I am an LPN and have first offender charges of prescription fraud (doctor shopping) on my record. Due to injuries sustained in an auto accident and medications needed and prescribed by my neurologist, I can no longer practice as a nurse. I have undergone extensive counseling and am still paying fines. I wanted to contest the charges due to my medical records supporting my prescriptions. I instead was advised to take these charges to avoid another more severe charge.
My question is, can my charges on my record affect my application and testing to be a licensed cosmetologist? I want to be a productive citizen of society and support my son and myself. I want to try something else and I think I can and will enjoy this field but want to know these things before I invest the money in training.
Felon wants job as Cosmetologist
Unfortunately you are forced to change careers. Barbering/Cosmetology is a great field to get into not only for employment but there are are opportunities for self-employment down the line. I know of felons who have good careers in that field. I would suggest that you contact the Cosmetology Licensing Board in your state. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible. If you are unemployed, you may even be eligible for for free training through your state's department of labor
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
I get a lot of emails about getting a job with a criminal record. I get quite a few from ex-offenders regarding the list of companies that hire ex-offenders and felons. We have all seen the list. It is posted on a number of websites. I even have a variation of it on this blog here:
I have contacted each one of the companies on the list and none of them have official policies that exclude the hiring of ex-offenders. My list is a little different because it includes companies that have hired students that I have worked with personally.
Many people that read this list are confused. Just because an employer has hired an ex-offender in the past, does not mean it will hire every ex-offender or felon that applies for employment. The nature of the conviction of the person applying will come into play. For example, a person convicted of any type of theft or robbery will not be considered for any type of job where valuables are at risk. A person with a drug conviction will not be considered for jobs in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes etc. There maybe even local laws which prohibit those with drug related convictions to be employed anywhere alcohol is served.
Many types of jobs require licenses that people with certain types of convictions are ineligible for.
I have also met people who have have applied for jobs with some of the employers on the list and come to the conclusion that the employer doesn't hire felons because the employer did not them. Just by appearance, the person was a poor applicant who just didn't make a good impression or did not fit in what the employer feels a good employee looks like.
Before you apply for any position, you have make sure you put yourself in the best position to be hired. The first and most important is appearance.
Do you have suitable interview clothes? For men, a well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be the absolute best thing to have. That may not be possible for someone just coming home but I suggest that men at least have dark dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can put some polish on. Not boots, not sneakers…shoes! A good number of my students buy their interview clothing at thrift stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army store. They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. Never mind how you get them, the right clothes will make the difference. You should also have a neat haircut and 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 with a shirt and tie or do you look like 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 make a business deal! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Women should wear a classic skirted or pant suit with a light colored blouse or a simple dress that does not come up above the knee. Do not wear anything too tight or too skimpy. Be sure to wear coordinated pumps that are neat and clean. The pantyhose should match the skin with no pattern.
Hair should be neat and of natural color. A short hairstyle is best, but tastefully done longer hair is fine. Fingernails should be neatly trimmed with tasteful polish. The make-up should be natural looking. One set
of earrings (no larger than a quarter) no facial piercings or tongue ornaments, one ring per hand and no more than one bracelet per wrist. If you have visible tattoos, especially on the neck or face, should be covered by makeup.
Do you have a resume? A resume will present your skills, past experience and other information in one neat package. Everyone looking for a job should have a resume. If you do not have a well written resume, you should do what you have to get one.
How are your interview skills. Once again, you will have to leave an employer with a good impression of you, so brush up on your interviewing skills
This is a great list and a great opportunity for ex-offenders and felons to get hired for jobs. Make the most of the opportunity!
Jobs for Felons The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2021)
,
Tips to help felons get jobs
Jobs for Felons: How does a Criminal Record Affect Employment?
List of Companies that hire ex-offenders and felons
Thanks for creating your blog on information for ex-offenders. I am a first time offender who was convicted in 2007 and is having a hard time with gainful employment. I have approximately 17 years of human resources experience in the federal government service and 2.5 years of retail service. My felony is one of moral turpitude (forgery/utter forged check/obtaining money by false pretenses) which makes it difficult because of the trust factor. I would like to know if you have any recommendations for me to seeking gainful employment. I am currently on indefinite supervised probation for the payment of my restitution. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Felon with professional experience needs a job
Hello,
Often convictions involving integrity or any type of theft conviction are often some of the toughest to overcome. I would suggest you contact the United Way in your office. The United Way supports a number of social services some of which offer assistance to ex-offenders and felons in need of jobs and other forms ex-offender / felon advocacy groups that know of companies that hire people with criminal backgrounds.
