualify for occupational training
funded by your state. This training could very well be the
start of a new career. You can get more information from
the state Dept. of Labor. There is a Dept. of Labor
representative at your local One-stop Career Center
As I suggest to most ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, make a visit to your
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 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
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
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: careeronestop.org
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: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex
offenders and Felons (2023)
I'm 20 years old and I committed a crime of burglary of the 3rd degree when I was 18 years of age I spent a year on probation which was over this past Dec. 3rd . Now as you know in my case it's vary hard to find work and people don't realize that other who've committed crimes can change for the better and my dream was to join the military and fight along side my brother and father. I've made mistakes and now I'm paying for it at a young age and I'm barely making it through life with little to no money. Do you have any advice idea or anything that can help me because I'm tired of being rejected employment and I'm tired of government officials telling me I can't do this when I know deep down inside if they made the same mistake they would like a little sympathy please write back.
-Eric L.
Felon wants to join the military or get a job
A: Hello Eric,
I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. As I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to develop a plan. Your first stop should be your local One-stop Career Center. One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to gain employment, but to get vocational guidance and preparation. Also, these centers offer a long list of useful 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
Job-related magazines and local newspapers
Job postings and referrals
Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job searching
Every center is staffed with trained counselors that provide one-on-one help for job seekers. Many of them have experience helping ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.
As stated in a previous post, you can find your nearest center here:
Jobs for Felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
As far a joining the military. From time to time the military will offer waivers to those with criminal backgrounds. The Army has been the most lenient in the recruitment of ex-offenders and felons. If you have your heart sent on serving, I would contact the Army recruiter to see if this can be done for you.
I hope this helps.
Felon wants to join the military or get a job
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Finding jobs for ex-offenders and felons is a very difficult task. I know, I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years. I wish there was one thing I can tell them that would make this job easier, but the fact is, it will take a plan and a lot of hard work. Unfortunately, too many felons consider themselves victims of society that are constantly discriminated against for things they have done in the past.
When a felon is released, the sooner he or she finds gainful employment the lower the risk of re-offending.
As I tell my students, don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you. Don't look for any sort of favors. There are few to be found. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. You have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Jobs are not going to come to you. You will have to get out and compete for them. Anytime someone else wants the same thing you want, you have to compete for it. Unfortunately, the playing field is not level. You have a criminal record which will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs. This does not make things impossible, just a little more difficult. The only way to overcome this disadvantage is to work harder and smarter. My question is, do you have what it takes to get a job? Filling out a few applications a week and spending the rest of your time hanging out or playing video games won't get you a job. You must plan to put in 40 hours per week, finding job openings, writing letters, making phone calls, filling out applications and working on your interviewing skills.
There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. If you have the right
skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Let's look at some things you will need to increase you chances of getting a job.
A Resume
Everyone looking for a job should have a resume. A resume is an individual summary of your background, experience, training and skills that helps you to present your best qualities to an employer. If you have a resume, have a professional person look at it to judge it's quality. If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get
some help putting one together.
Proper Interview Clothing
Do you have appropriate interview clothing? A well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be Ideal. That may not be possible for someone just getting back into society but I suggest that men at least have dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can shine. No boots, no sneakers…shoes! Many of my students buy their interview clothing at thrift stores. They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. No matter how you get them, the right clothes makes all the difference. You should also have a neat haircut be clean shaven. If you wear a beard, it should be neat and trimmed. How do you look? Do you look like an ex-offender or a businessman? Do you look like you are going to a business meeting? You should - an interview is a business meeting. You should always look like a professional who is there to conduct business! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications. You also want to leave the employer with the impression that you have class. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Interviewing Skills
While your resume may get you an interview, it’s your performance on the interview that will get you the job. Remember you are going to a business meeting so be personable and friendly but keep it businesslike. Do not reveal too much information. give full responses to the interviewer's questions but never volunteer information that is not asked for. If the question of your record comes up, briefly acknowledge it but do not spend too much time talking about it. Focus on what has happened since your conviction and what you have done to make yourself a better person. Develop a friendly smile and a good handshake. You have to make the interviewer forget that you are an ex-offender. Get a friend or family member to help you by playing the part of the interviewer. Practice will pay off.
Finding Job Leads
The most effective method of finding job leads is by networking. Networking is simply talking to people you
already know and asking if the know of any job openings. Believe it or not, this how most people get their jobs. Employers save time and energy by hiring people that are referred to them.
Another great source of good opportunities is to apply for temporary employment. A lot of employers need temporary help. Many temporary employees are hired permanently if they prove to be good workers.
