The Process You’ll Go Through as a Felon Looking for a Job
1. Determine Your Job Field
There are many types of jobs available to felons. These include full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract and freelance jobs.
The first step in finding a job as a felon is to determine what type of job you’d like to work.
- Full-Time Jobs– As directed by the employer, full-time job hours usually range from 32-40 hours a week. Felons can find employment in several full-time jobs, and they include manual labor, cable providers, and truck drivers.
- Part-Time Jobs– Part-time usually carries fewer hours than a full-time job. Employees work in shifts that are often rotational. Examples of part-time jobs for felons include cooking, salesperson, and nursing.
- Seasonal Jobs– These types of jobs don’t continue year-round. Seasonal employment is only required during certain times in the year. They are temporary and short-term. Several large retail stores, grocery chains, and shipping companies hire felons during busy seasons such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Contract/Freelance– These types of jobs do not require you to hold permanent employment with a single employer. Instead, you can earn money through temporary jobs, contract work, or freelance jobs. Some of them include writing, coding, and graphic design.
Like every job hunt, there are processes that every applicant needs to undergo. Take a look at some of them:
2. Job Search
Of course, this is the first step for anyone to find a job. To enable you to find the best jobs for felons, you might have to do a lot of research. The internet is a great place to look for a variety of ideas.
As you go about searching for the best jobs for felons, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look in the Right Places: The worst thing you can do as a felon is look in the wrong places for work. To avoid a situation where you land in jail, you should find good, honest jobs that wouldn’t remind you of your old life.
- Look Towards the Future, Not the Past:One thing that should keep you going as a felon to forgive yourself. You must give yourself some grace no matter how hard it is to look away from your past. You’ve got to believe you’re a changed person as long as you’ve put in the work to be so. It is this attitude that will keep you motivated.
- Discount Unobtainable Careers:There are certain unrealistic jobs you shouldn’t waste time looking for as a felon. Some of these jobs requirelicensesand are mostly not felon-friendly. Some of them include working as bank officials, law enforcement officers, teachers, peace officers, pharmaceutical employees, and lawyers.
3. Background Check
When you find a job, you’ll most likely have to undergo a background check conducted by the employer. It is part of the application process so that they can employ the most eligible candidate for the job.
A criminal background check investigates your personal information, incarceration record, felony conviction records, and so much more. Here, the employer gets a glimpse of who you are and what you have been up to in the past years.
4. Interview
There’s no job search without an interview. Every employer wants to meet their potential employee over the phone or in-person to get a sense of their personality.
Interviews are important because employers can see if your attitude and personality are suitable for the job.
5. Evaluation Period
After every interview comes an evaluation period. It is this process that leads to decision-making, so it’s equally as important.
The employer weighs your strengths and weaknesses and determines if you’ll be a good fit for their company.
Tips for Felons Looking for Jobs
Take a look at these tips that just might set you apart as you look for jobs:
Things to Do When Searching and Applying for a Job
Here are some good practices to follow during the application process:
- Do some research on the internet as it’s a great place to find more information about the job you are applying for.
- Be confident in your skillset and apply for jobs knowing that you can be an asset to the company.
- Make sure you’re comfortable with the jobs you apply for. There arelawsto prevent discrimination against felons, so it’s becoming common practice to employ felons today.
- Go through the interview the same way you would if you didn’t have a stain on your record.
1. Be Honest About Your Felony Record While Applying for a Job.
When you let your potential employer know about your criminal past beforehand, it automatically allows you to share your side of the story. You get to present your case, which might soften up your employer.
2. Be Prepared to Answer Questions About Your Offence.
When you make yourself an open book, it’ll be hard for them to hold anything against you as you’ve already made it clear that you have no problems talking about the past.
3. Look Out for Scammers
Usually, scammers capitalize on desperate people with limited options. Felons mostly fall under this category because of how much they get turned down.
So, if you see a job posting that looks too good to be true, you should stay away or carry out plenty of research.
4. Get a Reference
When you present a reference to a potential employer, it immediately increases your chances of getting hired. Therefore, the best thing to do is find a non-relative that can vouch for your credibility.
However, make sure to choose wisely when you’re looking for a reference.
Things to Avoid When Searching and Applying for a Job
Here are a few things to stay away from when you’re searching and applying for jobs for felons:
1. Dishonesty
The worst thing you can do when applying for a job is to be dishonest about your past. It will immediately reduce your chances of getting considered for the position if an employer uncovers the truth along the line.
2. Desperation
Desperation pushes people into the wrong choices. Understandably, it might be hard to stay calm when potential employers turn down all your applications. However, desperation will only increase your chances of falling back into old habits.
3. Low Self-esteem
Felons mostly battle with low self-esteem as they apply for jobs. They tend to see themselves as lesser-than, even though their crimes are behind them.
You should know that the moment you stop letting your past define you, progress becomes easier. There is freedom in acceptance.