of aid. There may be positions for qualified professionals available in one of their member organizations. They may also be able to put you in contact with
In the meantime, since you have clerical experience, I suggest you try temporary employment. In many cases, temporary jobs turn into permanent jobs. For ex-offenders and felons looking to get temp jobs, I suggest applying to small independent agencies rather the nationally known ones. Smaller agencies can hire whomever they feel will be good. The larger companies are more likely to have restrictions regarding the hiring of people with criminal records. Take a look at the link below:
Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice
Hello Mr. Mayo,
I was reading your blogspot about who women who was having difficulties finding employment because of felonies on her record in North Carolina . I do not have any felonies, but I occurred 2 misdemeanors in one night. Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. I am talking with lawyers and hopefully these charges will be removed. The frustrating thing is I was fired today from my job because the charges are "pending". The reason I sent this email is to ask you are there any jobs that will hire me with misdemeanors on my record until I go to court Oct. 5. This was really a blow to my self esteem, and if you know anywhere I could seek employment in Raleigh, NC I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great day.
Respectfully,
Erik
Ex-offender with misdemeanors need job search advice
Hello Erik,
Not to minimize your troubles but your charges could be considered minor. Not many employers would hold those against you. You may just have to find the right situation. The suggestion I offer to many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is the local One-stop Career Center. There are many services as well as counselors that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. Often the counselors are experienced at assisting those with criminal backgrounds. The counselors also have access to the bank of open positions in your state.
I was wondering if you know whether or not a
felon can become a high school teacher in Illinois or Oregon? My husband
was convicted of residential burglary when he was 17 (as an adult) but
has not been in any trouble since. He is now 31.
Thank you for your time.
Felon wants job as a Teacher
Too many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs make the assumption that they cannot get jobs because of their records. I suggest that he contact the local school board to find out for sure if his conviction would keep him from being certified andhired as a teacher. If it indeed does, there are other options for and felons wanting careers as teachers.
Community colleges, adult learning annexes, charter schools and private schools are great places to start. They usually have fewer regulatory restrictions than public school systems. There is also a growing trend toward career schools that are always looking for trained instructors. Don't assume that because you have a criminal record, you cannot become a teacher.
I hope this helps.
Jobs for Ex-offenders : Sending Resumes and Cover letters
I am a 25-year old graduate student and I am currently engaged to a good man who helps me take care of my daughter. However, times are really hard for us right now, as my fiance is 31-years old and has been out of work for 2 years. In 2007, he please guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery or carjacking (which is how it is listed on his record). This actual even happened in 2003. Since then, he secured one job in 2007, and lost it in 2009 when the store went out of business. In addition, he went to Lincoln Tech Institute and obtained a certificate for Diesel Technology and Technician. Next, he went and got his forklift license.
He has submitted over 200 hundred applications in the past year and he has still not gotten a job. He even walks into companies wearing a suit and tie just to fill out applications, hoping that this will help increase his chances at securing a job. Every time it seems his chances are looking good in the interviews, he either tells about his conviction, or the companies conduct a background check, and he does not get a call back after that. We have been to the One Stop Career Center seeking help, and the most they gave him was a list of employers who have hired ex-felons in the PAST. We have been to church organizations and have contacted Trenton, and still he has not received any help.
He would like to drive trucks, fix on them, or get a forklift job, but we just don't know what to do anymore. I'm trying not to give up on this man, but it's becoming so overwhelming. Please help us!
Karen
Felon wants job as a mechanic
Hello Karen,
Firstly, your fiance may have to get a Commercial Drivers License if he wants to drive trucks. If he attended Lincoln Tech, there are placement services there that assist graduates. If that doesn't work, I suggest grabbing the yellow pages and making a list of all the garages in your area that service diesel engines. He can call each one to inquire about open positions. Because he has training but not much experience, he may have to start as a mechanic's helper. A third option would me to contact trucking companies in your area to see if they service their own trucks. He could apply as a mechanic's helper at those places. Usually smaller independent companies will offer a better chance to ex-offenders and felons.
Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs must understand that they may not get what they want right away. A little out-of -the-box thinking and lots of hard work will pay off.
