What IS the issue with not getting hired?
I graduated in May 2017 with a MS In Professional Counseling. I did an internship with a substance abuse facility, where I feel I learned a lot, as well as contributed my time and energy to co-facilitating and then facilitating intensive outpatient groups, providing coverage for vacationing staff, and I did not get paid for the 600 hours that I was at the agency. (It is a requirement that you complete 600 hours of an internship to obtain your degree) . I was told that I did a marvelous job, they appreciated all that I did, and they even encouraged me to apply for work there. Since that time, I have submitted numerous applications and have had several interviews. I interviewed for two different positions at the agency that I interned with, and both times I was told that I was not the right candidate for the job-the SAME kind of job that I did for the agency for FREE, now they don't want to pay me to do! I find it mind boggling. I have the education and the internship experience, as well as other professional experience AND life experience. Yet, I find I am being passed over for jobs. I often don't even get a response from the places that I have applied to, and if I do get an interview, I'm told that despite my education and experience, I'm not the right candidate for the job. Now, I will be completely honest: I have a felony conviction, but I am able to work with children, I have my clearances, (local, state, and federal), and I have been off parole for years. I worked hard to graduate Magna Cum Laude with my B.A. (If they would've recognized that in my Master program, I would have had that honor again). I've worked with many people and I have been told by clients and other professionals that I have a positive attitude. I get along well with my colleagues, even if I don't like them (they'd never know), and I have never been reprimanded for tardiness or no doing my job. I dress exceptionally well, in fact; I have come into many interviews dressed nicer than the individuals who were doing the interviewing. But I would hope that this would not be the reason that I am getting hired. I would appreciate some feedback. I don't know what I'm doing wrong (IF I am doing something wrong) but this is getting frustrating. I entered the field of psychology/counseling because I was sure that this field would be more accepting of my felony conviction. Counseling is about assisting your client to find out what their issues are, coming up with some solutions, and then allowing the client to make those changes to affect change in their lives. It's about encouragement and enlightenment. But I'm finding that while they preach these tenets, they are not accepting of those issues in the people that are trying to enter this field. It's very traumatizing, because I know that I have done everything in my power to become a better person, and I feel that I have overcome much, and that I could really assist people to discover and tap into their potential. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
It might be discrimination. I have no convictions but I am a person of color and my name gives employers the impression I am Caucasian...when I interview I always feel they anticipated a Caucasian would sit down in front of them. I have lived with this for decades. All I can say is in this wide world, somewhere is the right circumstance for you. Persist!!
My sister in law is having the same issues trying to get into a university teaching job in a similar profession. The feedback she's getting is about more networking development, workshops, and volunteer opportunities to build up more recognition within the industry. She told me that's a very close knit industry. A recommendation from someone reputable is goes more towards landing a job than where you went to school or level of degrees.
Have you practiced you interview techniques in front of someone qualified to give you an honest assessment. Little things you might be doing with your body language, for example, could be what limiting you from advancing in the interview rounds.
Anyway, it's always hard to tell what drives the hiring decision but try to stay encouraged. Sounds like you've overcome some major challenges getting to the level of professionalism you'r at today. I'm sure you will eventually find an organization worthy of your services. Best of Luck moving forward LayLay.
Wow! As far as I know out here in LA, Ca, having a felony conviction disqualifies you as a candidate from the go! However, God is sooooooooo great and forgiving that he'll have it overlooked. Maybe you should call future organizations to see if they will allow a felony conviction with clearance( this could help you not waste your time). I forgot if you are able to work with kids, if you are how about trying group homes, juvenile placements/ shelters, be a residential counselor? Also try into wraparound specialist. What about looking into being a social worker? Since you have a degree in human services although not an MSW companies especially DFCS will allow you to work ( provided that you pass a test I think) as a social worker, and this will still be within the realm of helping. Also research the title clinician on indeed.com, Careerbuilder. Com because ive noticed how some professionals at the facilities that Ive worked at use that title instead of therapist. Ziprecruiter has ABA ( applied behavior analysis)jobs all of of the time.