Ex-Convicts Search for Employment

Limits to Ex-Convicts' Search for Employment

When an ex-convict begins his or her job search, there are definite brick walls, from background checks to yes or no questions that really need explanations rather than the either-or answers available.

Criminal Background Checks

It's getting more commonplace for companies to do background checks for even the most basic jobs. Entry-level employees at Wal-Mart, for example, could be subject to background checks. As an article from South Coast Today states, that could make things incredibly difficult for those ex-convicts who will be forced to rely on entry-level jobs to get back into the workforce.

That same article points out that background checks could make it harder for minorities to get jobs, because they tend to be arrested more often than others.

Application Questions

Ex-convicts are caught between a rock and a hard place. They generally can expect not to hear from a potential employer if they say that yes, they have been convicted of a felony. The only choice, then, is to lie or leave it blank and hope for a chance to explain later. It is much better to leave the question blank than to lie.

One article from April 12, 2008, found on Statesman.com says that some cities are banning the box related to criminal records completely. Some view this as a positive change simply because those boxes didn't always allow a thorough explanation of when the applicant was convicted, or what the crime was.

A Catch-22

When ex-convicts do make it back out onto the streets, they are fighting the system right away to get a job. Not only do they have records, they may not have finished high school. With a history of crime and a lack of formal education, getting a job may take so much time the ex-offenders just turn back to their old ways. It's easier. So the cycle begins again.

There have been recent changes to many companies' hiring processes. Some positions will never be available to ex-convicts, but some companies are becoming more open to giving individuals with criminal records a chance at employment in certain positions. Between that and additional funds being directed toward government programs to assist ex-convicts in finding jobs, there will hopefully be a decrease in their returns to crime.

How to Search

There are several ways for ex-convicts to approach their job search:

• Traditional newspaper ads
• Job search engines
• Cold calling
• Going through governmental or community assistance programs

Getting Assistance

Sometimes, at the end of the day when all the circled ads in the paper have been responded to and all the interviews done, ex-convicts still need a bit of assistance finding a job. There are agencies that are willing to help those who deserve a second chance and a fresh start.

April 2008 proved to be a great month for this type of assistance as President Bush signed off on The Second Chance Act, which will provide money to agencies designed to help ex-convicts get jobs and become contributing members of society. Bush brought up his own struggle with alcoholism as a reason for his decision and proof that second chances don't always go awry.

Here are a few websites to check out:

Institute of Living: They help ex-convicts search for employment by working with businesses so that they may all work together to find the best-fitting jobs. They also have vocational counselors that host annual Career and Education Fairs.

The National H.I.R.E. Network: Their whole mission is to help ex-convicts find their place in society. You'll need a membership to reap the benefits, but it's free. They also help you find employment search assistance in your local area. This is a goldmine of information for ex-convicts searching for jobs.