Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs

Dear Mr. Mayo,

I enjoyed the new clip of those 13 in Illinois that have taken the next set with working towards showing society that people can change.  I am in the process of working towards writing a pardon letter to the governor of North Carolina.  For a long time I thought that I was not able to vote cause of my felony and in the last few days that I found out that I'm able to vote even as an ex-felon.  Which made me happy.  But the deli ma that I'm running into regularly is my background for employment.  Even though my Felony is over 16years old I'm still faced with the statement of felon.  I have put it on application no to the ones that have stipulated a year limitation of 5, 7, or 10 years; those that have no limitation  I have to answer yes too.

When I have applied for Government and State jobs even Hospitals and Security jobs. For example I applied to a Security Company in Virginia and I was told by the officer that interview me that if it was up to him it would not matter that I had a felon cause it was 16years ago.  But the company that they were contracting for didn't want any of there candidates to have a record period.  Yet I have not heard anything back from that company for any work at all.  Or when I have applied for a Government contract company CGI they set a formal letter to me stating that due to my background I was not selected.  Even when I
applied for UPS when I was asked that question face to face; I was told by the interview that if it was up to her she would overlook my background but it would be in my best interest to not so willfully give out that information when she herself was only the middle man and someone over her would be the one to make the decision of yes or no.  It makes me feel like my application is just thrown in the trash.   I downloaded your book and the steps were very helpful.  When it came to finding work, which I did but trying to find something better than minimum wage is like a needle in a hay stack.

Currently I will be re-enrolling back in to school online for my Associates Degree in Health Information Technician (Medical Billing and Encoding).  With a degree I think that I would have a better chance as far as the skill the employer could be looking for.  The one thing that hangs over my head is the background check.  I think this Pardon will at least allow me a better chance of being employed with the Government and State level.  With documentation of the Pardon they would at least have to give me a fighting chance.  Which is something that I'm not finding even here in the Washington, DC Maryland area.

I would greatly appreciate any advice that you might have or some suggestions that you could provide to me in the pursuit of my pardon.

This is something new to me and I would like to make sure that I'm taking the right steps in this matter.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Ms. Tracie

Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs

Hello Ms. Tracie,

Even though you are pursuing a pardon, don't abandon your job search.  You should stay on your plan.  Bear in mind, no matter how old your conviction is, it will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.  This may the reason you are having trouble obtaining a government opportunity or getting a job with a company with a government contract.

I first suggest contacting your local United Way office.  The United Way supports may social service agencies, some of which assist ex-offenders and felons.  As I stated in my book (From Jail to a Job,) one of the most underutilized resources in many of our communities is the local One-stop Career Center.  The center has resources that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  You can get help preparing a resume, find a list of open positions in your area and even assistance finding and paying for career training.  You can even get information on getting a federal bond that could help you get hired.  There are also counselors that provide one-on-one assistance.  Many counselors have experience working with ex-offenders and felons.

You can find your nearest One-stop Career here:

www.servicelocator.org
 
The best information that I give all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply for every job they are qualified for.

I hope this helps.

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs  

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 Felon hoping a pardon will help get jobs

 Felon wants to join the military or get a job

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:

www.servicelocator.org 

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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First Time Offender is Looking for a Job

Hello,

My name is Ida. I have been struggling for over a year now unable to find work in a small south GA town. The options are limited here and I am on the verge of becoming homeless and losing my children. I have never gone to jail but have plead out to a Felony under the first offenders act of GA for aggravated assault. (my overworked public defenders suggestion) However, I am stuck with it forever. I am still not completed with the time or fee requirements and cannot get a job anywhere. I cannot go back into what I was doing because even under a first offenders act they will not renew or reissue me an insurance agents license in GA.  We have a local Wal-Mart, and a few other companies on your list however I am finding it difficult to even get to an interview. Do you have any suggestions for me.

Thank you for your time.

First Time Offender is Looking for a Job

Hello Ida,

Sorry you're having so much trouble.  It can be challenging trying to find work in a small community.  You may have to include some unconventional methods in your job search.  First check with your probation officer.  Probation officers may have information about employers who have hired their clients in the past.  Secondly, if you belong long to a church, speak to the minister or pastor.  Clergy persons are closely tied to the community and may have information about open positions for jobs.  If nothing else, they are great references for anyone looking for work.  Thirdly, contact your local city councilperson.  Elected officials are connected in many ways to people who make things happen in communities.  Ask if he or she knows of anyone looking for help.

Lastly,  temporary employment agencies are a great way for ex-offenders and felons to get back into the job market.  Make a list of temporary agencies in your area from the telephone book.  Visit them and apply just
as you would any other job.  Have your resume with you to leave along with your application.