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
In May 2012, Colin Slaven was in what he called “the worst time of my life” after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his part in an $800,000 auto loan scheme. About six months into his 21-month sentence, British-born Slaven found himself flailing in a South Carolina federal correctional facility that was as alien to him as the dark side of the moon.
Then, he had a revelation.
“God put me here for a reason, and it gave me a lot of time to reflect,” he said. “I didn’t even know what recidivism meant. So I started talking to inmates about their circumstances and listening to what brought them to this chapter in their lives. I found that with a felony conviction, you’re never given a chance. There’s a stigma. When you have a felony, people judge you, but you can’t find employment. I don’t condone crime, but when you’re in survival mode, you may find yourself in a situation where you get busted again.”
Slaven has plenty of company: It’s estimated that 19 million felons in America are facing similar employment challenges. A new book by an investment strategist argues that second-chance hiring — employing people with a criminal record — builds stronger communities, increases public safety and boosts the bottom line.
Jeffrey Korzenik, author of “Untapped Talent: How Second-Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community.” (Courtesy of Jeffrey D. Korzenik)
In “Untapped Talent: How Second-Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community,” Jeffrey Korzenik implores business leaders to consider hiring ex-offenders as a counterweight to the sparse labor markets of recent years.
“The tight labor markets of 2018 and 2019 were a wake-up call that businesses should not take an abundant labor force for granted,” he said. “Part of that dynamic is demographic: Roughly 10,000 baby boomers will retire each day over the next decade, and with the millennial generation largely in the workforce, there’s not a next big wave of home-grown workers.”
Colin Slaven drafted the business plan for what would become the Second Chance Jobs Center while serving a sentence for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. (Courtesy of Colin Slaven/Second Chance Jobs Center)
Like Slaven, Korzenik points to recidivism as a challenge to opportunities for ex-offenders, particularly in the African American community, where one in three men has a felony conviction.
“The pervasiveness of incarceration and subsequent joblessness has robbed these communities of role models, mentors and the intergenerational transmission of skills needed to be a viable employee, so too many young people become involved in the justice system and repeat the cycle over again,” he said. “I see second-chance employment as the critical path to breaking this terrible cycle.”
The second-chance hiring model
Korzenik writes in his book that “the potential for any nation’s economy to grow boils down to two factors: 1) how fast it can grow its employed labor force, and 2) how quickly it can grow the productivity of its workers. The product of this sum is the long-term growth potential.” His second-chance hiring model aligns with these factors.
“The concept is very simple, requiring two processes, one that can identify the people determined to rebuild their lives and the second, which provides them the support to thrive as employees,” he said. “In practice, this means employers must invest time in building partnerships with nonprofits, specialized temp staffing or transitional employment organizations and government agencies to build the right pipeline.”
The investment in second-chance hiring varies according to employers’ individual approach to tackling their labor needs.
“There is absolutely an investment of time, and often there is a financial investment as well,” Korzenik said. “What’s unusual about seeking this talent pool is how many outside resources are available to the second-chance employers —nonprofit service providers, tax credits, government agencies.
“Each employer has to calibrate the program to their needs and resources. A no-cost program that focuses on people who have already rebuilt their lives will yield some previously overlooked talent. On the other extreme, looking at people immediately exiting incarceration will yield more candidates, but will also require the employer to invest more in accommodations and services. Employers need to understand the trade-offs and be very intentional in their process.”
Giving ex-offenders a fair chance
Building a best-in-class hiring program for ex-offenders is not an easy task. Korzenik devotes an entire chapter on how one Ohio-based company, through trial and error, created its “Fair Chance” initiative.
The Secret Life Sentence of Being a Felon | Harley Blakeman | TEDxOhioStateUniversity
Manufacturing firm JBM Packaging has operated outside of Cincinnati, in Lebanon, Ohio, since it opened in 1985. Although JBM is close to the Cincinnati labor market, the company went through a seven-year stretch where qualified labor was hard to find, particularly among those workers without a car. Attempts to woo area high school students and seasoned workers fell flat, forcing the company to hire expensive, but not always productive temp-to-hire employees.
“Some leaders have built companies from the ground up as second-chance employers,” Korzenik writes in the book. “That is not the case with JBM. By all appearances, [Chief Executive Officer] Marcus Sheanshang came to second-chance hiring as an ordinary businessman with an ordinary business problem. But with Sheanshang’s leadership, the way this initiative changed the company and the lives of its employees was extraordinary.”
After learning of the second-chance hiring concept from church members, Sheanshang took the idea to his executive team, who roundly criticized it over issues of safety and performance.
