Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  You are here because either you have a criminal record and want to put your past behind you by getting a job and becoming a contributing member of society or you want to help someone you really care about.  Getting a job with a criminal record is going to be difficult but not impossible.  I work with ex-felons everyday and many of them get jobs right away while others have to put more work and be more determined to overcome their individual situations.  Here are some important steps that ex-offenders and ex-felons can take to  dramatically increase their opportunity to get hired

 Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs

Get a Copy of your Criminal Record

At some time during the job search, the question about criminal record is going to come up.  I encourage my students to be totally honest when talking about their background.  The best way to do this is to have an accurate record of your criminal convictions.  If you have a probation or parole officer, he/she can help you get a copy of your record.

Find out if the convictions on your record can be sealed or expunged.  To be clear, NO RECORDS CAN BE ERASED.  If someone tells you that you can erase your record, do not believe them.  There are legal processes that can have certain convictions and charges hidden from public view making your record easier to work with.  Your record, even if hidden from public view, will always be available to all government agencies, court systems and law enforcement.

There are lawyers who make tons of money by using these processes so they are not going to like this but, you can get this done for little or no money.  I suggest to all of my students to contact their local legal aid office.  There you will be able to find out of expungement or sealing is available in your state and what can be done about your record.  If it is an option for you, you can get help getting it done for little or no money.

Get Some Really Good References

Increasingly employers are paying attention to references when considering new employees.  Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should be able to provide strong references that will help them make a good impression on employers.  There are employers that will hire a felon and a strong set of references from the right people can help you get hired.

References are upstanding members of the community who would say something positive about you. Good references  could help an employer look past your record. References from religious leaders, teachers, former employers and local political leaders would look great to an employer.

Most employment applications ask for for three references.  You should always have at least four.  Be prepared to list a name, title, and contact information for each one.  Make certain contact information is current and keep it updated.  Over time, phone numbers, titles and addresses change.

Get permission from anybody you want to use as a reference. Let them know that you are looking for a job and a reference from them would really help.  Never offer anyone as a reference without their consent.  Once you have your references all together, keep them in your job search folder for easy access when it is time to fill out an application.

Only offer references when they are requested.  Never put references on a resume.  Include a line on the resume that may say "References will be furnished upon request."

Taking the time to get good references will have a powerful impact on your job search.



Get A Resume

If you are looking for a job without a well written resume, you are at a disadvantage. A resume is a short, concise document that states relevant information regarding your education, skills, experiences, accomplishments, and job-related background. A well written resume will help you 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.



Dress to Get Hired

First impressions are very important.  What people think upon meeting you depends so much on what they see.  When prospective employers meet you for the first time what will they think they see?  Will they see a potential problem?  Will they see an ex-con trying to get a job?  Will they see a polished professional looking for an opportunity?  That will totally be up to you.

It is important that you look like someone of quality.  A well fitting suit with a nice shirt, a coordinated tie and polished shoes is what most ex-offenders and ex-felons should shoot for.  Your clothing should more for you that anything you say.



Get Some Quality Job Leads

Do you know what type of job you are looking for?  Do you know where open jobs are?  There are many ways to find out where jobs are.

1.  Networking - Networking is the single best way to find out where jobs are.  Networking is simply talking to people you already know to find out if they know about any open positions.

2.  State Job Services - State sponsored employment services have access to job openings and other services that can help you get a job.

3.  Temporary Employment - Companies use temporary employment services when they need help immediately for a certain amount of time.  A temporary agency could have you working on a very short time.  Some temporary assignment turn into permanent jobs.  Temporary agencies cater to a wide array of businesses like offices, restaurants, construction companies and even the medical industry.  Whatever type of work you do, you will be able to find a temporary agency that needs employees.  Check you local telephone directory or search online for agencies in your area and apply just as you would any other employer.

4.   Help Wanted Ads - Help wanted ads can be found in local newspapers. These advertisements can be found in the classifieds section of you daily newspaper, having listings of  open jobs. Ex-offenders and Ex-felons looking for jobs can also use the Internet to find help wanted ads.


Unfortunately, not all job fields are open to ex-offenders and ex-felon and you may not get the job you want right away.  You may have to start at the bottom and work your way up.  Be prepared


Practice Interviewing

The key to successful interviewing is practice.  You will have to practice how to answer questions especially the one you will get that relate to your criminal record.  Find someone to work with you practicing answering questions until you sound convincing.