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:


http://servicelocator.org

Eric Mayo

 

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record

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 formerly-incarcerated people | jobs for ex-offenders | jobs that hire felons | places that hire felons | felon friendly jobs | felon friendly employers | how to get a job with criminal record | second chance jobs for felons | temp agencies that hire felons | high paying jobs for felons | List of companies that Hire Felons

First Time Offender is Looking for a Job

Can Employers Refuse To Hire You Because Of Your Record?

by Michael Patrick Murphy, Jr.

Posted on January 07, 2021 in Discrimination, Labor and Employment

The Criminal History Record Information Act Protects Your Rights

Under ideal circumstances, once you’ve been convicted for a crime and served your sentence, your punishment should be over. You should be able to go on to build a new life and contribute to society in a positive way.

However, for many people with a criminal record, it can be exceedingly difficult to find a job—long after they’ve paid the price for their crime.

In Pennsylvania, the Criminal History Record Information Act is designed to protect people with a criminal record from workplace and hiring discrimination. Here’s how it works.

It Limits How Employers May Base Their Decisions on Your Record

Under the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act, an employer generally can’t use your criminal record as a factor in deciding whether or not to hire you.

There are exceptions. The employer can consider your criminal record as a factor in hiring if your crime directly relates to the job you applied for. For instance, if your crime involved money laundering, a bank can legally decide not to hire you for that reason.

There are certain jobs and careers where your criminal history may legally bar you from employment. For instance, people with certain felony convictions can be barred from working with children, the elderly, or adults with special needs.

Licensure requirements may specifically prevent individuals with certain crimes on their record from working in the field as well.

However, if the employer did use your criminal history as a reason not to hire you, they have to notify you of that in writing and explain their decision. This gives you a chance to bring litigation if you feel it’s necessary.

It Introduces Consequences for Discrimination

If you believe the employer violated the law in choosing not to hire you based on your record, you have the right to sue for damages.

Possible damages include a certain amount for each violation of the law, as well as punitive damages if the action is found to be purposeful. The employer may also be on the hook for your attorney’s fees and litigation costs.

What To Do if You Feel You Were Unlawfully Passed Over 

If you feel an employer unlawfully used your criminal history as a reason not to hire you, you have recourse in court.

Talk to a knowledgeable attorney.  An attorney can assess the situation, determine whether your rights were violated.  Contact your local legal aid office where you may qualify for free assistance.

The information provided here does not constitute legal advice. It is intended for general purposes only. If you have questions about a specific legal issue, you should speak to an attorney.

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Can Employers Refuse To Hire You Because Of Your Record?

Eric Mayo

Jobs for Felons: Will my Criminal Record Hurt my chances to get Hired?

Jobs for Felons: Will my Criminal Record Hurt my chances to get Hired?

 

Lots of men don’t have a job, and aren’t looking for one

Greetings Mr. Mayo,

Let me first thank you for the information I received from the website (Jobs for Felons: Incredible List of Companies That Hire Ex-offenders and Felons). Just by reading the details has given me a little more hope I had before finding the page.

On yesterday, I was actually offered a job by Comcast contingent on my drug screen & of course my background check. I have had so much anxiety but my faith has not allowed me to fear so much in the last few days.

My question is, should I even continue with the application? I may have a criminal record but I am certainly not a criminal. So, IF my background will stop me from getting the job, what should I do? Should I try to speak with someone in HR to prove myself worthy?

Desperate for a job,

AJ

 Jobs for Felons: Will my Criminal Record Hurt my chances to get Hired?

Hello AJ,

Thank you for your kind words.   You've gotten through the application process, you got an interview and did well on it.  You were offered the job, but it is contingent upon the drug screening and background check.  The only question I have, were you totally honest on the application if asked about having a criminal background?  If you were not honest on the application, the background check will reveal your dishonesty.

I have talked to felons where less than honest when completing the application and were hired, only to be fired later when the background check was done.  They were not fired for having criminal records, they were fired for falsifying the application.  I hope that is not your case.  I advise all of my students to be totally honest on all phases of the employment process.  I know that there is often a temptation to leave certain things off of applications, but honesty is always the best policy.

If after the background check comes back and they decide not to hire you, there is little more you can do.  It's their decision.  At that point, I would just pick myself up and keep applying for jobs.  Finding a job with a criminal record is a game of numbers.  The more jobs you apply for the greater your opportunity of finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity despite your record.

Eric Mayo

Jobs for felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job... by Eric Mayo

Jobs for felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons... by Eric Mayo

 

  Jobs for Felons: Will my Criminal Record Hurt my chances to get Hired?

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