What are tips for finding a job after a felony?
From acquiring strong recommendations to being honest, here are 10 answers to the question, “What are tips for finding a job after a felony?”
- Get Strong Recommendations
- Try Freelancing
- Connect With GSG Talent Solutions
- Focus on Your Skills and Strength
- Find Resources and Help from Organizations
- Do Your Research
- Network, Network, Network
- Say Goodbye to Your Inner Saboteur
- Apply to Smaller Businesses
- Be Upfront and Honest
Get Strong Recommendations
Finding a job after being convicted of a felony can be daunting, but it isn’t impossible. It is important to establish yourself as an upstanding and reliable citizen in order to open more doors.Get references from people you trust who can attest to your character and showcase that you have the drive and ability necessary to take on a job. Try to create strong relationships with those in your community who will give you another chance.
Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer
Try Freelancing
It’s easy to train yourself in many tasks done completely online, using available courses on YouTube or popular sites. This could be copywriting, graphic design, or programming—anything you have an aptitude for. A criminal past can be quite an obstacle to getting a permanent written contract in one company. But, it will be much easier to be on your own and accept single assignments.Many freelancing opportunities do not require background checks, meaning that people with a felony can still obtain work. I would recommend starting by registering on freelancing websites such as Fiverr or Upwork.
Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD
Connect With GSG Talent Solutions
My best tip is to connect with GSG Talent Solutions. They provide specialized services and resources to individuals who are looking for employment after being released from prison.Through their network of employers, they identify job opportunities for individuals with a criminal conviction and provide them with the resources and advice needed to secure a job. With their help, you can find employment that not only meets your financial needs but also helps you develop the skills necessary to rebuild your life post-felony.
Shaun Connell, Founder, Writing Tips Institute
Focus on Your Skills and Strengths
As long as you show your abilities, many people or organizations don’t consider your conviction. If you have exceptional skills and strengths before the conviction, point them out and how they’ll benefit the employer.If not, you can study or learn by doing it on the job. Of course, it is extremely important to do the research to find the right jobs and not apply to all the jobs, but to the ones that fit your character, passion, and skills.
Georgi Todorov, Founder, ThriveMyWay
Find Resources and Help from Organizations
These organizations can help with finding potential employers who will give felons a chance, as well as provide job training and other types of support. They can also advise on how to best present yourself to potential employers and explain your situation in a way that is most likely to get you hired. These organizations can help with legal advice and even financial help if necessary. Taking advantage of the resources available from these organizations is essential for anyone attempting to rebuild their life after a felony.
Tiffany Homan, COO, Texas Divorce Laws
Do Your Research
Not every company is the same in their policy for hiring those with felony convictions on their record. Some only do background checks for the past seven years and you’d be able to fly under the radar.One of the hardest parts of getting a job following a felony conviction is the sheer burnout of applying for hundreds of places with no luck—doing your research in advance will help you rule out certain companies from the word go. You should really look more into small businesses first, as these places are more human and have fewer blanket HR policies that would invalidate your application.
Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind
Network, Network, Network
It is important to use your existing contacts and reach out to industry leaders in the field you are interested in. Talk with family, friends, former colleagues, and even people you meet at events or job fairs. Having a strong network of contacts can be incredibly helpful when looking for job leads.
Martin Seeley, CEO, Mattress Next Day
Say Goodbye to Your Inner Saboteur
The most important thing you must do is to say goodbye to your inner saboteur. You are not your criminal record; it doesn’t define you. Don’t let the past take your self-confidence away during job hunting. Re-entering the workforce may seem intimidating, but there’s no such thing as no jobs for felons, only jobs for people. Keep in mind that attitudes toward hiring employees with criminal records are changing. A growing number of employers will look past criminal convictions and judge a person by other criteria. Focus on your skills, personality, and positive work habits, and take action. You can also get professional help (e.g., a career coach, professional resume writer, or recruiter). Good luck!
Agata Szczepanek, Community Manager, LiveCareer
Apply to Smaller Businesses
The best tip for finding a job after a felony is to apply to small businesses. Applying to companies that you know won’t hire felons is a waste of time. The employer will probably not hire you if the job description stipulates that a background check must be spotless. The issue with big businesses and organizations is that they often have a broad, all-encompassing policy in place for many locations. This does not acknowledge the variety of individuals with strong convictions who have changed their course in life after making a mistake.Smaller businesses typically have rules that are easier to adapt to the market they serve. These businesses provide job applicants with human interaction applications more often than larger corporations.
Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing
Be Upfront and Honest
Be transparent about your criminal record during the job application process. Not only do many employers have a policy of conducting background checks, but it’s just the right thing to do and would set you off on the right foot. If you’re looking for an honest, long-term job and you really want to put your past behind you, just dealing with the issue head-on is the best way forward, instead of looking to cover up what’s happened before. There will be many businesses out there which will be happy to give you a second chance.
James Townend, Foster Agency Director, Fitzgerald Fostering
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