Industries that Hire Felons
Several industries hire felons out there. Take a look at some of them:
Automotive and Car Rental Services
Automotive and car rental services are great for car lovers who would like to get their hands dirty.
This is hard work and it’s considered manual labor, but for those that enjoy this type of work, it’s a great opportunity for asecond chance.Plus, this is one of those industries that pay relatively well compared to others.
Some companies that hire felons include Chrysler Automotive, Firestone Complete Auto, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and more.
Automotive Jobs for Felons
- Firestone Complete Auto
- Chrysler Automotive
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
Building and Personnel Services
There are a lot of situations where a company needs help in maintaining their facilities or cleaning the facilities of a client. This is a great job to get into quickly if you’re having ahard timefinding anew job.
You’ll spend most of your time cleaning residential or commercial services and though it isn’t glamorous, it’s a job with high demand that has a lot of opportunities.
Cellular and Cable Providers/Installers
This is one of the most lucrative jobs for felons.
Telecommunications companies don’t shy away from hiring felons because they need as many people as they can get to run their installation errands and maintain their network.
Commercial Services
Just like residential buildings, commercial buildings need help to keep maintained as well. Jobs in this area might be cleaning commercial buildings, helping with property management, maintaining plumbing, concrete, roofing, and more.
Community Organizations
The purpose of community organizations is to improve the community that they’re a part of. These are places that are usually very open to working with those who have a record because they understand that helping the local community is how you make the location a better place for everyone.
Computer Hardware & Software
If you are interested in tech, this is a great place to start. Most of the jobs you’ll perform at these companies will be focused on the assembly and delivery of hardware products or helping create software in different capacities.
Construction and Trade
Manual labor trade jobs are not for those who can’t handle a lot of physical activity day in and day out.
That said, these types of jobs are some of the best paying opportunities you’re going to find and because the work demands so much, you can often find a position in the field. If you like the idea of working on job sites and working with your hands all day, this is the right industry for you.
Consumer Products Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies often need labor to help inspect, package, and deliver products that they’re trying to get to consumers. The jobs here are typically related to getting your hands on the product itself and helping deliver the final product to a consumer.
Department, Clothing and Shoe Stores
If you enjoy working with the public and don’t mind spending time managing the inventory of a location, this area is a great fit. Most of the jobs here you’ll find are in warehouse or inventory, but once in a while, a position for a sales associate that helps customers presents itself.
Financial Services
Contrary to popular belief, there are opportunities for those with a record to work in the financial industry. However, it’s not necessarily the jobs that everyone thinks of when they think of finances.
Financial institutions, like most companies, often need help with customer service responsibilities. You won’t need any certifications to handle these types of jobs other than passing company training.
Food Production and Processing
The US is dotted with thousands of food production and processing facilities. It’s a great option for felons because workers are always needed to carry out strenuous tasks.
If you’re finding it hard to get a job out there, this is undoubtedly a good option.
Food Service and Restaurants
If you try out this industry, the chances of getting turned down are slim.
It is one of the easiest and quickest types of job you’ll get because there usually isn’t pressure on you to have the best credentials. You could get hired as a chef, dishwasher, or server.
The best part is, you can get promoted to a better position if you work hard enough.
Freelancing and Online jobs
The best part about freelancing and online jobs is that there are no interviews and background checks. You only get to present your work portfolio and have good reviews on your profile.
This is a great way to start your life over, especially since the pay is usually substantial.
Grocery Stores
In order to run effectively, grocery stores need people day in and day out to stock shelves, help customers, clean the store, and handle the warehouse inventory.
This is a job where most of your time will be focused on maintaining the locations and assisting customers as needed.
Grocery stores are great options for felons looking for a second chance. The stores do not have strict policies against criminal records, so you may get a job stocking products, manning aisles, bagging food, and so much more.
However, some might not allow you to work at the cash register, seeing that it might cause a little more tension.
Grocery Store Jobs for Felons
- Publix
- Kroger
Healthcare Services and Hospitals
Though it’s hard to find jobs for felons in health care, it is not impossible. The only thing that might be a limiting factor is the nature of your crime. If you have a drug-related crime record, or one involving sexual crimes or violence, then you should look in another direction.
You can get a job in this industry if you’ve been given certification for your medical position. You can get hired as a registered nurse, nursing assistant, caregiver, phlebotomist, caregiver, and more.
These are considered on a case by case basis, but this is an industry lacking in labor, so it’s an opportunity to consider.
Home Centers and Hardware Stores
While retail locations aren’t always willing to hire those with a record, it seems that a lot of the large home centers and hardware stores likeHome Depotare a great place for a second chance. This is likely because the trades are felon friendly, so the two industries complement each other.
Here you’ll be focused mostly on stocking, warehouse management, customer service, and consulting with customers to help them with projects.
Home Centers and Hardware Store Jobs for Felons
- Home Depot
Home Furniture and Houseware Stores
Like home centers and hardware stores, home furniture and houseware stores are a great place to begin to work with a record. Most of the jobs will be focused on customer service or sales and will help you bring home a paycheck every month.