Smaller independent agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies do not have the same hiring restrictions that may exclude ex-offenders are free to hire anyone they choose. They are more likely to hire a person with a criminal record. You may find some in your local telephone directory. Apply to them as you would any other employer.
I encourage everyone looking for jobs to go to their local One-stop Career Center. You will find a long list of services that can help you find work. You will also find lists of available jobs in your area. There are also
counselors who can provide one-on-one assistance. Often the counselors have experience helping people with criminal records and know of employers who may hire them. The counselors can also help you find opportunities for vocational training that could lead to a new career.
You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center here:
There are also government programs that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. The first is the Federal Bonding Program. Some employers are fearful of hiring ex-offenders or felons since they feel their criminal histories make them more likely to steal, commit fraud or be dishonest in other ways.
A bond is an insurance policy that protects an employer against money or property loss due to employee dishonesty. Most felons cannot be bonded by private insurance companies. The Federal Bonding Program is sponsored by the government through the Department of Labor. This program was created to help high-risk, but otherwise qualified, job seekers who have offers of employment. The Federal Bonding Program offers insurance policies that protect employers against any possible losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to help ex-offenders and felons who need a second chance.
These bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for any job at any employer in any state. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies.
Always remind interviewers that you can be bonded.
Finally, a great incentive for employers to hire ex-offenders and felons is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit or WOTC. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Labor for private employers who hire individuals from specified target populations. One of the target populations are ex-offenders who have completed their sentences within the past year. The WOTC reduces a business’s federal tax liability, serving as an incentive to hire otherwise difficult to employ people. Eligible employers can receive a federal tax credit up to $4,800 for each qualified employee.
There are many opportunities for ex-offenders and felons to get jobs if they are willing to put in the time and effort. Hard work, dedication and a definite plan of action will lead to jobs.
Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons
Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
Jobs for felons: Immediate Jobs for Felons
Jobs for Felons: How Does a Criminal Record Affect the Job Search
My name is Lamar. I was on your site today about jobs for felons. Being that I have not found a job even throw I just finished culinary school to become a chef but I also would like to start my own catering business some day as well being that this is what I like doing.
Felon Chef needs a job
Hello Lamar,
Vocational schools usually have a placement department that find jobs for their graduates. I suggest you contact that department and put them to work. Next, you should go to your nearest One-stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer a wide array of services that can help a felon get jobs. Some services available are:
Counselors for One-on-one Assistance
Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)
Computers with internet access and word processing
Lists of thousands of job listings
Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
There are counselors there whose function is helping citizens gain employment. Many of them have experience that could help ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.
You can find the nearest location of the One Stop Career Center in your local phone book or on the web at:
Many people are looking for jobs. Please do not give up. Meanwhile I suggest getting your local telephone book and make a list of all of the restaurants and bars/grilles in your area. Contact each one of them, in person if possible, and inquire about open jobs. Even if they don't have any openings, leave your contact information or personal business card and make yourself available for on-call work. Frequently restaurants are in trouble when employees for some reason or another can't make it to work. You could fill in on an as needed basis. I'm sure if you do a good job, you will be at the top of the list when an opening arises. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs can find them with hard work and the right attitude.
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: Ex-offenders and Felons can get
Jobs
Getting a job is hard. Getting a job with a criminal record is
definitely harder. Having a criminal record is no reason to give
up hope. There are felons being hired everyday. Those who know what to do get hired. Those that don't will have a tougher time. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobswill have greater success by developing
a plan using these important steps.
Find Companies that Hire Felons
Dress Like a Professional
Get a Personal Contact Card
Always be Honest
Use Resumes and Cover Letters
Build a Good Network
Build a List of Good References
Always be on Time
Practice and Prepare
Get Ready to Work Hard
Find Companies That Hire Felons
More and more employers are hiring felons. With the unemployment rate at its lowest in a long time, employers are having a hard time finding qualified applicants to fill open positions. Only a short time ago, ex-offenders and felons were shut out of jobs. Now there are many companies that can say that they offer employment opportunities to people with criminal records,
Finding companies that hire felons is half of the battle. Take a look at this long list of employers that may hire felons. Click Here
Dress like a professional!
There is no substitute for a powerful first
impression. If ex-offenders and
felons looking for jobs want to be treated like
professionals, they ought to look like professionals. A fact of
life is that most of us will be judged at least partially, by the
way we look. Meeting someone for the first time, you should
look as professional as possible. A nice suit, a light colored shirt, a tie and nicely shined pair of shoes wold do the trick. At the very least, you should have a light colored shirt, dark slacks, a tie and once again shined shoes. You may not own clothes like these, but you should do your best to get them. You should look like someone who is serious about getting hired. You will never get a
second chance to make a first impression.