These tips will get you started on your task of finding a job.  As I said before, it won't be easy, but having determination and working hard will definitely pay off

Tips to Help Ex-Felons Get Jobs

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Eric Mayo

Felon is looking for training and a career

Felon is looking for training and a career

Hello,

I am Allison, 29 yo, from southern CA.

My concern:

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)

Felon is looking for training and a career

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Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Yes, you can. Go get 'em, boss!

Originally published at Entrepreneur.com

Having a criminal record can make it difficult to get hired, find a place to live and many other basic tasks. But can it stop you from starting your own business? The short answer is, no it can't stop you.

Former criminals can benefit from starting a business in several important ways:

• Self-direction. Rather than waiting for someone else to provide you with a job, you have the power to create something for yourself. It’s a challenge of your own making and one that can keep you focused and on the right track.

• Independence and freedom. Many people start a business because it provides them with independence and freedom. They can make their own decisions and set their own rules, rather than following someone else.

• Avoiding employment issues. Many ex-cons find it difficult to get hired because of their criminal past. But if you’re starting a business from scratch, you won’t have to go through the interview process; you’ll be working for yourself. Hello boss.

Key limitations

Of course, there are some issues and unique challenges faced by ex-cons attempting to start a business:

• Felons and certain positions. For starters, felons are sometimes limited in the types of positions they can hold. For example, you may not be able to create a business or establish a position for yourself in the legal or medical field. These restrictions are often in place to protect the public from potentially unscrupulous service providers. However, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

• Licensing and registry. Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may be required to get a license or permit to operate. Depending on the requirements, these documents may open the door to a personal background check. Your criminal record may make it more difficult to get the documentation and approvals you need to operate.

• Travel. Criminal records can also impact your ability to travel, interfering with your visa or visa waiver applications. If your business depends on your ability to travel to other countries, you may need to find someone else to handle those responsibilities.

• Funding. As an ex-con, you may also have trouble finding the funding you need to start your business. Banks that issue loans typically do background checks on borrowers. If you have a criminal history, you may have trouble getting approved for a loan. You may also encounter problems finding an angel investor or VC willing to contribute, based on your past.

• Partnerships. Similarly, you may find it harder than usual to find a partner willing to build a business with you. You may have to spend a long time looking for someone more open-minded, or you may have to go it alone.

Play to your strengths

If you’re starting a business as someone with a criminal record, there are actually a few things that can play out in your favor if you know how to take advantage of them. For starters, you may be able to qualify for a grant or education program specifically tailored to entrepreneurs with a criminal past. For example, the organization Inmates to Entrepreneurs exists to provide grants, resources, and other forms of assistance to former criminals who want to turn their lives around. And organizations like SCORE offer free business mentoring and education to a wide range of aspiring business owners, regardless of their background.

Conventionally, a criminal record is a “bad thing” for your reputation and public image. However, you may be able to spin it as a positive for the business. For example, if you advertise that this business is hiring former prisoners as a way to help them start a new life, you may attract more customers who want to patronize the business and support it as an organization. This is especially true if you reinvest a portion of your profits into criminal reform programs and other causes that help people with criminal records.

Additionally, there may be some experiences and skills acquired in prison that can help you become a better entrepreneur. For example, if you’re used to an environment that’s both harsh and highly competitive, you’ll be a more ruthless strategist as a leader. And if you’re used to the uncertainty and lack of safety netting in a prison environment, the stress and ambiguity of entrepreneurship may seem tame by comparison.

So is it possible for a former criminal to start a successful business? Yes, it is. Countless ex-cons have gone on to create successful businesses under their direction. There are several obstacles you’ll need to overcome to do this, and there’s certainly no guarantee of success, but by using the right strategies and compensating for your weaknesses, you can increase your likelihood of accomplishing your goals.

15 Businesses You Can Start For Cheap (or even FREE)

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Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Eric Mayo

Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons Make

 Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons Make 

Germantown nonprofit offers ex-offenders temporary jobs recycling electronics

Ex-offenders and felons,  know how difficult it is to get a job interview.  After properly filling out application after application including the dreaded "Have you ever been convicted of a crime.....?" question and you got an interview.  There are too many people who blow the opportunity to get jobs by making costly mistakes.  Make the most out your next opportunity by avoiding these top five mistakes made by ex-offenders and felons.