“Fair Chance is a tenet of what we’re trying to do as a company,” said Sheanshang. “Not everyone loves it, but they’re behind it and support it because it’s important.”
“These concerns really speak to the necessity of having a process for selecting the right person for employment,” said Korzenik. “With a pool of 19 million Americans with felony convictions, it is ridiculous to say that all of them are unsuitable. There are screening processes that can be very effective.”
Second Chance Job Center, HBI and Department of Labor Certificates. In 2019, Second Chance Job Center graduated 65 apprentices who are now working in their chosen fields. (Courtesy of Second Chance Job Center)
To make its employees feel safe, JBM limits its second-chance hiring to those convicted of minor offenses. Since it works with prisons and halfway houses, JBM is aware of candidates’ criminal history and conducts background checks before the candidates’ release date. Drug screenings, manufacturing aptitude tests and a screen for workplace fit round out the process.
“Many of these same sources of talent referrals can also provide support services, but ultimately the employer has to be sufficiently involved to make sure their workforce can access internal and external resources,” said Korzenik. “One of [JBM’s] best investments was hiring a life coach, who helps all of the company’s employees access helpful programs, subsidizing purchases of vehicles or other transportation needs, for example.”
Despite the early bumps in launching the program, JBM’s Fair Chance employees now comprise 35 of the company’s 150-person workforce.
Allies in the fight for second-chance hiring
While in prison, Slaven said his spiritual epiphany led him to draft a business plan for what is now the Second-Chance Job Center, a Charleston, South Carolina-area-based nonprofit that trains ex-offenders and others in a variety of job-related skills. Though the program is primarily focused on the state of South Carolina, Slaven said he hopes to expand soon into parts of Georgia and Florida, and eventually nationwide.
“We need to create the next generation of a skilled workforce,” he said.
In a similar vein, the Manufacturing Institute and the Charles Koch Institute recently announced a partnership to expand second-chance hiring opportunities in the manufacturing industry.
“I agree with [the premise of Jeff’s book],” said Carolyn Lee, the manufacturing institute’s executive director. “When you look at the number of people, I think one out of three have some sort of record that removes them from the workforce. And, when you look at the 700,000 open manufacturing jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.”
The partnership includes a grant from the Koch institute to host a series of educational events where businesses and employers can learn best practices in second-chance hiring. The Manufacturing Institute has scheduled a webinar on the topic on June 10.
Cost of failure
Businesses that do not embrace second-chance hiring are making a big mistake, Korzenik contends.
“At the micro level, the failure to attract good employees means you can’t grow or perhaps can’t even service your existing customer, putting the business at a huge competitive disadvantage,” he said. “The macro level is just based on the numbers. Even if you don’t account for the potential costs savings in the criminal justice system, just the potential improvement in employment outcomes for just part of the justice-impacted population adds up to hundreds of billions of dollars.”
Adopting second-chance hiring also has an impact on a company’s social brand in the marketplace.
“Americans are increasingly questioning whether the free enterprise system can deliver the kind of society we want,” Korzenik said. “Businesses need to show that they can contribute to solving important societal issues. It’s hard to imagine anything more beneficial than second-chance hiring and its intergenerational benefits to families and communities.”
Thanks for allowing this email, and starting your blog. Although I do not know your credentials, or where you get your knowledge, just knowing there is an open discourse is helpful to those of us who feel desperate.
I am an ex offender who was convicted in 1977, and 1978 for 2 separate offenses. 1977 robbery- this was a teenage indiscretion of joyriding in a stolen car with someone who lifted a set of keys from a key hook on the wall in a home where we attended a party and then, staying silent after we were caught. The robbery charge is because the keys were stolen from inside the home, making it a point of law 1978 for possession of a controlled substance. The reason I give that summary is to articulate the injustice of this practice of culling ex-offenders from the workforce.
Particularly someone who has not been in trouble for over 33 years. Especially when, for decades, I have been employed successfully. In fact, I have a B.A. and an Associates in Applied Science degree- both with honors. I am currently unemployed, and unable to get past the background requirements for employment, and have been eliminated from numerous jobs that I would otherwise have gotten.
My questions are these:
1.) How is it not a violation of our constitutional rights for a potential employer to data mine our info. without standing? And, have us self incriminate as a pre-employment requirement? Isn't the Constitutional protections for minority rights?
2.) What are the statistics of ex- offenders currently in USA? In other words how many millions of people are affected by this practice? Has this been challenged in the courts?