Get a personal contact card
Nothing will set you apart from the competition like having your
own contact card! A professionally done contact card will leave
everyone you meet with a powerful, professional, lasting
impression. Your card should include your name, address,
telephone number and email address. If you have a
particular profession or skill, it should also be on the
card. Your local printer can help you put one together. You
will be amazed just how affordable this powerful little tool can
be. If you have a computer. you can make your own. You can get card paper from Staples or Office Depot and you can make your own professional looking card.
Always be honest
I encourage ex-offenders and felons to
always be honest when searching for jobs especially on
applications and interviews. There is often a temptation to lie
about criminal pasts. I have know many people who have not
been honest on applications and gotten jobs, only to get fired
later when background checks are done. It is always better
to be honest. In this high-tech computer age, it is relatively easy to do a background check on virtually anyone, so don't count on your record not being found.
If you are asked about criminal records on interviews, you should
briefly speak about it but focus on what you have learned and why
having a job and working hard is important.
Use resumes and cover letters to get jobs
Ex-offenders and felons will have more success getting
hired if they can get their resumes into the hands of people who
can hire them. Sending a resume with a cover letter will
give them a huge advantage. A well written cover letter will introduce you
and help you ask for an interview in a professional way.
Often when ex-offenders and felons inquire about jobs this way,
the question of criminal records never comes up. If you
don't know much about writing a cover letter, find someone who
does and get it done properly.
Build a good network
Most people get jobs through people they know. Who you know
is often just as important as what you know. Finding job leads
from people you know is called networking and it is without
question the single most powerful way to get a job. Many jobs are
never advertised because they are often filled by personal
referrals. In fact, employers would rather hire somebody referred
to them instead of looking through piles of resumes and
applications.
Contact as many people as you can think of and ask if they know
of anyone who is hiring. Ask for the person who is in charge of hiring and try to get an application or try to arrange for an interview. The more applications you can get to people in charge, the greater your chances to get a job.
Build a list of good references
A lot of
applications ask for personal or professional references. A
reference is someone who would say something positive about you
or your work performance. Past teachers, previous employers,
ministers, and other prominent members of your community would
all be great references. Please ask people if they would be a reference
for you before you list them. If they agree, get their addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or other contact information.
Always be on time!
You should always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes
before all interviews and other
appointments. Arriving early will allow you to relax and make any
final preparations. You must know exactly how long it would
take to get to the interview location. If you don't know,
make a dry run to the location a day or so before to gauge your
travel time. There is absolutely no excuse for ever being
late.
Practice and prepare!
Getting a job with a criminal record will depend on how well
you prepare. Practice everything on your job search from filling
out applications, shaking hands, body language and
interviewing.
Like
anything else, interviewing well will take practice. The more you
practice, the better you will get. Practice your body
language in front of a mirror. Predict the interviewer’s
questions and practice answering them until they sound natural.
Don't memorize your answers but practice making them complete
thoughts in your own words.
Get friends and family members to take turns being the
interviewer. Practice the whole interview from beginning to
end. If possible, make video recordings of your practice
interviews so you can see and hear your responses to questions
and your use of grammar and body language. The more practice you get, the better you will get at everything.
Get ready to work hard!
Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs must realize that they are playing a game of numbers.
More job leads mean more interviews. More interviews mean more
opportunities to get hired. It's that simple. Getting
enough quality jobs leads will result in a job .
Finding a job with a criminal record will require a huge
commitment in time and effort. Put your time in making phone
calls, filling out applications and digging for leads. Effort in
practicing, and preparation will have to go with putting the time
in. Every minute you take off leaves an opening for someone
else to get a job instead of you.
There are ex-offenders and felons
getting jobs everyday. Work hard and prepare well and you
could be one of them!
You can be bonded free of charge!
The federal government offers felons free bonding. When you get an interview you can tell the employer that you can get bonded at no charge to you or the employer. If the employer has concerns about you being an honest employer, you can say "I can be bonded." A bond insures the employer from loss of money, merchandise or services due to employee dishonesty. This may be the difference between getting a job or not getting a job. You should speak to your state's department of labor representative at your local one stop career center. You can find out more about the Federal Bonding Program and how it helps ex-offenders and felons get jobs here: Federal Bonding Program
Ex-offenders and Felons
can get Jobs
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons:
Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record
Jobs for Felons: The Facts about
Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2020)
Jobs for Felons: Five Places
Felons Can Find Jobs - Get a Job Quickly!
