Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Helpful Hints

Ex-offenders and felons really face a tough challenge when it comes to finding jobs, especially in this tough economy. Even though times are tough, they can get hired. Here are some helpful hints that can make this tough job just a bit easier.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Helpful Hints

Know what is in your Criminal Record

Somewhere during the job search, someone is going to ask if you have a criminal record. I advise my students to be completely honest when asked about their criminal records. Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should have accurate records of their criminal convictions. If you have a probation or parole officer, he/she can help you get a copy of your record. The most accurate records can be found in the FBI database. You can get a copy of this by contacting the FBI directly

In order to obtain a transcript of your FBI record for personal, employment, the FBI requires the following:

1) A signed written request with a brief explanation for the request and your mailing address.
2) Each request must contain two completed applicant fingerprint cards with all of the applicant’s personal information (name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.) and a current set of 10 rolled fingerprints and eight flat finger impressions. Fingerprints and impressions must be taken by a local law enforcement agency.
3) An $18.00 fee in U.S. currency by certified check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.

This information is made available by U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

FBI
CJIS Division
ATTN: SCU, MOD.D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26303

For more information, you may contact the FBI at 304-625-3878

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Criminal Backgrounds and your Rights

Find out if your Record can be Cleaned Up

Find out if any convictions on your record can be sealed or expunged. The fact is, NO CRIMINAL RECORD CAN BE ERASED OR REMOVED. If someone tells you that they can get your record erased, do not believe them. There are legal procedures available that can have certain convictions and charges concealed from public view making your record easier to work with. Your criminal record, even if concealed, will always be accessible to all government agencies, court systems and law enforcement authorities.

There are attorneys who make their livings by using these processes but, you will be able to get this done for little or no money. I advise to all of my students to contact their local legal aid offices. You will be able to determine if expungement or sealing is obtainable in your state and what can be done about your record. If it is an alternative for you, you will be able to get help getting it done for little or no money.

Find Quality Job Leads

Do you know what type of job you’re looking for? Do you know where open jobs are? There are a lot of methods to discover where jobs are.

1. Networking – Networking is simply talking to people you already know to find out if they know about any open positions. This is how most people find their jobs and is the single most powerful method of finding about open jobs.

2. State Job Services – State supported job services or One-stop Career Centers have access to current job openings and other valuable services that can help you get a job. You can find the nearest One-stop Career Center here:

www.service locator.org

3. Temporary Employment Agencies – Employers use temporary services when they require help right away for a certain amount of time. A temporary agency could have you working in a very short time. Often temporary assignments become permanent jobs. Temporary agencies provide labor to a wide array of businesses like offices, restaurants, hotels, building companies and even the medical field. Whatever type of work you do, you can find a temporary agency that is looking for employees.

Search online for agencies in your area and apply just as you would any other employer.

4. Help Wanted Ads – Help wanted ads can be found in local newspapers and online job boards such as Monster.com, Jobs.com and Indeed.com. Getting a copy of the local newspaper is no longer necessary. You can find help wanted listings by category on the website of your local newspaper.

Regrettably, not all job areas are open to ex-offenders and ex-felons and you may not get the job you are looking for right away. You may have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: How to find Job Leads

Get a Resume

A resume is one of the most important tools necessary when applying for a job. No matter how much experience you have or what your qualifications are, a well written resume is a must. If you do not have a resume, you must get one. If you don’t know how to write one, get help from someone who has experience writing them. You may get help from the One-stop career center.

Ex-offenders and Felons must use Resumes to get Jobs

Practice Interview Skills

Good interviewing skills are a must for anyone looking for a job, but more so for ex-offenders and felons. More than likely, difficult questions are going to come and how you handle them will be the difference between getting hired and not. Make a list of the most difficult questions you can think of and practice answering them until you are comfortable. Get a friend and practice your interview skills and answering difficult questions. Like anything else, practice is the key to becoming good at interviewing.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: How to answer questions on criminal background checks

Being prepared is the best approach for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. Prepare well and you will have have good results and maximize your job search efforts.

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.