Job Hunting With a Felony Conviction
If you have a felony criminal conviction in your past, it can be a serious obstacle when seeking employment. You can expect a lengthy search process that requires a great deal of perseverance and patience. However, there are some steps you can take to make the process a bit easier, and you can always explore the possibility of venturing out on your own.
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Be Honest
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Most employers perform background checks, so attempting to hide a previous conviction is likely to be a futile gesture. According to career coach Pat Kendall in an article for MSN Careers, while you don't need to list the conviction on your resume, it's better to be upfront about the situation early in the hiring process or when responding to the question on a job application. Even if the company hires you without performing a background check, it could still terminate you if it discovers the conviction at a later date.
Seek Help
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The more help you receive, the greater your odds for finding a job. Enlist the support of friends or family members who are business owners or know of business owners who may be hiring. Some local human services organizations may also be familiar with programs that aid convicted felons who are seeking employment. You'll probably face a great deal of rejection during the search process, so turn to people who care about you or seek the guidance of a professional counselor for emotional support.
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Start Small
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You may have great difficulty landing a job that fits your qualifications initially, so be prepared to accept a low-paying or menial job to start. This gives you the chance to rebuild your work history and credibility and show future potential employers that you have mended your ways. In addition to menial jobs, consider approaching small businesses instead of large corporations, as small companies sometimes have less stringent hiring requirements and may be more willing to give you a chance.
Start a Business
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If you're having difficulty finding a job, consider starting a small business instead. You can start many types of home-based businesses with little initial investment other than a computer with an Internet connection. You can also learn a trade that leads to self-employment such as plumbing or vehicle repair from a local vocational school, and the investment in time and money will be less than when obtaining a four-year college degree. If you have writing or photography skills, a freelance career is another possibility.
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