Need help getting a second chance!!
I have been in Customer Service in Retail and or Medical fields since I was 16, I'll be 40 this year so almost half my life and I've earned a lot of great references from past employers and co workers. But in 2014 I had a run in with the law which unfortunately was out of my control at that time due to circumstances in my life at the time that caused me to have a mistermeanor charge now showing up on backround checks employers pull at times. Well actually it seems almost all potential employers pull since I've been applying for jobs over 4 mos with no luck. I'm not sure what to do or say to help myself secure employment for jobs I'm so qualified for and can get my references to vouch for. Having to explain my charge is so embarrassing because it was so out of character for me I can barley stand to admit even now and it was over a year ago. I've got a great cover letter and resume and have gotten first interviews a few times and tons of resume views but no job offers I'm assuming after they do the backround check, so any suggestions to how I can improve my job securing chances will be greatly appreciated!! Like should I explain my charge further in my cover letter before a backround check is even done or not? Thank you for your help with this. Brandy in GA
You know, there are so many people looking for jobs with misdemeanors and felonies on their records, you are absolutely not alone!
A great resource I like to point people to is https://exoffenders.net/. This website was created to help folks with records learn about their options and give them the tools they need to re-enter the workforce. They also offer a really helpful list of companies that are known for hiring ex-offenders: https://exoffenders.net/employment-jobs-for-felons/. You can search for jobs at these companies by clicking Jobs & Companies at the top of the Jobcase page to get the job search page!
Here's another site that might offer you some help: https://www.iseek.org/exoffenders/index.html-- it actually gives you information about some of the benefits for the employer for hiring you: https://www.iseek.org/exoffenders/find-job/benefits-ex-offenders.html.
Just remember to be kind to yourself and have patience-- some people will not be able to look past your background, but eventually someone will! You have to be determined and strong!
Hi Brandi, Some of our members have had success finding help via the CareerOneStop website. The site has useful information and job searching strategies along with contact numbers for local career counselors you can meet with for one on on help. I'll include the link so you can explore. http://www.careeronestop.org/ExOffender/index.aspx
Hi Brandi, I hate to sound cliché but please try not to beat yourself up to much over past mistakes. It helps to understand what employers are finding when they run background investigations on your application. Certain employers qualify applicants based on the nature of their conviction. Example, a financially related conviction will automatically disqualify you for jobs in the banking industry. Google free online background check websites and run a self check to verify what’s on your records. The Department of Homeland Security has a pretty good website where you can pull your personal information easily, see (https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-check). Find out if you can get your record expunged or sealed. The process, qualification, and requirements to remove or seal court records varies by state. This step might take some time, effort, and extra expense but you're still a very young person so I think it’s worth pursing. Check out this link with some steps on how you can get started, (http://www.wikihow.com/Expunge-Your-Criminal-Records). You're getting callbacks for interviews so that means employers are interested and that’s FANTASTIC! Have you pro-actively mentioned or been asked about your past during any of the interviews? Remember that It’s illegal for employers to automatically decline your application because of a past record. Some states even have an “illuminate the box” law that prohibits employers from about asking any previous conviction questions on the application so I wouldn’t suggest mentioning anything about your record on the cover letter. Keep your resume and cover letter focused on your skills, experience, and strengths. Use the interview to honestly address that topic, if asked, or if you feel it’s essential to securing employment. The reference and recommendation letters are excellent character builders for potential employers so make sure you have plenty of copies and include them with your application, resume, and cover letters. Also, include local Temp Agencies and companies with lenient hiring practices for applicants in your situation to your job search, (http://jobsthathirefelons.org/). I hope this is enough info to help get your job hunt turing in a more positive direction with results. Note: the task ahead of you is challenging but remember... you are not alone. Stay encouraged and connected to the community and feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions or if you need any additional info.
Try foodservice jobs as a server, hostess, or back of the house. You can walk right in apply. It's an income while you look for something of more interest.