Interviewing with a felony is frustrating for many reasons. You want to be upfront and honest about your past, but you don’t want to eliminate your chances of getting the position. At Honest Jobs, our purpose is to minimize this stress throughout the hiring process and match you with second-chance employers who are open to accepting your situation.

It is important for you to understand how to explain your background in terms of the values you have gained and the lessons you have learned through your experiences with the criminal justice system. As long as you’re honest about your record and can prove to employers that you’ve turned your life around, many will give you a chance.

Here are tips on how to interview with a felony record:

1. Be Honest

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to interviewing with a criminal background, since a lot depends on the type of crime and the employer interviewing you. However, we suggest being upfront and honest as soon as you have the opportunity to talk about your background. This approach takes more time, effort, and resilience, but getting hired after being honest with your interviewer lays the foundation for a solid reputation and career with the company. Additionally, most people will appreciate your honesty and the fact that you are working hard to overcome past mistakes.

2. The C.O.D.C. Storyline

Following the C.O.D.C. storyline can help you explain your background resulting in a positive outcome.

C = Circumstances: What was your life like before the crime?

Explain what may have led to you committing a crime. There are many factors, such as depression, hard times, or hanging out with the wrong crowd that even people without a criminal record can often relate to. Understanding the circumstances can help your interviewer to see past the crime and focus more on your potential.

O = Ownership: Take responsibility for the crime and punishment.

After you have communicated where you were in life at the time of your offense, make sure you demonstrate taking responsibility for your actions. You want your interviewer to know that you recognize the importance of your punishment and any positive effects it had on your character.

D = Development: What have you learned from your mistakes?

Once you have explained how your punishment affected you, point out 3-4 things you have done/are doing to turn your life around. Your family, work, school, church, community, and personal passions are excellent topics to talk about. Do your best to relate these things to the job for which you are interviewing. For example, you could share how hard you've worked to rebuild your relationship with your family, and you are excited by the opportunity to be able to financially support them if hired.

C = Change: What actions you have taken to better yourself?

Summarize who you are now and what you have to offer. Highlight your personal mission and values to show that your actions are built on a solid foundation. The hiring decision often comes down to the candidate’s core values and personality. Also, remember to talk in terms of the job position you are applying for when explaining what skills and abilities you have.

3. Follow the Employer’s Lead

After you have disclosed your background, some employers won’t ask for additional details about your criminal record, or they might only want to focus on job-related topics like the skills you gained during incarceration. If this is the case, be honest, but only share the details you feel are important for them to understand your situation. There's no need to overshare what happened in the past. The interview should focus on your skills and how you can contribute to the employer, rather than thoroughly explaining your offense. #secondchances #secondchance #criminalrecord # # #

Will I be able to make management position within the food industry? #secondchances

Second chances job search success and resources

We have a great community that is understanding and supportive of 2nd chances job search. @Justine Walker was willing to share her job search ups and downs and the amazing news that she got hired last week. Your story really encouraged many job seekers and members like me. We also have a great 2nd chances resource center for anyone who’s in need or if you want to help someone out. It’s not easy but you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t lose hope!

#secondchances

We are very fortunate to have lots of members willing to share advice and experiences regarding the 2nd chances job search. I love that @Valarie Dotson and @Keyde Hawkins both shared great local resources for reentry programs in Alexandria LA and Dallas TX. @Clifford Darity also shared his success story that we can all cheer on!

I also highly recommend second chance job search tips and employers. Make sure to follow #secondchances to learn more about other members’ successes and advice.

#secondchances #jobsearch

I was so touched seeing so many members pouring support for this 2nd chance job search advice. We see lots of members feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to begin but it is not impossible to find a job despite the past record. This article gives some great tips as well as company suggestions to help you get started.

There are more resources to check out:

• Second Chances Resource Center for more helpful tips.
• Follow the topic #secondchances to see more members sharing their experiences and stories

#jobsearch #secondchances

#secondchances

Seeing how many violent men have served time in jail for committing violent crimes. I do not feel sorry that your convictions and felonies are now screwing you up. You messed up a family, took a life or left some completely miserable. It’s time fir karma.

However, I wish you all well in your job search. I wish you Goodluck. I hope you get something that brings you self fulfillment.

People make mistakes, but past mistakes should not define a person's future. You've completed your requirements through the courts, so there is no reason for it to impact your career growth/stability.

Below we have identified some of the most reputable and prominent US Second Chance Friendly employers accepting applications and sponsoring On-The-Spot Hiring opportunities this month.

Interested?

• Click from the links below to learn more about each companies diversity and inclusion culture and find out how you can land a local job opportunity today!

Second-Chance Employers Hiring Now!:

Aramark - Aramark’s commitment to equality, inclusion, empowerment, and respect are brought to life through their DE&I Leadership as well as their newly founded Executive Diversity Council. Explore what they are doing to create real change. Hiring areas include (Facilities, Transportation, Retail, Custodial, Food Service & more!)

Dollar Tree / Family Dollar - Nationwide On-The-Spot Hiring Event (All Stores!), Wednesday, October 20, from 10a - 7p, (your local time). Full and part-time hiring opportunities include (Store Management, Cashiers, Stockers, Seasonal (opportunities available that can lead to permanent employment).

“Mistakes should not define your future! We have resources to help with your transition and job search, information about "felon friendly" employers, and access to conversations happening right here in the Jobcase community.” - Jobcase Second Chances Resource Center

Kohl’s - Kohl’s is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of equity, where diversity is valued at all levels, and where inclusion is evident across their business. Kohl’s Nationwide Hiring Event, Thursday, October 21 thru Saturday, October 23, from 11a - 7p. Kohl’s is hiring thousands of associates for their US stores, distribution/warehouse, and Sephora at Kohl’s teams.

Dave’s Killer Bread - Dave’s Killer Bread believes in Second Chance Employment! Hiring the best person for the job, regardless of criminal history. Employment areas include (Bakery, Machine Operator, Warehouse & more!)

“From criminal records to credit scores, find out what hiring companies are looking for when they run your background check.” - Kai Dickerson | Jobcase Director of Communication & Advocacy

• Check out Kai’s full post, Background check basics - what employers are looking for to learn more about the background check process and how you can prepare to overcome challenges during the interview process.

Do you have an updated resume?

Please take a moment to upload it onto your Jobcase Profile or use the resume builder option to create your new optimized resume.

• You can find resume building and new job search tips on our Getting Hired Resource Center

For face-to-face, in-person resume and interview preparation assistance use the Department of Labor’s FREE career development website CareerOneStop to find your local career resource centers then call the office to book a free person to person career consultation with a professional Career Navigator. During this one-hour session, you will get all the information and resources needed to cultivate an optimized resume that will significantly improve your new job search results.

Interested in other second-chance employment opportunities?

• hare some of your top job preferences with us, and we will use your information to match you up with job leads and hiring opportunities that fit your immediate job needs and future career goals.

Connect right back with us on this post if you have any questions about these jobs or if you have special concerns that at keeping you from being hired.

Thanks

#SecondChances #hiringnews #jobsearch #fulltime #parttime #retail #foodservice #maintenance #administration #entrylevel #noexperience #NationWideUSA