How to Find Work for an Ex-Felon
Just because a person is an ex-felon doesn't mean he lacks skills and abilities that can be valuable in certain professions. The challenge to finding work for an ex-felon is helping potential employers see the positive qualities and value that the person will be bring to the company. When finding work for an ex-felon, there are a few things to consider.
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Instructions
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Utilize online resources. Many websites exist that are dedicated to helping people who have paid their debts to society find honest work. The Wizard of Job's Ex-Felon site and JobsForExFelons.com are a few examples (see Resources). The ex-felon's probation officer and your local state government office can help you find more online resources.
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Learn whether or not the ex-felon needs to disclose his past offenses. For example, typically after a period of five years, minor crimes are pardoned and don't need to be disclosed to potential employers. Understand that some jobs require that all crimes be disclosed--regardless of pardoning. These include jobs that deal with children, the elderly and pharmaceuticals.
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When filling out an application or discussing a criminal offense during a job interview, the ex-felon should explain the circumstances of the crime and all aspects of his rehabilitation. He should be open and honest while focusing on the positive steps he's taken for rehabilitation.
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Examine the ex-felon's criminal record and make sure it's completely accurate. Sometimes, minor mistakes in the record can make the offense look much worse. The jail time or probation period could also be incorrect. Check these things carefully before the ex-felon starts applying for jobs.
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Include all applicable skills and abilities on the ex-felon's resume, including those that were acquired during a jail sentence. Showing that the ex-felon took steps to improve himself while incarcerated demonstrates his sincerity to reform. Also, highlighting skills and abilities will show a potential employer that he can be an asset to the company.
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Tips & Warnings
Tell the ex-felon's friends and family members that he's looking for a job and what kind of position he's looking for. Networking is a very powerful job search tool for anyone, especially an ex-felon.
