Soft Skills Help Ex-offenders get Jobs
Over 600,00 ex-offenders and felons will be released this year. Without stable employment, many of them will return to incarceration within the year. Too many inmates are not prepared to compete for jobs. Without even the basic skills necessary to be considered for employment, the prospects of getting hired will be bleak at best.
Inmates should start preparing for release by planning successful job searches long before the release date comes. There are critical areas that will make an ex-offenders job search more successful.
Skills
When ex-offenders look for jobs, there is a product to sell. That product is a set of skills. When we talk about skills, we are talking about the combination of hard and soft skills.
Hard Skills
The term “Hard Skills’ refers to special mastery of a tool or process that is associated with specific jobs or activities. Painting, operating machinery, driving, the use of computer software and reading instruments are all types of hard skills.
Soft Skills
“Soft skills” refer to an individual’s bundle of personal qualities, habits, and attitudes which determine how they do things and relate to other people. To many employers, these skills are just as or more important than hard skills. To an employer, soft skills are good indicators of how successful a prospective employee will be on the job. When you think of these things think of parts of your basic personality that help you get through life. To many employers, these skills are just as or more important than work related skills. They are good indicators of how successful a prospective employee will be on the job. The most important soft skills are:
Punctuality
Work Ethic
Dependability
Ability to Learn Quickly
Team Player
Professionalism
Responsibility
Honesty
Flexibility
Soft Skills Help Ex-offenders get Jobs
Interviewing Skills
I tell every ex-offender and felon I work with that an interview is a business meeting. You must approach it this way if you really want to get a job. It is your performance at this business meeting that will get you hired. This not an interrogation where the interviewer fires question after question at you. Your answers to the interviewer’s questions should be conversational pieces that gives an insight to your personality and attitude. If the question of your record comes up, and it probably will, briefly acknowledge it but do not spend too much time talking about it. Focus on what has happened since your conviction and what you have done to make yourself a better person. Find someone to work with and practice interviewing. Think of the most difficult questions you can think of and practice answering them until you sound natural. Practice, practice and more practice is the key.
Body Language
Interviewing is not just about answering questions. Ex-offenders must show that they not only have the skills to get the job done, but that they can fit in with the people that are already there and present a positive attitude. Companies do not hire people. People hire people. People do not hire people they do not like, regardless of qualifications. You have a criminal record. Being friendly and personable will make the interviewer focus on your personality instead of your record! Being friendly courteous and likeable will get you a job.
Words are only part of what the interviewer is paying attention to. Your body language will tell more about you than anything you say.
Smile
Smiling is your most powerful body language tool. I have heard is said that smiling or other forms of kindness are signs of weakness. That is nonsense that will get in the way of you getting hired. If smiling is not easy for you, I suggest you practice until it becomes easier. A bright smile will always make things happen.
Posture
An upright posture will make you look like a professional. When sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the floor, your back is straight, and your hands are on your lap. If you have a portfolio or notepad, hold it on your lap. Keeping your hands on your lap will keep you from doing annoying things with your hands.
Eye Contact
Being able to look people in the eye is important if you want to send a message that you are honest and can be trusted.
Handshake
An interviewer’s first impression of you is often formed when you shake hands. A firm handshake communicates self confidence so you always want to offer your hand when meeting people. This applies to men and women. Always wait for the interviewer to offer his or her hand first.
When shaking hands, be sure to meet the interviewer with a firm grip. A grip that is limp or weak leaves an impression of a weak character. A grip that is too strong says that the person is insecure and has something to prove.
When ex-offenders and felons work on these key areas before they are released, they can increase their opportunities to get jobs.
What exactly are Soft Skills?
Jobs for Felons: The Impact of Soft Skills
Jobs for Felons: The Hard Facts about Soft Skills
Jobs for Felons: Inspirational Messages
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.
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record, or helping someone you care about, check out this link: www.jailtoJob.com
Soft Skills Help Ex-offenders get Jobs
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