The world is a scary place for anyone, but it can be particularly terrifying for those with a felony conviction on their record. With so many people out of work and so few jobs to go around, you’re already facing an uphill battle if you’ve got a criminal history.
Finding a job as a felon can be overwhelming for those fresh out of prison looking to get their lives back. It is a common probation requirement that you be working full-time to avoid being sent back inside.
The truth is there are jobs for people with felony convictions; they just might be a little harder to spot. Here are some tips on finding a job when you have a felony conviction.
What is a Felony Conviction?
A felony is different than a misdemeanor. It is a crime punishable by more than one year in jail. Felonies include violent crimes (such as murder, rape, and robbery) or serious property crimes (like arson or burglary). In some states, nonviolent felonies may be tried as misdemeanors instead of felonies.
The severity of the conviction will determine how much trouble you’ll have finding work after you’ve served your sentence. A single misdemeanor charge won’t affect your job prospects too much. An adult with no criminal history could even get away with a misdemeanor on their record if it was committed long enough ago that it’s not relevant anymore (over 10 years old in many cases).
If you rack up a lot of convictions or multiple misdemeanors within a short period—or if you commit serious crimes like assault or drug possession—you might have difficulty getting any employment at all. However, you are not alone. More than 80 million Americans have some sort of criminal record.
Why is it so Hard to Get Hired as a Convicted Felon?
You might wonder why a convicted felon would have such a hard time finding a job. It’s easy to assume that employers are prejudiced against ex-offenders, but there are many reasons they’re not willing to hire them—and it’s not all about prejudice.
First of all, employers want an employee who will be reliable and trustworthy, which can sometimes be difficult when you’ve been convicted of a crime. Because of this, they worry about the type of person you are. If you’ve proven yourself capable of committing crimes in the past (even if it was before working for them), what else might you do?
Second of all, companies have liability concerns. Who will be held responsible if one of their employees commits another crime while at work or on company property (or even has legal trouble due to their criminal record)?
Thirdly, most businesses have a good reason not to mess with legal issues. Hiring someone with an outstanding warrant or complicated past may make them liable.
Most often, people with criminal records are discounted from employers’ options because they are perceived as bad. That is why you must get a job with a felony on your record from a face-to-face interview.
That is your goal: speaking with a human being, so they see you are just trying to live a good life and support your family.
Top Tips for Getting a Job with a Felony
Tip #1 – Be Prepared
Getting a good job with a felony record means being prepared for whatever questions the hiring manager may ask.
Have a clean copy of your resume when visiting potential employers. Be ready to answer whether you have been convicted of a felony in the past. Ask a friend to work out how you will answer the question so you are prepared when the time comes for an interview.
It is very easy and inexpensive to do a background check on potential employees, so there is no reason to lie on your application about your past. Ensure you have all your references in order by getting the contact information for three personal relationships (family, friends, mentors) and three business relationships (previous employers, freelance gigs, etc.) before your interview.
Tip #2 – Avoid Time Wasters
Do not waste your time applying to companies you know will not hire felons. If the company requires a clean background check as part of the job description, they probably will not hire you.
It makes more sense to focus on companies that will take a chance on you or at least offer an in-person interview so you can tell your story. Your time is valuable, do not waste it on people who have made it clear they are unwilling to overlook your past.
Tip #3 – Get Professional Help
One of the most important things you can do when looking for a job with a felony conviction is to get professional help. You should look into hiring someone who specializes in helping people with criminal backgrounds find employment, such as a job coach, recruiter, career coach, or professional resume writer.
Everyone comes from a different background with strengths and weaknesses specific to them. When you are looking for a job, it makes sense to have as much help as possible.
Take the time to find local organizations that will offer guidance in writing a resume or crafting a cover letter or can point you in the direction of companies that hire people with criminal convictions. In addition, take advantage of programs that will walk you through some interview questions, so you are better prepared.
Tip #4 – Dress the Part
This tip is a no-brainer, but it’s worth stating because it’s so easy to forget. You should dress for the job you want, not the job you have, which means looking your best (or at least as good as possible).
Go online and look at the website, social media, and other marketing materials of the company you are applying to. Check out their attire, how they act, and what their workforce looks like. When it is time for you to apply to that company, dress in the same style as those working there. Make yourself appear to be part of the team, and you will get a leg up in the interview.
Find a cheap suit and tie from Walmart that looks presentable. Get a haircut and hide any tattoos that might seem offensive to a potential employer. If you smoke, try to hold off, so your clothes do not smell when you are in the interview.
It is like traveling abroad. You want to blend in with the crowd so people will treat you better.
Tip #5 – Prepare an Elevator Pitch
A sales pitch is a short, direct statement that sells your product or service to potential clients. It’s the first thing you say when you meet someone new and want to convey what it is that you do.
If you have a felony conviction when you are applying for a job, you must develop the skill of selling who you are to a potential employer.
