Advice to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Ex-offenders and felons can get jobs

Q: For ex-offenders and felons, completing their sentence, along with any assigned supervision either probation or parole, is just the beginning. After release, they are faced with re-integrating into society – often in the same area and with the same influences that led them to break the law in the first place.

Their search for jobs is often made more difficult because of a criminal record. Because so many employers use background checks, the applicant often eliminated for consideration for employment.

Getting a job to support themselves hopefully will help them resist the temptation to return to the same behaviors that will lead them back to prison. Unfortunately, having a criminal record keeps them from getting jobs. What outside of the usual advice can you offer ex-offenders?

Janice

A: Hello Janice,

I wish there was an easy answer to this question. All I can suggest is to develop a plan of action that will lead to a job. That will include a well written resume. You may need help with that but do what you have to do to get the most professional resume possible. Get as many quality job leads a possible, from as many sources as possible. That includes employment services, networking, the newspaper want ads and online job postings.

As I stress to all ex-offenders and felons, your next job may not be your ideal job, but you must start somewhere. Fast food, supermarkets, factory or janitorial work should not be out of the question. People with criminal records have to earn society’s trust. This often means being willing to start at the bottom and work you way up.

A professional wardrobe is a must. No one should be able to look at you and not see a professional person.

Lastly, you should be willing to work longer and harder to find a job.

I hope this helps.

Are you an ex-offender or felon 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.