Ex Convicts Search for Employment

Looking for a job is no piece of cake for anyone, but when ex-convicts search for employment, they're faced with additional challenges.

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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.

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.

Ex-convicts are caught between a rock and a hard place when completing employment applications. They generally can expect not to hear from a potential employer if they say that yes, they have been convicted of a felony. Because of this, those with convictions on their records are often tempted to lie. However, while a prior conviction isn't always a disqualifier for employment, dishonesty is. It's better to answer honestly and hope for a chance to explain later rather than to report false information. Some people feel it's best to leave that question blank, but employers are likely to assume that failure to answer simply means that the person is an ex-convict.

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 the boxes don't always allow a thorough explanation of when the applicant was convicted, or what the crime was.

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 employers 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.

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

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: This organization helps ex-convicts search for employment by partnering 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: This group's 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.

• One Stop Career Center: There is a one-stop career center in each major metropolitan area and many smaller communities throughout the United States. A partnership between federal and state job seeker assistance agencies, registering with the center in your area is a great way to jump start your job search. Meet with a counselor and be honest about your background so that the person who is trying to help you knows what you are facing. He or she will likely have contacts in the local area with employers and other resources for people who are transitioning from the criminal justice system back into the workforce.

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