Fair Chance to Succeed
I've found a job then lost it due to my criminal background. the stigma is hurting my chances. what should I do? Thank you.
That's A Good Question. How DO We Answer That?
There was a great post from @Scott Silvers that I wanted to address. Scott's Post.
This interview question is something we've asked our group members who are struggling with how to assess their skills and talents to consider. In my experience as a GM & the person who did all the hiring, the experiences they had while incarcerated provided valuable lessons which could be effectively applied in the workplace. The soft skills they acquired like active listening, positive communication, teamwork, time management, critical thinking skills and negotiation all translate into applicable soft skills. Any jobs they had, no matter what they were, translated into hard skills and can be listed under qualifications. Classes they took helped them learn new skills and the regimented structure of incarceration taught them to actively listen, comprehend, follow instructions, make plans and work under pressure to meet deadlines and quota.
Being able to recognize those skills, both hard and soft, and learning how to communicate the value of those skills and how you intend to or are already applying them is what the interviewer is going to consider. Being confident to say "This was my experience, these are the skills and insights I've gained and this is how those are going to be demonstrated in my job role" will definitely give a hiring manager something to think about.
Once the interview is scheduled, take time to list both the soft and hard skills you possess. The internet has great examples you can use to help kickstart your lists. Be thoughtful in your process of understanding how those skills will be applied in a job setting. If you need help, let us know.
NEVER say to an interviewer, "I need this job and I'll be a good employee". They KNOW you need the job. What they WANT to know is how taking the risk of hiring you will benefit them. Understand what the specific job role will require of your skills and tell the interviewer what skills you have mastered that make you a good fit.
A simple example: In Customer Service, saying "I possess great active listening and communication skills and am adept at finding quick resolutions to customer needs to ensure they are completely satisfied with the services I've provided them" is better than saying "I have great people skills". Try to give a real life example if you can. In Assembly, Warehouse, Delivery and like jobs, saying "I am detail oriented, organized, have solid comprehension skills and work well independently or as a team under pressure and deadlines" is better than saying "I'm a quick thinker, pay attention and will work hard". Again, if you need to know how your particular skill set applies to a job role ask the group. I would bet that, between job and life skills you possessed prior to incarceration plus the ones you acquired as a result of incarceration, you are better equipped than you might realize.
I wanted to address this because as a hiring manager for my business I often interviewed and hired felons, giving them the opportunity to prove to me that investing in both our futures was a smart move. I'm happy to say that, with the exception of one individual, all those people still work for the company and are highly valued as members of the team. 🙂
Do you have a solid understanding of the skills you acquired while incarcerated? If you have been able to successfully apply those skills in a job setting, please share your insights and strategies with us. If you have questions, ask them here so we can help.
Story time; I’m a pharmacist struggling with addiction. How can I get a job with a felony?
Another great video is for felonies who struggle to get a job. True story! One of the audiences shared her experience as a felony and post-addicted. The host shared great advice that may help your situation as well.
If you have similar struggles now or in the past, please, share your opinion and experiences with us. 👇🏻
#jobsearch #aboutmyjob #workfromhome #foodservices #retail #motivation #advice #watercooler #interview #resume #application #wordsofadvice
"What skills or experience have you gained during your time of incarceration that make you a valuable asset to our organization?"
A question that may be asked of you. Or better yet, a topic for you to discuss in an interview. #Jobsearch #Resume #Interview #Motivation #Hiringnews
Second Chance Hiring Event - Thurs, April 20th!
Are you ready for a day of celebration and empowerment? On April 20th, 2023, join churches across America for the 4th Annual Nationwide Day of Second Chances!
- “Stay focused on your strengths: Everyone has unique strengths and talents. Focus on what you're good at and what you enjoy, and use those skills to build a positive future for yourself. Don't let your past define you, but rather, focus on your abilities and potential.” - Dracin Williams, Employment Specialist - Chicago Urban League
This event is all about promoting the power of second chances for those who have faced barriers to employment, including those who have been incarcerated.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
Through simultaneous Second Chances Job Fairs, this day offers job seekers the chance to connect with employers and job coaches. But it's not just about finding a job—it's about creating a culture of radical grace, hospitality, and service.
Let's come together as a community to celebrate Second Chance Month and uplift our neighbors who have faced adversity. This is our chance to make a real impact and shift the cultural narrative surrounding second chances. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
Register for a Second Chance Job Fair near you!
#FairChance #hiringnews #jobsearch #retail #warehouse #customerservice #management #drivers #NAtionWideUSA
Something to Consider (in case you didn't know)
This post is a piggyback of a great post by @Joshua Coronado from today. Josh's post.