My belief is that our Constitution is piece of paper that becomes animated by the people who stand up for their own rights. After all, it is the minority that needs the protections, not majority opinion. That is the purpose of the document. Furthermore, without class action, the ACLU will not challenge this practice. How could we mount a class action challenge to this practice? I could go on ad infinitum, but I will just close with a sincere thank you for the work you are doing to help others get through this.
It is the responsibility of every employer to hire the best person they can find for any job. Having a criminal record does not necessarily eliminate you from consideration from any job. An employer is trying to get some idea of the type of people that are applying.
Too often with ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that they were maligned because because they have criminal convictions. In many cases the may be correct but that is difficult or nearly impossible to prove. I am of African descent. I have often thought that was the reason that I didn't get many jobs that I know I was more than qualified for. Rather that wallow in anger and self-pity, my other choice was to keep applying for each and every job I felt I fit.
When speaking of the laws and the constitution, being a child of the sixties, I can tell you that laws do not change attitudes. Laws may say that I am equal but until individual prejudices go away, I will always have a difficult time.
My advice is to not give in to your frustrations but let them motivate you.
I hope this helps.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Background Checks
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
I was 16 years old, I got arrested. I was put in the wrong situation which involved my mother and her boyfriend. I was told they took a plea and allowed the felony to be put on me. I went and got certified in nursing was working for 12 years and now it is haunting me. I love healthcare and want to try to stay in the field. I feel that I belong helping others. I just want a good paying job that I love to go to everyday. Is there anything out there I can work or go to school for?
Can a Juvenile Felon get Jobs in Healthcare?
I get this often from ex-offenders and felons with juvenile records who are looking for jobs. Contrary to what many people believe, juvenile records do not disappear when on reaches the age of adult. In many states, juvenile records are sealed. Sealed meaning they are hidden from the public. They will always be available, however, to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. Since many jobs in health care require licensing or certifications there will be the question of can you be certified.
You will have contact the medical licensing board in your state to see if your conviction will keep you from being certified or licensed.
I hope this helps
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 Criminal Record | Juvenile Record | Careers for Felons| Medical Careers for Felons
We appreciate what you do for us, thanks a lot. I'm a violent ex-offender in vocational school in Florida for HVAC. I have an armed bank robbery charge, 1st time offender. I also am bilingual in Spanish. I want to eventually start my own business but my charge makes it difficult for me to do residential air conditioning. I'm aware I could do commercial but it seems to be a lot of obstacles for me to even get into the field with my charge and even more issues getting a contractors license later due to money and my charge. Therefore, I've been considering auto mechanic technician course, where it appears there will be less of a hassle to get work and start my own business in that. So my question is, is it possible to get a really good opportunity as a auto mechanic tech with decent money and to start my own business in that despite my background or will I have better chances sticking to HVAC. Brother, I'm at the crossroads on this. I don't have a problem educating myself for a better life. It's just, being correct in the education for the situation that is. I could seriously take some sound advice and suggestions from you. I really appreciate this outlet you have provided for me and others.
Thanks man!
Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers
A: Hello, First of all, are you certain you cannot get a contractor's license? I meet too many ex-offenders and felons that assume that they are not eligible for certain types of employment because of their backgrounds. To be sure you can, contact the licensing board to inquire if your conviction prohibits you from being licensed. You can contact them here: Division of Professions Construction Industry Licensing Board 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/index.html With the large Hispanic population in Florida, there is opportunity for you to build a good HVAC business. Even if you choose an automotive career, you can either get a job working for larger automotive maintenance shops (Sears, Pep Boys, Strauss,) dealerships, independent garages or you could even start small and build a list of customers.
If you choose a job, be sure to let the employer know that you can be bonded. Ex-offenders and felons can be bonded by the Federal Bonding Program. Take a look at the videos below for more information. Technical careers are a great alternative to jobs for felons and ex-offenders. I hope this helps.
Jobs for Felons: What is the Federal Bonding Program?
Jobs for Felons: How to Get a Federal Bond
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!
Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers
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 | Tech Careers for Felons
Unfortunately you are forced to change careers. Barbering/Cosmetology is a great field to get into not only for employment but there are are opportunities for self-employment down the line. I know of felons who have good careers in that field. I would suggest that you contact the Cosmetology Licensing Board in your state. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible. If you are unemployed, you may even be eligible for for free training through your state's department of labor
