JobScribble

Finding a job after serving time behind bars is going to be tough!  Before you start job searching, it is important to understand the following:

• Your privacy rights
• How background checks are completed
• If you can get your record expunged
• How to answer questions on your job application about your record
• How to answer questions during an interview about your record  

Here are recommended resources to check out if you have a criminal record and are job searching:

• America Works
• The Legal Action Center
• How to Get a Job with a Criminal Record
• Getting Back to Work After a Long Absence by the U.S. Department of Labor
• Employment Information Handbook, by Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Employment Background Checks, by Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

Other recommended tips for finding a job include the following:

• Obtain good references from employers you have worked for or if you take less than desirable job, work really hard so you can use your new boss as a reference to get a better job
• Network your way to a job
• Join support groups, including those with ex-offenders
• During an interview, answer questions about your criminal record truthfully
• Show remorse and how you are making efforts to improve and better yourself
• Indicate how hard you will work and how you are trying to make a better life for yourself
• Don’t lie or provide excuses or get defensive when asked about your record

Your local Workforce Center will also probably have a caseworker who works with previously incarcerated job seekers.  If not, the Workforce Center can still help you find a job and they may also know about training programs and resources. For instance, The Second Chance Act that was signed into law last month, authorizes $165 million annually to provide programs and resources to help previously incarcerated with job training and employment resources. 

To encourage employees to hire parolees, there is a $2,400 tax incentive, and some local government offices might offer incentives, as well. 

Read self-help books about finding a job with a criminal record. The Colorado Criminal Reform Coalition, “Getting on After Getting Out” for $10.00 it provides over 200 pages of advice and resources. If you are in college, check your Career Center’s Library for resources or visit your local library.  Jobscribble's bookstore also has some recommended ex-offender resources for writing a resume, and cover letter, and completing job applications.

Source: MSNBC, “Getting out of Prison and Into a Job” by Eve Tahminincioglu