Where can ex-offenders and felons can find jobs?

Q:

I have a record and I am having a really hard time finding a job. Where can I get some information on how to get a job? I'm sure there are others in my same situation that have the same question.

RJ

A:

You are correct RJ. This is the number one question I get. This is one of the videos I have posted on Youtube.




Here are other options that you may find helpful

LaborReady is an option that many of my students turn to when they need money. LaborReady often have a number of ex-offender friendly options. They have day labor, short-term and long-term employment situations at various skill levels. You can get more information here: http://www.laborready.com

Goodwill Industries is known for operating thrift stores but in many areas Goodwill offers resources that help ex-offenders and felons re-enter society. One resource is a job placement program that has contact with employers who hire ex-offenders. Often job seekers are placed in jobs in the thrift stores themselves. Get more information here: http://www.goodwillpromo.org/page/guest/jobseekers


I hope this helps

Are you an ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

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A felon wants to do office work

Q:

Hello, I have a felony conviction and I want to do office work. I have quite a bit of experience. I have applied for jobs at temporary agencies that advertise a need for skilled office workers but none have contacted me. I am feeling it is because of my felony. Help me please!

A:

You may be right. Many of the larger temporary employment agencies have guidelines regarding those they choose to employ. They may never tell you that they don't use ex-offenders but that very well be the case. You may be better off contacting an independent contractor or agency. They make their own rules and are not bound by a parent company. Because it is in their interest to place as many people as they can (that's how they make their money,)they may be less likely to turn a good candidate away because they have a criminal conviction. They may also have opportunities that include permanent employment. As I encourage everyone, be honest!

I hope this helps.

Are you an ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

Can felony convictions be expunged?

Q:

Hello,

I live in Atlanta, Georgia and I have a criminal record. I have a job but i need something better. Whenever I apply for jobs, I get turned down. I'm guessing it's because of my record. I heard that you can have your record expunged. Could you give me more information?

Thanks,

Jason

A:

That's a good question Jason, but there is no simple answer. The statutes regarding expungement or sealing of records vary from state to state. Expungement for some is not a real option. For example, here in New Jersey, you can have only one felony expunged. Most of the felons I know have more than one. Secondly you cannot even apply for expungement until ten years has gone by from the date your sentence is completed. So if you are paroled, you must wait ten years from the date parole is completed. Not very encouraging.

I'm not sure about the laws in Georgia. My suggestion is that you contact your local legal aid office. They more than likely have free or nearly free assistance from attorneys who are familiar with expungement. You can find more information here:

http://www.atlantalegalaid.org/

They may also know of employers who hire ex offenders and felons.

Are you an ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

Where Can Ex-offenders and Felons find Jobs?: Networking

For ex-offenders and felons to successfully transition to the free world, they must have stable employment. If they hope to stay out of prison and move on, they have to get jobs. One of the greatest challenges facing ex-offenders and felons is finding some to hire them.

Most available jobs are not advertised. There is a huge pool of open positions in every job market that are never advertised. The best way to tap into these hidden employment opportunities is talking to other people. This is how a great majority of people get their jobs. This is called“Networking.” Networking is a powerful way for ex-offenders and felons to use friends and colleagues to get meaningful job leads. Many employers would much rather give a job opportunity to someone who has been referred to them. This is much less stressful than reading through stacks of resumes or job applications.

Also being referred for a job may even help ex-offenders and felons avoid filling out an application where there may be questions regarding criminal records or arrests.

How many contacts can you make? How many people do you know? How many people do they know? Each one of them is a potential opportunity for a job referral. Friends, relatives, neighbors, church members and former co-workers are all possible opportunities for referrals. Casually mention to anyone you know that you are looking for a job and any information would be helpful. Never ask for a job. Some people may be willing to help if you just ask for information or advice. If possible, get the name, address and telephone number of anyone who can hire.

Finding a job is hard work but networking can make this tough task a lot easier.

Are you an ex-offender who has a question about getting a job. You can get your question answered right here. Just email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net

How to get a Job with a Criminal Record

Getting a job is difficult for someone with a criminal record. For ex-offenders and felons looking to put the past behind them, getting a job is crucial. Studies have confirmed that ex-offenders and felons with full time jobs are less likely to return to prison. There are people in the world who will hold their records against them. there is little you can do about the attitudes of some people. Fortunately there are many employers who are willing to employ qualified workers no matter where they come from. One of the growing undeveloped labor sources are those who are categorized as "ex-offenders," " Ex-convicts," or "ex-felons." Those who have been incarcerated, and are determined to turn their lives around, make great employees. Most are disciplined, hard working, and honest.