A great way to do this is by having an elevator pitch prepared.
The elevator pitch is an engaging description of who you are and what you hope to do for a career. You are offering the value of your work as a sale to a potential employer. It should last no longer than 60 seconds. It was named after the idea that you meet someone in an elevator you want to work with and only have a short time of the ride to sell them on the idea of working with you.
Tip #6 – Get a Face-to-Face Interview
Most companies use software to shift through the hundreds of applications they get daily. Your goal needs to be to get past those digital gatekeepers and get a face-to-face interview with another human being.
You need the opportunity to speak to someone that may feel empathetic to your situation and will be willing to take a risk on you. This means following up with hiring managers on the phone or by email and thanking them for the opportunity of applying to their company.
Tip #7 – Do Your Research
You need to differentiate yourself in an interview from the other people applying. An easy way to set yourself apart is to know about the company and how you will fit into its workforce.
Take the time to learn about what the company does, its goals, its mission, and recent news. That way, when you are asked about the company, you will appear like you already know about them, and they will feel more willing to offer you a job. They will see that you are really interested in them as a company, making them want you more.
Tip #8 – Finding a Job is a Job!
This is going to take time. Even if you did not have a felony conviction on your record, it takes time to find a new job. You should wake up eager to get to work finding a new job.
Work the entire day filling out applications and sending resumes to anyone and everyone willing to offer you a chance. Make it your goal to apply to a certain number of places each day, and let nothing distract you from achieving that goal.
Tip #9 – Build Your Network
To find a job, you have to network. As the saying goes: “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.” You can’t expect employers to just knock on your door because they saw your resume and think you’re perfect for the position. Instead, you have to introduce yourself and make connections with industry insiders who can put in a good word for you if they think hiring you would benefit their company.
This is the most crucial part of finding a job as a felon. Most people have found their careers through a connection they get from a friend, family member, church member, or buddy from a club.
Let people know you are looking for a job. Give them the same elevator pitch you would give a potential employer so they understand what you are willing to do and when you can start. The people in your life are your best hiring resources.
Do not forget to ask your PO. It might seem weird as they oversee your freedom, but they want you to work full-time as much as you do because it makes their jobs easier. If you spend 40 hours a week doing a job, you are not wasting your time doing something that can get you sent back inside.
Tip #10 – Get Online
The internet is a beneficial tool when you’re looking for a job. Use social media to your advantage. Post about how excited you are to start a new chapter in life, and let your friends and family know they can help by sharing your posts on their own pages.
You should sign up for the following:
- Facebook – allows you to connect with the hiring managers of a business’s profile.
- TikTok – a great place to find tips on resume writing, interviewing, and how to communicate with people.
- LinkedIn – the professional job board for anyone, regardless of a criminal record.
Tip #11 – Don’t Discount Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level positions are a great way to get your foot in the door. As with any job search, you need to have an understanding of what kind of position you want and be able to articulate it well. If you don’t, it can be tough to land anything.
Even if you don’t know exactly where you want to go, entry-level positions are still worth applying for because they give candidates opportunities to learn and grow their skills. This can lead them towards better jobs with higher pay that are more aligned with their interests.
Don’t discount an opportunity just because it is entry-level or an internship. You never know when a few months as a peon can lead to higher positions for getting a job with a felony in a different company.
Tip #12 – Look at High In-Need Industries
Identifying high-demand industries is crucial because it allows you to put your skills to work while also helping you find a job faster.
You can find which industries are in-demand by doing some research.
You can start with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Glassdoor. Both sites have job listings that are categorized by industry, so finding an industry that matches your skill set should be easy!
Tip #13 – Honesty is the Best Policy
If you have a felony conviction, it is important that you be honest about your past. Lying will only make things worse for yourself and make it more difficult to find a job with a felony conviction.
Your best bet is to be honest with the employer about your situation. If they ask if you have ever been convicted of a felony, tell them the truth. They may decide not to hire you, but at least they know what they are dealing with, so there are no surprises later on down the road.
Don’t Give Up
Finding a job with a felony conviction can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. In fact, there are many reasons why you might want to find employment even after serving time in prison.
You need to have an income and support yourself while going through the reentry process. How will you pay for food or rent if you don’t have any income coming in? You may even need money for transportation if your car was impounded by the police department or stolen during your arrest.
Having a job will give you something productive to do every day instead of just sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and blaming others who aren’t doing anything wrong. Also, seeing that paycheck gives you a sense of pride and value worth pursuing.
Wrapping it Up
I hope you’ve found some helpful tips in this article to help you get back into the workforce. Remember to stay positive, keep trying and never give up on yourself!
Finding a job as a felon is possible if you are willing to put in the work. Your past does not have to be a barrier to your future. Act as if you are already a successful person, and you will become one if you are serious. You must want the change and dedicate the time and energy it takes to rise to the top of the pile. You can do this!
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
