Free Career and Job Search Advice

Heaven · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

My brother has served a six year sentence in prison for fraudulent charges and is now back in the community. After 9 months trying to find a job he still didnâ€™t have any luck. Can someone help with job search for an ex criminal? ###

julian · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 255 Career Advice: +2/-0

First, a well-worded resume because this is the first step he makes when entering the job hunting process:

http://www.cvtips.com/presenting_a_crimnal_record_CV.html

Then, I would recommend him not to approach the financial field too soon and search for another job, even if this job would not fit his experience.

lexa10881 · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:32 am Post subject:

I can help him out with background checks, which is the area he is most likely having lots of trouble in. Whatevere his offense was in connection with, it is a good idea to refrain from looking for a job even close to it. Odds are that by doing so he is just wasting his time. Tell him honesty is also a redeeming qualtiy; he is better off to tell the truth, and most employers will look at his truthfulness as a redeeming quality.

You can do your own sort of background check, if you want an idea of what the employers might be seeing when they do one on him. It might cost you some money and there are legit resources on the web, it just could be nice to know what you are up against.

http://www.cvtips.com/background_checks_problems.html

Diligentfour · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 12:20 pm Post subject:

Have You Ever Been Convicted of a Crime?

This question is the most agonizing part of any ex-offenders job search. Some believe by being honest they don’t have a chance at getting a job. The fact is an employer cannot legally refuse to hire you because you have a criminal record unless the conviction is directly related to the job for which you are applying. I have spoken with former inmates who have lied on applications and gotten jobs, only to lose them later when background checks were done. Some have been encouraged to use the response Will discuss at interview. In my opinion, these are not good practices. The best advice I can give is BE HONEST! Employers have a responsibility to know as much as possible about prospective employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty of negligent hiring when employees who have criminal pasts committed acts that resulted in harm to others. Those situations could have been avoided by careful screening through background checks. Employers will ask directly on applications about criminal convictions as a means to protect himself, his business, and others.

In many states prospective employers may not ask about arrests that do not end in convictions. Pay careful attention to the wording of this question. It may vary from application to application. Typically the question will ask about convictions of crimes and/or felonies and not misdemeanors. If you are unsure about the type of convictions you have, you should obtain a copy of your record.

Many applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign before the application is considered. This statement may also be called an Authorization. The wording may vary but the employer is asking you to certify with your signature that all of the information you have given is correct. Part of this certification is a release that gives the employer access to information provided by past employers, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other organizations that may have information about you.

In reference to criminal records, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)

Example:

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance 8/12/02 Houston, TX Time Served (18 mos.)

You may have to practice to fit your response into the space given. For those who have more than one conviction, list your convictions on a separate sheet of paper, make copies, and attach a copy to each application you complete. In the space provided, write see attached sheet. Be sure to list each and every conviction. I have seen individuals that had been working on jobs for months, suddenly lose them because of failing to list one conviction. That is why it is so important to get a copy of your record.

Properly completing employment applications will be the difference between being hired and not being hired.

I hope this helps

Eric

Get more great advice on ex-offender job searching at http://www.Jailtojob.com

dejaluv · New User Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

Having a felony record stinks. It seems very few employers are willing to give you an opportunity. They may not legally be able to discriminate but that doesnt stop them from quickly passing over your resume at first glance because of it.

The best policy is to be honest but it hurts.

Mark McCormick · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 4:28 am Post subject:

Heaven,

This type of strike against your record is one of the toughest things to combat in the interview process. My heart goes out to you and your brother. The best advice I would give is for him to apply for positions with family, friends or groups that are more forgiving of criminal records like churchs, and certain not-for-profits. He is in a crisis situation where he needs to build back up his credibility. For this reason, he will probably have to take a lesser job than he would like at first.

I really recommend family and friends who are involved in small businesses because they can afford to be more forgiving in their hiring practices. The other alternative would be for him to start working for himself either out of his home or as an independent contractor or sales rep for a larger company. This would allow him to avoid the issue altogether. If you are familiar with late night infomercials, Kevin Trudeau had a criminal record and has managed to do quite well for himself writing books and audiobooks.

Hope this helps,
Mark McCormick
www.interviewquestionsandanswers.org

cv

Starting up a franchise could also be an option:

http://cvtips.4jobs.com/JS/CareerResources/Franchise/

Cooklos · New User Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

That's tough. What has he been doin for 9 months without having any income?

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