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:
I have a job interview next week and I am very nervous about it. I have an interview for a job as a clerk in a title office. I have done this kind of work before but not since my legal troubles. I was involved with a guy who was selling drugs. There were some in my apartment when he was arrested. Because the lease was in my name, I was charged with possession. I wasn't selling but I was charged anyway. I know this will come up on a background check.
Do you think I have a chance to get this job?
Candy
Felon is Nervous about Job Interview
Hi Candy,
You don't know how often I hear stories like this. Too many people get dragged down by people around them and often there are lasting effects. I'm not going into a lecture about choosing better friends, but you knew he was selling, and there are certain risks involved associating with people and their criminal activities.
Hopefully you were honest on your application and you got an interview anyway. If that is the case,
somewhere in the interview, the question is going to come up. You can handle it in three steps.
Own your Mistake - Never blame anyone else for your mistake. Acknowledge your role in your troubles. You could start by saying something like this, "I'm glad you asked me that because I want you to feel comfortable about hiring me. I’ll be honest with you because you have the right to know. I have been in trouble but it didn’t have anything to do with any of my previous employers. I was involved with someone who was into some bad things and I was arrested along with him. I am proud to say that I have put that all behind me.
Focus on the Positive - Shift the conversation away from your problem and on to the things you have done to improve yourself and how you now only associate with people who are doing positive things. Talk about what you have learned through this bad experience.
Talk about your Goals - Without being specific, tell the interviewer that you have goals and this job will help you put your mistake behind you.
Sell your Skills - Talk about your skills, training, education and how they make you an ideal candidate for the job.
Don't forget to be personable and friendly. Get the interviewer to focus on your skills and personality instead of the fact that have a criminal record. Stick to the formula above and you will do well. Remind the interviewer that you can be bonded. Get information about the Federal Bonding Program and how it can help felons get jobs here:
There also may be financial benefits to employers that may also be a selling point. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers tax incentives to employers who hire felons under certain conditions. You can find out more about it here:
I am a felon, with a drug trafficking charges, just got out of prison a month ago. I was locked up for 5 years. I was interested in a career in Medical Billing and Coding. I applied at the local community college and got accepted. When I was ready to register for classes the head of the program said that I won't be employable. I chose that program because there is no clinical involved and he thinks the record will be a problem. I am from Pensacola Fa. What do you think?
Felon wants Job in Medical Field
Hello,
My personal feeling is that everyone is employable. The question is will your legal status prohibit you from being licensed or certified in your chosen field. Just a little insight, to my knowledge there are few positions offered as Medical Biller/Coder. The Medical biller compiles and tracks the outstanding balances owed to medical facilities. The function of billing and coding is often part of other positions. It may be a function of a medical assistant or some other position. It often isn't a stand-alone position. I could be wrong, so get some clarification from the school you wish to attend. Also find out if there are any certification or licensing requirements. If there are restrictions based on your record, ask the placement office if there are any types of jobs where your record won't be as big a problem. I encourage anyone who is thinking about career training to ask for the placement record. These schools have placement offices so you can ask what percentage of their graduates get jobs and where. I would definitely ask these questions before I invest any time or money.
The good news is, medical assistants work in doctors' offices. Private doctors are free to hire anyone they choose. Make a good impression and you will get a job. Never let your past dictate your future. I encourage every felon to apply for every job they feel they qualify for. Apply for as many jobs as you can and never give up!
Best of luck to you.
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Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record
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I can only say thank you for the vast amount of useful data on the truckers website. I have submitted a great many emails, and the data provided was so helpful.
Unfortunately, it appears a student driver with a 20 year old sex offense is out in the cold. Do you have any words of wisdom. My work history for the past ten years is pretty good, and my offense was the only that I have, and I have an excellent driving and ticket record as I move toward obtaining my CDL. I am open to anything now though, and just wanted to hear from a national expert.
Thank you,
Kay Gee
Sex Offender wants Job as Truck Driver
Hello Kay Gee,
Thank you for your kind words. It's always good to hear that I am helping someone. I have a few suggestions for you. Sex offenders tend to get hired for jobs that have limited contact with others. Small retailers and wholesalers that deliver may be a good place to start. Just driving around, notice how many delivery trucks and vans have their telephone numbers on them. Moving companies are another option. Smaller companies are good places to start because they probably won't spend a lot of money on expensive background checks.
Secondly I suggest applying to temporary agencies. Some specialize in providing drivers. Smaller independent agencies may tend to hire more ex-offenders and felons than larger agencies. Independent temp agencies make their own decisions on who to hire unlike larger agencies that may have policies handed down from a parent company. On the initial application, you may want to leave the "Have you ever been convicted....." question blank. If you get an interview be prepared to talk about your conviction. The "blank" may come up.
Lastly, as I always suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is go to the nearest One-stop Career Center. There you will find resources to help you get a job including lists of open positions in your immediate area.
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record
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.
