Felon in Ohio needs Job Search Advice
Q: I plan to order your book this week for my fiance. Any tips in the meantime to help with him finding a job. We live in Cleveland, Ohio and the job market is tough. He doesn’t have a GED but he is studying. What can he tell employers on his application?
Thank you. Any tips. He is a father of 3 and we have one on the way. He’s trying to do the right thing he has a Criminal Trespassing and Felonious Assault case.
Thank you, Carrie
Felon in Ohio needs Job Search Advice
A: Hello Carrie,
Frequent readers of my blog know that one of the first suggestions to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to visit their local One-stop Career Center. Your fiance will find a wide variety of services and resources that can help job seekers get employment.
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.
In addition, he may find resources to help him study for the GED.
The center nearest you is:
The Employment Connection
1020 Bolivar Road
Cleveland, OH 44115
The Employment Connection
In relation to his convictions, they sound as if they are a result of an altercation with another individual. This can happen to anyone. The important thing is that the employer realize that the applicant is a not a criminal per se, but found himself in a situation that is considered a crime.
Whenever the question comes up on an application or on an interview, be honest. Typically on an application, the question will be, “Have you been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation?” He should answer honestly.
In reference to convictions, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)
Example:
Criminal Trespassing /Felonious Assault (isolated incident) 8/12/08 Newark, NJ Probation 6 mos
I used the notation “isolated incident.” It gives the impression that this person is not a criminal, but a person that just found himself in a bad situation…something that can happen to anyone. If the question comes up, don’t go into detail, just give an answer just like that.
The most important thing I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to be honest. There no sense in being dishonest only to lose a job when a background check is done.
I hope this helps
Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs
Are you a ex-offender or felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions 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