Part of this is a repost of an additional comment I made as an addition to his terrific information, thanks Josh!
Many felons who are well qualified and available for jobs often get discarded from the candidate pile even if the recruiter has invited them to interview. The culprit in this all too common scenario is the background check. Many job seeking folks with felony records have done their time, paid their dues and just want the opportunity to support their families and meet their needs. I encourage you to read Josh's post and also consider this...
There is also a process in which some convictions can be set aside, depending on the nature of the conviction and the time that has passed since it was incurred as well as the purpose for the motion. I also encourage those with criminal backgrounds to obtain copies of their criminal records to check for crimes they were charged with that may have been set aside in lieu of a plea bargain and ones they were not convicted for. These often show up on background checks as charges with "no disposition" but remain on record. They can be removed with a "Motion to Dismiss" or "Set Aside" petition to the Circuit Court in which they were filed & representation is generally not needed for those. Drug charges and Domestic Violence charges often fall into this category. I've gone through this process myself.
Another strategy to consider is your online reputation. Unfortunately when a perspective employer pulls your name up on Google, the first thing they see is your mug shot and arrest information. It's a matter of public record!! Depending on the circumstances you can submit a request to have that information removed or at least placed far at the bottom of your online information. This info may show up on several websites. Some, such as Google, may remove the information within about 30 days of approving your request. They won't reply to your email so keep watch on the online information. If it remains after 30 days, ask again to have it removed.
Other websites may take more persistent emails to convince them to follow through and may charge a minimal fee for that service. I had a family member's information removed from 3 websites with no charge. His information was for his arrest wherein the charges were dismissed and never actually went to court but if you looked him up online, that mugshot and record of arrest was the very first thing you would see. We didn't even realize it until, after 8 months of job search, one recruiter asked if he knew he was online! It definitely merits looking in to. I hope this helps somebody out there who may not have realized that this is a thing to be aware of. Go check now and Good Luck! 🤞
In regards to the legality of mugshot websites and what's being done about them, check out this article I just found: nolo
Finding $45/Hour Jobs With a Felony!
Expert advice from The Ramsey Show on finding work with a felony and valuing your own skills! Let this video help you believe in yourself fully and make what you deserve! 💸
Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman want you to take your $20/Hour rate and DOUBLE IT! How can you leverage your professional skill set and get the pay you are worth but are holding yourself back from?? 🤑🫰
Are you recognizing your own superhero strength or letting shame prevent you from making thousands a week? 🦸
What is the highest hourly rate you have ever made?? How have you ever changed your mindset and earned more? 🧠✨ Tell us your secrets in the comments below!
#Jobsearch #Application #Interview #Resume #Motivation #Fairchance #Wordsofadvice #Advice #Watercooler
Possible Expungements in CA
It's a long shot, but as I've come to understand it, some felonies can be expunged from your background search. It will require an attorney and will have be to filed with the state courts. If you think there may be a possibility, I would recommend seeking legal advice.
Here are my sources:
Of course, either way, Jobcase has many resources to make the most of finding a job with a record. Here's a link to the Second Chances Resource Center
What is 1️⃣ piece of advice you have for others searching for employment post-incarceration?
🚫 Don't let your past define your future! 🌟🔝
🌟 Your past doesn't have to hold you back. Keep striving, keep believing, and keep pushing forward! You've got this! 💪👏
When you land that first interview.probably a phone screen interview. Stay calm I am charged with a felony and it's been over year and a 1/2 and I'm just now going to go into prison and recovery. Program for a little over a year for you almost 2 years. I try to get a job but because this opened felony cases on my. Record I want I was unable to get a job. I've been in sales and marketing in the construction industry but 30 years a long time. I'd add big titles and II know that I would get so anxious so desperate. A nervous that I just kept. Talking? And you know? I was nice but I was trying to say as many wonderful things. You know about me and their company has a good space like. Good top myself right out of the job so you're just be really prepared as prepared as you can be listen to the interviewer really listen to them have. Questions prepared to ask at the end. Make sure you have questi And
How Can I get a job as a convicted felon?
I came across this 6-minute video 🎥 while I was searching for motivational 👩🏽👨🏻🦱 videos for felony background members in our community. The way host answered the question. I had never thought about it, but it is simple. 💖
#jobsearch #aboutmyjob #workfromhome #foodservices #retail #motivation #advice #watercooler #interview #resume #application #wordsofadvice
Hello Dracin, That’s the past! I’m the present they have a new opportunity and future. Just be honest when answering the questions in the application process, since that shows courage and also to be trustworthy for been honest! Something a new Employer will value and highly consider.