My son is 29 yrs old and has two theft felonies in his background. But thanks to a good woman and two wonderful sons age 7 and 4 he has turned his life around. For 2 1/2 yrs he has gone to the methadone clinic, no longer hangs with any of the drug friends, went to Kaplan college and got his electrical technician certificate, has 6 years experience framing/roofing/plumbing/remodeling/tree trimming but just can't find work that lasts for more than a few days at a time. All he wants is a chance to earn enough money to feed his children and pay his electric bill. We have put out applications everywhere but the minute he is truthful and tells the employer of his criminal record (which is has a written copy he can show them) they just treat him like he is dirt.
Where can we turn? He is a hard worker.
Nancy
Skilled felon is looking for jobs
Hello Nancy,
Your son is ahead of most ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. Even though things might seem tough, people with criminal record might have to thing outside-the-box when it comes to looking for work. He has skills in electrical work and carpentry. He could start a home handyman business the he can can use to build a good income. If he is willing to put in a little work, he could turn odd jobs into a full time home handyman business. You'd be amazed how many people can't put in a light switch or fix a leaky faucet. You could offer to do small jobs at a fraction of what big time contractors charge while guaranteeing quality work.
Starting his own business will be a lot of work. He would have to be prepared to work long hours finding customers and promoting his business. The least costly way to start is to print up flyers with tear off tags, and post them on community bulletin boards. Post them in grocery stores, laundry rooms, community recreation centers, bus stops, and churches. Highlight the quality of his service and his dependability. He should always include phone number tear off tags on the flyer, so interested people can just take one phone number.
Another interesting option is to make a list of local contractors and offer to himself out as a day laborer. There are probably quite a few contractors in your area looking for day laborers as a way to keep their own costs down. He could get a list of contractors that have recently been issued building permits at your local municipal building. This is public record so he should have no trouble getting that information.
Still another option is to find landlord with multiple rental properties. Landlords need dependable people to keep the properties up and do repairs that tenants need done. If he finds one with enough rentals, it could be a full time job that would pay well. One great way to find a long list of property owners is contacting your local office of Housing and Urban Development. HUD pays subsidies to landlords on behalf of tenants. In order to get payments, the properties must meet HUD standards and are inspected frequently.
If his dream is finding regular employment, he shouldn't give up and he could earn a living in the meantime.
My husband has been released from prison after ten years about 3 months ago. Since than time we're finding it very hard for him to find employment. I mean extremely hard and he has become very depressed. He has gone to target, walmart, meijers, home depot, best buy, Kroger's, McDonald's, kfc, you name it we have filled out applications. He has called them on several occasions to check back about employment. He has two violent felonies and has had many doors slammed in his face. He just feels like giving up. I don't want him to do anything drastic at this point. I really don't know how much more to help him. Is there any advice you can offer us? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Concerned Wife
Wife of felon wants to help him get a job
I'm sorry your husband is having so much trouble. Having two violent felonies makes getting a job difficult. It's time for some out-of-the-box thinking.
My suggestion is for him to contact his parole or probation officer. Often they know of employers who hire felons. They also have felons on their caseloads who have gotten jobs. perhaps the officer can point him in the direction of these employers.
Another strategy that often works is to have your husband contact the judge who sentenced him. Judges are influential people with many contacts. He can express to the judge how important getting a job is and his desire to stay on the right side of the law. He should ask the judge for any assistance he can offer. You will be surprised at how effective this will be.
I hope this helps.
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal Record
My boyfriend has a criminal background and he needs a job. I wouldn't say that he's a convicted felon because he never actually got sentenced to do time in a state prison just time in the county prison. We live in New Jersey and I wanted to know where should he start to look for a job.
Felon needs to know where to look for a job
Hello,
I believe you are a bit confused. If he was sentenced to serving time in the county jail, he was convicted. Generally, county sentences are limited to 364 days. Anything longer is served at state prison. He needs to find out if he was convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor. Ask him to take a look at his disposition (release papers.) This is important because he has to know how to answer the "Have you been convicted of a crime?" question. If he was sentenced to do time, pay a fine or probation, the answer is "yes." Knowing how to properly complete employment applications will make the felon job search more successful.
As far as where to look for a job. Take a look at the video below. It outline several resources a felon can use to get a job. I always suggest the local One-stop Career Center. There are many services there that an ex-offender or felon will find useful.
There is also a link below to a list of employers that hire ex-offenders and felons.
Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs
Jobs for Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record
Your husband is on the right track. One-stop Career Centers are under-utilized resources. continue to use it. In relation to applying at temporary agencies, that is a good strategy.