The secret to getting a job with a criminal record is to have a concrete action plan that will lead to getting hired. To get a job, ex-offenders must be able to quickly tell a potential employer what skills they have and how those skills can benefit him. They must then identify employers that can use skills that they have. They must also appear to be friendly and personable.

Getting a job is all about numbers. The more job leads they find, the more interviews they'll get. The the task at hand is to get as many quality job leads as possible.

Make a list of skills, develop a professional appearance and practice interviewing skill will prepare you for opportunities that open up. Work hard to find as many job leads as possible. It's not going to be easy but hard work and determination will put you on the right track.

Getting a job isn't an exact science but maximizing your odds by being prepared will put in the best position to get hired. Good Luck!

Are you an ex-offender who has a question about getting a job. You can get your question answered right here Just send it to BelievePublications@comcast.net

Properly Completeing Job Applications by using Personal Data Sheets

When ex-offenders are on the job search, they will most certainly be asked to fill out employment applications. The application is used to determine which applicants will be interviewed and considered for employment. Often it is difficult to remember all of the information that is asked for on applications.

To save time and energy, I suggest the use of a personal data sheet. The personal data sheet is a good way to organize the information needed to properly complete employment applications. Gather all of the information that is typically asked for on employment applications and list them on a handy sheet to have ready whenever an application has to be completed.

Information needed is:

Name, address, telephone number (If you do not have phone of your own, arrange for someone to take messages for you and use that number.)

Social Security Number

If you have served in the military, list branch, dates of service, and last rank.

Criminal history List all convictions including name of conviction, location (county, state) and disposition (probation, fine, time served.) It is very important that this information is accurate, so I suggest you get an official copy of your criminal history. Ask your probation/parole officer to help you or contact the state police or the F.B.I.

List your education and training including the name of the school or institution, the location, dates attended, degrees and certifications.

List your past work experience including the company names, locations, phone numbers, dates employed, Job title, supervisors names, duties, starting and ending salaries and reasons for leaving. Typically, applications will ask you to include up to years of work experience. List all specialized skills

Finally, many applications ask for references. A reference is someone who is not related to you who would say something positive about you. Former teachers, employers, clergymen, and prominent members of your community would be good references. It is a good idea to ask before giving anyone’s name as a reference. You might say, “I am looking for a job. Would you be a reference for me?” Get at least three references.

Check out our list of companies that hire ex-offenders here! Companies that hire ex-offenders

How to Complete Job Applications to get Hired Quickly

"Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation?"

Seeing this question on an employment application, is the worst part of any former felon's job search. Some believe by being truthful they won’t be considered for a job. The reality is, an employer can't legitimately deny you a job because you're a felon unless the conviction is directly related to the job for which you're going for. I know ex-offenders who have lied on applications and gotten hired, only to be terminated later when background checks came back positive for criminal convictions. Many people have been encouraged to respond with the answer the answer "Will discuss at interview," when completing job applications. This is not a good practice. The best thing to do is to BE TRUTHFUL! Employers have an obligation to know as much as possible about potential employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty in courts of law, of negligent hiring when employees who have criminal records committed acts that led to damage to other people. Those situations could have been avoided by properly doing background checks.

Employers will ask specifically about criminal convictions to protect himself, his organization, and others. In many states prospective employers may only ask about convictions and not arrests. Pay careful attention to how this question is worded. It may vary from application to application. Commonly the question will be about convictions of crimes and/or felonies and not misdemeanors. If you're unclear about the type of convictions you have, you should get an official copy of your criminal history. Check with your probation/parole officer to get a copy or contact the state police or FBI to get an official copy.

A great number of applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign prior to the application will be considered. This document may also be called an Authorization. The wording may vary but the employer is requiring that you to certify with by signing that all of the information you have specified is accurate and true. A portion of this documentation is a release that gives the prospective employer access to information supplied by past employers, law enforcement authorities, educational institutions and other entities that may have information about you.

In relation to criminal backgrounds, it is necessary to include entirely all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)

Example:


Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance 4/222/08 Los Angeles, CA Time Served (23 months.)

Your answer must fit in the space provided, so you may have to print in a smaller way than you normally do so that it all of the information will fit. For those who have more than one conviction, list your individual convictions on a separate piece of paper of paper, make copies, and attach a copy to each application you fill out. In the blank space provided, write "see attached sheet." Be certain to list each and every conviction. I know of individuals that had been working on jobs for months and doing well, abruptly get terminated because of leaving out one conviction. That is why getting a copy of your official record is so important.

Those who know exactly how to complete applications, stand the best opportunity of getting hired.