From Startup to Nationwide Impact
When we launched the Honest Jobs job board in 2019, our mission was clear: to create the nation’s largest fair chance employment platform, making it easier for justice-involved individuals to find meaningful work. Fast forward to today, and we are proud to share that we have grown to over 167,000 job seeker accounts, a testament to the demand for fair chance employment and the resilience of those seeking a fresh start.
While 167,000 is a significant milestone, we know there is still a long way to go. An estimated 79 million Americans have a criminal record, meaning one in three adults faces the stigma and barriers associated with a past conviction. Of those, 19 million have felony convictions that come with even greater restrictions on employment, housing, and economic mobility. This is why we are committed to expanding our reach, increasing our employer partnerships, and advocating for policies that promote fair hiring practices.
Bridging the Employment Gap
Finding employment after incarceration can be one of the biggest challenges justice-involved individuals face. Research shows that formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate of over 27 percent, which is higher than the Great Depression. Without stable employment, the risk of recidivism increases, making fair chance hiring not just a matter of economic opportunity but also of public safety and social progress.
Honest Jobs is working to change this by:
Connecting justice-involved job seekers with thousands of employers that are open to fair chance hiring.
Providing access to resources that support successful reentry, from resume-building to interview coaching.
Educating employers on the benefits of hiring people with records, reducing stigma, and expanding fair hiring practices.
The Road Ahead
Reaching 167,000 job seekers is just the beginning. We are committed to scaling our platform to ensure that every justice-involved individual who wants to work has the opportunity to do so. With millions still facing barriers to employment, we encourage more businesses to step up, embrace fair chance hiring, and become part of the solution.
If you or someone you know is looking for work, Honest Jobs is here to help. If you are an employer looking to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce, we invite you to join us in creating real opportunities for justice-involved individuals.
Together, we can break down barriers, change lives, and build a future where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.