1.  Being Late - There is absolutely no excuse for being late to an interview.  To the interviewer, if you are late to the interview, you'll be late for work.  Everyone know that things happen.  Murphy's law is always in effect.  Sometimes thing go wrong.  Being organized is the best way to keep on schedule.  Find out where your interview is and know exactly how long it will take you to get there.  If you have never been there, I strongly suggest you go there a day or so before the interview just to see how long it will take to get there.  Once you know how long it will take, plan to get there at least 15 minutes early.

2.  Dress Inappropriately - An interview is a business meeting.  Does your clothing make you look more like an ex-offender or a businessman?  Proper clothing will be the difference between being hired and not being hired.  Whatever you have to do, get the right clothing.  Remember, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression.

3.  Talking Too Much - Employment interviews should not be used to tell your life story or ramble on about mistakes you have made in the past.  Just remember "TMI," too much information. Too often when folks are nervous, and interviews do make people nervous, they talk too much.  Never talk about personal situations, habits, or relationships.  Be friendly but never tell more than anyone needs to know.  Particularly avoid conversations about religious beliefs, politics, or sex.  If questioned about your convictions, briefly answer questions without going into detail.  Make reference to the amount of time that has gone by and what you have learned from your experience.  Also talk about the progress you have made and the things you have done to make yourself better.

4.  Using Slang or Profanity - As stated before, the interview is a business meeting between two professionals.  You must be professional at all times. There is absolutely no place for slang or profanity here.

5.  Not Turning off Your Cell Phone - Cell phones are a great convenience but they have no place on an interview.  Turning off your phone allows you to focus on your interview and will eliminate the possibility of the rude interruption of  it ringing.

Ex-offenders and felons have a difficult time finding employers who will consider them for jobs.  When interviews do come, avoid ruining these opportunities with these critical mistakes and get hired.

Take a few minutes to get more great information from the videos below that can give you a huge advantage at your next interview.

  Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons make 

 

These are some great tips along with some things felons should avoid at their next interview opportunity

Getting an interview is a great opportunity that felons must take full advantage of.  Too many people make mistakes that ruin their chances to get jobs.  Unfortunately, some people do not know that they are making mistakes.



Learn from Human Resources professional what the most common interview mistakes are and how to avoid them on your next interview.  pt 1


Learn from Human Resources professional what the most common interview mistakes are and how to avoid them on your next interview.  pt 2

 Top Five Job Interview Mistakes Ex-offenders and Felons make

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Felon needs I.D. to get a Job

Hi,

My brother in law just got out 20 days ago after 3 1/2 years. He was convicted when he was 19 and he's now 23. He was convicted for accessory to murder and possession of an unregistered gun. He's been having a lot of trouble finding a job in Orange County, CA.

He's gone to many open interviews, and things seem to be great until they see that he a felony on his record. I've done some searching online and it shows that trucking companies will hire an ex-felon, but he's having so much trouble getting an ID that he doesn't even know about a Driver's License. He's tried going to his PO, but the PO doesn't seem to be much help or want to try and help.

He no longer has his birth certificate or SSC, so the DMV told him to get an official letter head from his PO and they would be able to issue him an ID, but his PO refuses to do this.

Felon needs I.D. to get a Job

Hello,

As far as his probation officer refusing to help him, his P.O. has a boss so he may have to go over his head for a little help.  Her may be able to help him get a birth certificate also.  I know parole officers who do this everyday.

This is often a dilemma for ex-offenders and felons job searching. Under the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, newly hired employees must present documentation that they are authorized to work in the United States.  You will need three forms of identification to legally work in the United States.

Social Security Card

If do not have your Social Security card, you can get a duplicate car at your local Social Security office.  Below is a link to the application for a replacement cards along with instructions.

Application for Social Security Card

Birth Certificate

To obtain a copy of your birth certificate, contact the office of vital statistics in the city where you were born.

Valid Driver’s License

To obtain a copy of your driver’s license, contact your local motor vehicle agency.  It is listed in your local telephone directory.  Some motor vehicle agencies may even offer “Identification Only” cards if you do not have a driver’s license.

Photo Identification

Many county agencies provide photo identification cards.

Green Card (if necessary)

To obtain copies of your alien registration card contact the office of Immigration and Naturalization.  You can information about the process of renewing or replacing your green card here: Green Card Replacement Application Process

Check out this huge list of employers that offer opportunities to ex-offender and felons looking for jobs: Jobs for Felons

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 hope this helps.

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Felon needs I.D. to get a Job