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.
Many employers are “fair-chance,” “background-friendly,” “felony-friendly,” or “second chance,” which means they won’t automatically disqualify you because you have a record. It DOES NOT mean they won’t do a background check. It also DOES NOT mean that they won’t reject you because of your background. It DOES mean that they will look at your situation before making their decision. To avoid rejection because of your background, you should understand how employers make their hiring decisions.
Negligent Hiring
Over 90% of employers, even the most background-friendly employers, do criminal background checks. Employers have to make sure they’re hiring people who are safe and suitable for the job. If they don’t check someone’s background properly, it can lead to legal problems if something goes wrong. “Negligent hiring” can happen when an employer hires someone to do a job, and the person they hired has a criminal background that conflicts with the job duties. If the employee does something wrong at work that causes injury or damages, the employer could be sued for negligent hiring.
For example, if an employer hires someone with a DUI conviction to do a job that includes driving, and the employee drinks on the job and causes an accident, the employer could be considered responsible and face a lawsuit. Almost all employers are in business because they want to make money, or at least not LOSE money, so avoiding negligent hiring is often very important to them.
When a fair-chance employer is looking at someone with a criminal record who’s applying for a job, they pay close attention to what the person was convicted of and how much time has passed since then. They also check if the job duties are anything that could lead the person to commit a similar crime again. If there’s a risk of that happening, there is a good chance that the employer will reject the applicant to protect themselves from negligent hiring.
How to Apply for the Best Jobs
People with criminal records need to take three steps when choosing which jobs to apply for:
Find employers that are “fair-chance,” “background-friendly,” “felony-friendly,” or “second chance.”
Find jobs that fit your skills and interests.
Find jobs that don’t conflict with your criminal background.
Finding Employers
To find employers who are open to hiring people with criminal records, you can try a few different things:
Online Job Search
Honest Jobs (https://www.honestjobs.com) is the largest online job board in the country for people with criminal records. You can create a free profile and search for background-friendly jobs posted by employers who won’t automatically reject you because of your background. You can also search Google using terms like “fair-chance employers” or “felony-friendly jobs.”
Check Company Policies
Some companies are more willing to hire people with criminal records. You can research online or ask around to find out which companies might be more open to giving second chances.
Community Resources
Reach out to local organizations or programs that help people with criminal records find jobs. They may know of employers in your area who are willing to give you a chance. If you’re on probation or parole, you can ask your officer. They will often know about employers in your area that are background-friendly.
Talk to People
Your friends and family might know about job opportunities or employers who are fair-chance. They can give you advice or connect you with someone who can help.
Job Fairs
Sometimes, there are job fairs specifically for people with criminal records. You can go to these events to meet employers who are looking to hire someone like you.
Direct Outreach
You can try contacting employers directly to ask about their hiring rules. Make sure you’re ready to explain your situation truthfully and talk about your skills and how ready you are to work.
Finding Jobs That Fit Your Skills
If you did the self-assessment described earlier in this book, you should have a great list of your skills and abilities. Use this information to find jobs that require those skills. Pay attention to the job descriptions and requirements to see if they match up with what you can do. Look at the skills and experience they’re looking for and see if you have what it takes. Remember, don’t apply for jobs if you don’t have the right skills.
Finding Jobs That Don’t Conflict with Your Background
Remember that background-friendly employers will probably still do a background check. They are looking for things in your background that could conflict with the job duties. As you’re choosing which jobs to apply for, think about your criminal history and how it fits with the job description. You should avoid jobs where your type of conviction is directly related to the job or any of the job duties. For example, if you have a theft conviction, you should avoid jobs that require handling cash or access to valuable items, like cashiers or housekeepers. If you have a drug charge, you should avoid jobs that have access to prescription medication, like pharmacy workers or home health aides.
Remember, each employer has its own rules about who they can hire, and it’s their call in the end. Sometimes they might say no to you for reasons other than background conflicts, like how recent your charges are, or if you have any other legal issues going on. But if you look for jobs where your past doesn’t clash with what you’d be doing on the job, you’ll face less rejection because of your background.
Honest Jobs
Honest Jobs is the largest job search site for people with criminal records, and they have special technology that can help you identify the jobs that are the best fit based on your background. Every time you search for jobs on Honest Jobs, the system compares the job duties for each job with your criminal history and shows you which jobs might conflict with your background. This way, you can focus on the jobs where you’ll have the best chance of passing the background check. Create a free Job Seeker account at www.honestjobs.com.
"It is so important to…KNOW YOUR WORTH!! Every single person has value and brings something to the table. The past does not define who you are, just what you did. You do not have to settle for jobs just because society tells you that it is the only job you are qualified for. If you have a dream, a thought, a twinkle of a passion or talent – explore how to make it a reality!! Finding a job that you are passionate about will keep you engaged, curious, and excited." - Justin B., Supervisor of Transition and Community Employment at Easterseals Redwood
"After being incarcerated for over 26 years, and going through several reentry attempts, one thing I learned and now encourage others to do, is regarding the question: “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” on an application. I always answer truthfully to the question, but in the area where it asks to describe or name the felony, I always write, “Will discuss in person.” I can’t recall a time I used this tactic in which they weren’t intrigued enough to call or see me to hear my discussion. This allowed me the opportunity to admit my past mistakes, discuss what I had done to address those mistakes, and gave me the chance to sell myself as a team player and somebody worth giving a chance to. Using this tactic, I may have been rejected a time or two, but I can honestly say, I never went more than a week without finding employment upon my release, if I diligently sought it." - Tom R., Recovery Employment Coordinator at PA Recovery Organizations Alliance
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