Even a short jail sentence can be a disaster for someone’s personal and professional life. On top of the legal costs associated with exiting the penal system, most people who end up behind bars lose their job before they get out. Finding a new job can be challenging for those with an official record, but there are a few basic tips that can make the search a little easier.
Be Honest
Not all jobs require a background check, but it’s important for applicants to be honest with all the information you submit on official forms. That means you should answer truthfully when asked about a criminal record but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should volunteer the information if not asked directly. According to Joy Morrison who answered this question on Quora (and all the responses might be helpful) but she said, “I found I was by far harder on myself than what anyone else was. Some people may have questions about your crime and if you don’t mind answering them , do it. And be as honest as possible. Don’t sugar coat what you did and don’t try denying it either, they probably already know But just want to hear it from you. Also be prepared , people are curious about prison life and want to hear stories about it.”
It’s easy to get discouraged by frequent rejections, but there are plenty of employers who can and do hire people with imperfect criminal records.
Consider Contracting
Whether you need extra cash to catch up on rent, pay court costs or compensate for bail bonds, contracting work can be a great opportunity. Skilled and professional workers can find many opportunities for side gigs and self-employment in the right areas. It can be easier to find clients or customers without the need for a background check when working as a temporary contractor. Contracting on the side also allows for the potential of earning extra income on top of a full-time job.
Increase Your Hiring Value
Certification, training, experience and academic education are all ways applicants can stand out from the crowd. These things also add credibility and skill diversity that gives hiring parties a reason to take a closer look. Increasing your hiring value isn’t usually easy or free, but it can add a lot more career options in the long-term. Once again from Joy Morrison, “apply for as many jobs as you can and be prepared to work for less money than you did before the conviction. Don’t let that scare you- Its temporary… Hang in there! It’s easy to let yourself get discouraged. For some reason when people first get out of prison they have their expectations a little to high or expect things to happen quicker. Some things take time. Be patient. While at first things feel so overwhelming it doesn’t take long for it to all start falling into place. It does get better, I promise that.”
Connect with Career Centers
There are many different kinds of services that help people find jobs, including some that specifically specialize in people who’ve recently been to jail. Employee placement services take a lead role in evaluating workers and finding suitable employers. Other types of career centers simply focus on helping participants improve their interview skills, build a better resume and achieve other basic milestones.
Finding a job can be a frustrating and prolonged struggle for anyone, but it can be particularly painful for people with a verifiable criminal record. While these tips can make the process easier, the drive to keep trying until you succeed is the most important factor in the end.
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