Job Search Preparation for Ex-offenders
Job seekers who feel that their pasts might get in the way of their current job search should know their rights, have a positive attitude, and be willing to ask for help.
Most job seekers have a challenging time figuring out the best ways to communicate with employers. It's especially difficult for ex-offenders who understand that some employers will have a negative reaction to their pasts, and might not get hired because of it.
Know your rights
Employers ask about candidate's criminal records and drug use multiple times on job applications, during background checks and other pre-screenings. You have a right to know which questions are acceptable for employers to ask and when and how your responses can be used to influence your chances of getting hired.
In most cases, it is legal for an employer to ask if you've been convicted of a felony. However, a conviction cannot automatically disqualify you from being hired from most jobs. An employer has to show how hiring someone with that type of conviction would negatively affect their business.
Attitude affects everything
Like all job seekers, candidates with criminal records have to work hard to find the right job and right company for them. But that perfect job will never come along if the job seeker doesn't show the employer confidence in his own skills and a professional attitude. Ex-offenders need to let employers know that they would be honest and loyal employees.
Job seekers who feel that their pasts might get in the way of their current job search should keep a few things in mind.
- Don't let fear of rejection keep you from applying for jobs. Some employers might stop the application process after the criminal check, does not mean that all companies will do that. Work with a career coach to find out what your legal rights are and find ways to challenge employers' negative attitudes.
- Rebuild your resume one step at a time. The first job you are offered after being incarcerated might not be what you are looking for. But accepting any employment is a positive step toward increasing your work experience and showing future employers that you are a good employee. Even if the job is not in your chosen career path, you will be gaining skills and meeting people who can help you with your next job.
- Being honest will keep the application process going. During a job interview, when asked about a gap in employment or your criminal background, let the interviewer know that something could show up on your background check. Failure to disclose information or lying is automatic terms for ending the hiring process at all companies.
- Think about the big picture. It might be challenging to find satisfying work after being incarcerated, but it is doable. Remember that as time goes on, your criminal record will be father in the past and you will gain more and more positive work experience. Stay focused on your career goals and continue to look for opportunities to prove yourself and gain new skills.
Don't job search alone
When your job search is not going the way you'd like, it's hard to know if it's because of things you can change or things that are out of your control. Working with an organization or workforce professional with experience in helping ex-offender job seekers can make a difference.
Community organizations, job clubs and employment services, such as the ones offered at the Minnesota WorkForce Centers, have free and low-cost job search, employment assistance and job training programs.
Most job seekers need help:
- Creating a resume
- Practicing interviewing skills
- Navigating the hiring process
- Networking
- Staying motivated and keeping a positive attitude
Ex-offenders often have extra questions about how to combat negative stereotypes, and how to gain work skills and experience. Getting help from a trained workforce professional is better than trying to figure things out on your own.
