Should a felon lie on applications to get jobs?

Mark Kodiak Ukena, Lake County News-Sun

I have a friend who tells me all I have to do to get a job even with a record is lie. He said That an employer has to get written permission to legally run a background check on anyone. So according to him, if they don't ask for permission, just lie about my record. I want to do things the right way. What do you think?

Thanks,

Ricky

 Should a felon lie on applications to get jobs

Hello Ricky

A lot of employment applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign before the application is considered. This statement may also be called an Authorization. The employer is asking you to certify with your signature that all of the information you have given is correct. Part of this certification is a release that gives the employer access to information provided by past employers, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other organizations that may have information about you. This is usually in fine print at the very end of the application.

Some believe by being honest on applications they don’t have a chance at getting a job. The fact is an employer cannot legally refuse to hire you because you have a criminal record unless the conviction is directly related to the job for which you are applying. I have spoken with former inmates who have lied on applications and gotten jobs, only to lose them later when background checks were done. Some have been encouraged to use the response “Will discuss at interview.” In my opinion, these are not good practices. The best advice I can give is BE HONEST! Employers have a responsibility to know as much as possible about prospective employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty of negligent hiring when employees who have criminal pasts committed acts that resulted in harm to others. Those situations could have been avoided by careful screening through background checks. Employers will ask directly on applications about criminal convictions as a means to protect himself, his business, and others.

Most employers are concerned with convictions. Pay careful attention to the wording of this question. It may vary from application to application. Typically the question will ask about convictions of crimes and/or felonies and not so much misdemeanors.

There is one exception to this. Before you answer the question "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" look for the certification/release statement. If there is none, I would leave the space blank. It is often overlooked by being left blank and you won’t have to address the question at all. If it is noticed, and you are questioned, always answer truthfully.

Larger companies will almost always have a release to sign. Ex-offenders and felons stand a better chance of being hired by small companies rather than larger ones. Smaller companies usually won't spend money on expensive background checks. Also the owners or managers of smaller companies usually make the hiring decisions. Jobs for felons and ex-offenders will depend on being honest on employment applications.

I hope this helps.

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  Should a felon lie on applications to get jobs

Felon Can't find a job as a Cook

Felon looks for job as a Cook

Hello sir,

I have many years experience as a cook. I even worked in the kitchen when I was incarcerated. Even with all of my experience, I can't find work. I filled out many applications but I have not found anything. I really enjoy cooking. I need some help.

A lot of people are looking for work. Please don't give up. Sometime ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs have to be a little creative.  I suggest getting your local telephone directory and make a list of all of the restaurants and bars/grilles in your area. Visit each one of them and inquire about open positions. Even if they don't have any openings, leave your contact information and make yourself available for on-call work. If you can, have personal business cards made up for you to leave with everyone you speak to.  Often restaurants are in trouble when employees for some reason or another cannot 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.

 If you cannot find employment right away, consider working as a temporary employee.  Many permanent jobs are filled by people who started as temp employees.  If you do a good job, are punctual and have a good attitude, you may be hired as a regular employee. Check you local telephone directory for  temporary agencies to apply to.  There are even agencies that specialize in the hospitality industry.  Apply just as you would any other job.  Bear in mind that a felon stands a better opportunity by applying to smaller independently owned businesses that larger corporate companies.

  A felon finding a job will be easier with hard work and the right attitude.

I hope this helps.

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Real Help for ex-offenders and Felons Looking... by adogzheart

Felon Can't find a job as a Cook

Can the Federal Bonding Program help felons get jobs?

Can the Federal Bonding Program help felons get jobs? 

The Federal Bonding Program

I have three retail thefts at the felony level and one theft by deception felony as a result of drug addiction. My record dates back as far as 1999 with my last charge in 2001. I am a Radiation Therapist and a Radiographer. I worked in the mid west when my record was only 2 years old now I am in PA and I can't get a job because of my charges. I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. What does the bonding for felons to work do. Can you help me...maybe if I get bonded it would be easier to work.

 

 

Can the Federal Bonding Program help felons get jobs?

There are government programs that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  One of the most effective is The Federal Bonding Program.  Employers may have issues concerning hiring people with have criminal records, poor work history or recovering alcohol or drug addicts. A lot employers are unwilling to hire ex-offenders or felons since they feel their past choices make them more likely to steal, commit fraud or be dishonest in other ways. Many felons are not able to be bonded. A bond is an insurance policy that protects an employer against money or property loss due to employee dishonesty. Certain criminal convictions make many felons ineligible for bonding by private companies. Felons, including anyone with a record of arrest, conviction or imprisonment, and anyone who has ever been on probation or parole, are considered "high risk" job applicants.

The Federal Bonding Program is  program sponsored by the Department of Labor. This program was created to assist high-risk, but qualified, job seekers who have bona fide offers of employment.  The Federal Bonding Program offers a business insurance policy that protects an employer against any possible losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to remove barriers to employment that high-risk job seekers - those who are qualified to work but need a second chance - face. It gives employers an incentive to hire qualified, high-risk job seekers who might otherwise be unable to find work.

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, and covers any employee dishonesty. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies. Unfortunately, self-employed persons cannot be covered by these Fidelity Bonds. Fidelity bonds can help felons get jobs and can also be issued to cover already employed workers who need bonding to prevent being laid off or to secure transfer or promotion to a different job at their company.

An applicant can be bonded the same day the job offer is made. You can find more information about the program by contacting the addresses below:

Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL

1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

1 (800) 233-2258

Federal Bonding Program

P.O. Box 293535

Lewisville, TX 750229

1 (888) 266-3562

You can also get information on the internet at http://www.bonds4jobs.com/state-coordinators.html

Jobs for felons will be easier to get with a little help from programs like this.

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Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? 'Eric Mayo is helps ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  You could have your question answered right here.

Email your question to: adogzheart2@gmail.com.

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

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  Can the Federal Bonding Program help felons get jobs?

Felon wants Job as Flight Attendant

 Felon wants Job as Flight Attendant

Hello sir,

I was reading your list of companies that hire felons, and noticed that there were airlines listed.  I wanted to ask you about a person with a criminal record becoming a flight attendant.  I have a lot of customer service experience and people like me.  It seems like a good job for a young person like me.  Do you know anything about that?

I have a shoplifting charge.  I hope having one charge won't keep me from having a good career career.

Dara

Felon wants Job as Flight Attendant

Hello Dara,

I know of people with criminal records working for airlines.  Many people believe that having a record prevents anyone from working at an airline and that is not true.  The job applied for and the nature of the criminal offense will always be taken in account.

My suggestion to you, is to contact the airline you were thinking of applying to and speak to the human resources department.  That department will be able to tell you if your conviction will prohibit you from being hired in that position.  If not, you can find out what the exact qualifications for the positions are and exactly how to apply.  Remind the Human Resources representative that you can be bonded.  See this post about the Federal Bonding Program here:

Federal Bonding Program can help felon get a job

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Felon wants Job as Flight Attendant