Educated Felon wants Professional Job
Dear Mr. Eric Mayo,
I came across your website and Facebook information while searching the web for “job help for felons.” I would like to personally introduce myself to you. I am a 28 year old female from Boston, MA. I have my BA from a prestigious university, with a Major in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Sociology. As you hear and read over and over, I cannot find a job not in my field but in ANY Field.
My pay checks from my last job were being garnished for my student loans at an absurd amount of money each week. I have a degree but nothing to show for it. I just turned 28 and would like to live on my own and to eventually buy a home of my own and have a family someday. The way I have lived recently proves to me that those dreams will never happen for me.
Like you hear over and over, no one will hire me and no one will take a second look at me. I am constantly being judged. For the longest time I’ve tried to convince myself that I was the victim in my conviction, because in the end I did take the rap for my ex boyfriend. But, I have grown up since and forced myself to start believing that it is my own fault and I put myself in this predicament. I take full responsibility and vowed not to give up. I know the truth and my loved ones know the truth and in the end that is all that truly matters to me. However, when I look at my time spent in college and the countless interviews I have gone through, and the debt I endured, does not help me in that “I know the truth” mantra I believe in. The employers I meet, let’s face it, they don’t care, they see felon and automatically label me negatively.
I have paid my dues, done my time, got an education, gave back to the community, been a law abiding citizen before and after the conviction, but I can’t get any positive feedback. I have always worked for what I had. I am not asking for pity or money handed to me. All I am asking is to be treated as an individual and to be able to get the chance to just work and build my career path.
Facts about my conviction:
I plead guilty to possession of a firearm without a license in December of 2014 in Massachusetts. I was found guilty of a Felony (possession of a firearm without a license) and received 2 years Probation and 40 hours community service. This has all been successfully completed in December of 2016.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Stacy
Educated Felon wants Professional Job
Hello Stacy,
I’m sorry you are having so much trouble. I sympathize with you because it took me nearly six years after I graduated to find a job where my degree mattered.
My first suggestion to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply for every job they feel qualified for. Don’t assume that because you have a felony, you will be automatically disqualified because you have a criminal record. Finding a job is a numbers game. The more jobs you apply for, the more opportunities you will have for interviews. The more interviews you get, the greater your chances of finding someone who will overlook your past.
Secondly, I suggest educated felons to apply for jobs using well written cover letters that introducing you and your resume. It is my experience that when felons apply for jobs this way, often the question of criminal records never comes up. If it comes up on an interview, briefly explain the circumstances and talk about what has happened since then and what you have done to overcome your mistakes.
My third suggestion is to contact the United Way in your area. The United Way supports many social service organizations. There may be employment opportunities available. You may also find volunteer opportunities. Volunteering a few hours, even on weekends, could get your foot in the door at an agency. At the very worst, you can get experience and some references.
You can get information about the United Way here:
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
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.
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: sending Resumes and Cover Letters
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
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