How to Apply for Jobs With a Felony

Having a felony conviction on your criminal record can have an adverse effect on your ability to apply for jobs. Many employers will reject your application and choose not to hire you when they see that there is a felony on your record. While applying for jobs with a felony conviction is moderately challenging, it can be done by being honest about your prior conviction and being dedicated in your search for a job.

Things You'll Need

• Character references

Instructions

1. Talk to your parole officer, probation officer or case manager and ask if she knows of any employers that regularly hire workers with felony convictions. Create a list of these businesses and make arrangements to apply with each of them. You are more likely to get hired by a company that regularly hires felons than a company that is notorious for turning them down.

2. Dress professionally when asking for an application and fill out the application on-site if possible. This will create a good first impression for your potential employer and will show that you are a professional. Be courteous and kind when asking for and turning in the application.

3. List your convictions honestly on your job applications. Lying about your convictions will reflect badly on your character and will not impress a potential employer when the truth is revealed in your background check. Taking responsibility and being honest about your prior conviction may impress a potential employer and will increase the likelihood of you being hired.

4. Provide a list of trustworthy character references on each application who can vouch for your reliability and trustworthiness. These references should not be friends of family members. Former employers, co-workers, parole/probation officers and case managers are all examples of professional character references who will look good on your applications.

5. Check in several days after turning in each application. Call the business and ask to speak with a manager. State that you are interested in the status of your application. This will show that you are truly interested in the position and are dedicated to getting the job.

Tips & Warnings

• As a felon, you may need to turn in a larger number of applications before being hired. It is best to dedicate as much time as possible to job searching. Turn in as many applications as you can.

• Take classes in typing and other skills to increase your chances of getting a job. Special skills will make you stand out against other applicants and will help potential employers overlook your felonies.

References

• Felony Guide: Can I Get a Job with a Felony on My Record?