This is an excerpt from "Unlocking Opportunities: How to Find a Job With a Criminal Record, " a 38-page guidebook of expert advice and step-by-step instructions on navigating the employment landscape with a criminal record.
Get Ready for Your Interview
Preparing for a job interview is key to showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experiences effectively. By researching the company and the position beforehand, you can tailor your responses to align with the company’s values and goals, demonstrating genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role. Proper preparation not only increases your chances of success but also helps you leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
Practice Answering Questions
Practicing for interviews is crucial because it helps you confidently and honestly discuss your work experience and background. Here’s how practicing can benefit you:
Get Better at Answering: Practicing helps you craft clear and concise answers, especially regarding your criminal record. It allows you to focus on your skills and personal growth.
Feel More Confident: Interviews can be stressful, particularly when discussing past mistakes. Practice boosts your confidence in discussing your background and suitability for the job.
Predict Questions: By practicing, you can anticipate the types of questions interviewers might ask, preparing you with strong answers and reducing surprises during the interview.
Show Your Best Qualities: Practice enables you to highlight your strengths and achievements beyond your criminal history, showing why you’re a great fit for the job.
Take Responsibility: Practicing allows you to convey sincere regret for past mistakes and explain how you’re making amends and being responsible.
Ways to practice include:
Doing Mock Interviews: Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview. Practice answering common questions and receive feedback.
Using Online Resources: Utilize websites and apps that offer practice questions and simulations to familiarize yourself with different types of questions.
Attending Interview Workshops: Look for local workshops focusing on interview skills. They provide tips and opportunities to practice in a supportive environment.
Recording Yourself: Record your answers to interview questions and review the footage to identify areas for improvement.
Asking for Feedback: Seek feedback from your mock interviewer or mentor to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
Regular practice helps build confidence and enhances your performance in real interviews.
When to Arrive and How to Follow Up
Arrive Early: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your interview. This gives you time to settle in, review your notes, and calm your nerves.
Send a Thank-You Email: Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. This leaves a positive impression and demonstrates professionalism.
Dressing for Your Interview
Your attire should reflect the industry, company culture, and the level of formality required. Dressing appropriately shows that you understand the workplace environment and can fit in well. Here are some guidelines for different types of interviews:
Corporate/Professional Interviews: Men should wear a suit in a neutral color, a dress shirt, a conservative tie, polished dress shoes, and dark socks. Women should opt for a suit jacket with a skirt or pants, a blouse, closed-toe shoes with a moderate heel, and minimal accessories.
Business Casual Interviews: Men can wear dress slacks or chinos, a collared shirt, and dress shoes. A blazer may be optional. Women should choose a blouse or sweater with dress slacks or a skirt, avoiding jeans and sneakers.
Blue Collar Interviews: Wear closed-toe shoes such as sneakers, loafers, or boots. Opt for casual professional attire like khakis, slacks, or dark jeans paired with a button-down shirt or blouse. Avoid overly formal or overly casual attire and excessive jewelry.
"Always turn your negatives into a positive. Never leave a negative on the table. For example, if you left your last job on bad terms, talk about what you learned from that mistake to improve. Talk about how that experience helped you and how you have changed." - Renee D., Director of Employment Services at Lexington Rescue Mission
"Remember you are also interviewing the company! I know it doesn’t always feel this way but they want to like you just as much as you want to like them! Always ask 2-3 questions in an interview and don’t make it just about the benefits. Show them you studied them and did your research. This is your opportunity to make sure it is a leader and a workplace you would be excited to work for. Ask about the individual’s journey at the company, ask about what growth/advancement looks like, ask what a typical day looks like, and ask them what they like most about the company. Lastly, don’t put all your eggs into one basket (one job). Be consistent and diligent in your job search and apply to multiple things. We are rooting for you!" - Elaine R., Senior Manager of Employment Services at Cara Collective
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