Hospitality
The hotel industry is a great option for felons looking for jobs. You can get employed as a cook, cleaner, baggage carrier, and even the lobby clerk.
These jobs might be strenuous, but they pay slightly higher than the minimum wage.
Hotels, Motels, and Resorts
Big locations where people come to visit often need a lot of people to maintain the facilities. Whether it be a maid to clean rooms, a handyman to fix broken objects, or customer service to assist guests, the lack of labor to fill these locations is a great place to start for someone with a record.
Companies likeHilton Hotelsand other big hotel chains can often be a great place to find a new job.
Industrial Manufacturing
Just like consumer products manufacturing, companies need labor to help inspect, package, and deliver products that they’re trying to get to consumers. If you’re up for manual labor, then manufacturing jobs might be the best for you.
Industrial manufacturing usually has a little bit of a higher health risk because the products are often chemicals or other potentially dangerous items, but the lack of labor in these facilities is a good opportunity to find felon friendly employers.
They require physical strength as you’ll be handling a lot of heavy equipment. There is also the chance for a promotion or an increment in salary if you do a good enough job.
Industrial Manufacturing Jobs for Felons
Metal and Mineral Manufacturing
Precious metals and natural minerals need companies (and people) to extract and mine them in order to be brought to their final locations where they can be used in development projects.
Jobs like these are considered skilled labor and require a lot of hard work, but they pay very well and are usually felon friendly.
Oil and Gas Services
Sometimes considered one of the more dangerous professions, working in the oil and gas industry is a challenge both mentally and physically.
You’ll find yourself working long hours and your body will take a beating from the physical labor, but the pay is some of the highest available for felons and it’s a great way to get into a career that cares more about your performance and less about your past.
Residential Services and Maintenance
Like working with your hands and don’t mind going to homeowner locations to help install/demolish/ or working on different projects? These companies are a great list of places to get started.
Positions here are manual labor, but the pay is competitive with many other areas and it’s great as there is typically always a need for skilled craftsmen.
Restaurants and Food Service
One of the quickest and easiest types of jobs you can get are in foodservice/restaurants. In this industry, you’ll usually find a job as a server/chef/dishwasher, and your choices don’t stop atMcDonald’sor Starbucks.
While it may not be your ideal choice, these jobs are a great start if you’re looking to try to quickly get a job and usually only require a high school diploma to get started.
Restaurant and Food Service Jobs for Felons
- Chipotle
- Panera
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Chick Fil A
Retail
There are dozens of retail stores in every city and state in America. These stores need as many hands as they can get, so it’s easy for you to get hired, despite your felony record.
However, the best way to increase your chances of landing a job at a retail store is to apply in multiple stores at once.
Even though companies like Amazon,Walmart, andKrogerdominate the retail landscape, there is a large number of companies that need assistance in stocking their stores and assisting their customers.
The companies below have a lot of locations and are more open to hiring those with a felony record than other retail companies.
Retail Jobs for Felons
- Hobby Lobby
- Petco
- Walmart
- Costco
- Family Dollar
Staffing and Outsourcing
Many staffing and outsourcing companies are willing to hire felons for positions because the employers they work with are focused on getting a job done in a hurry.
The below list of staffing/outsourcing agencies is willing to work with those who have a felony and help them find a position that fits.
Telecommunication Services
Like many other manual labor jobs, most telecommunications companies are willing to hire felons because they need people to help build and maintain their networks.
It takes tens of thousands of people to maintain these incredibly large technological infrastructures, so these are great places to work if you want to assist in that goal.
Transportation
Many rental companies and airlines need help to continually clean and maintain their vehicles. This isn’t always easy to do and becomes a challenging job with time, but it’s a great place to get started as someone with a felony.
Transportation Jobs for Felons
- CTA
Trucking and Logistics
Easily one of the mostfelon friendlyindustries,trucking companies, and logistics focus on the movement of products or goods from one location to another. Because of this, you don’t particularly need to present impressive credentials.
In this line of work, you’re either doing the transportation or supervising the movement of these products. The best part is, you get good, sustainable pay and should be something that can sustain you for years to come.
To become a driver, you’ll need to get a Commercialdriver’s licensealong with training. If you aren’t sure where to start, you may want tocheck on this post we wrote.
Trucking and Logistics Jobs for Felons
- Trucking Companies that Hire Felons
- Penske Automotive
Warehouses
Warehouses need workers who can use their physical strength and endurance. It involves the use of manual labor as you’ll be doing a lot of heavy lifting. It is also considered non-lucrative as the pay is usually minimum wage.
However, if you’re down in the dumps and you need a little cash, warehouses are the best options for you. They’re also felon-friendly, so you have nothing to worry about.
Waste and Sanitation Services
The old saying goes that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. While we’re not advocating the idea of garbage picking necessarily, the point here is that sanitation is a good area for those with a record to get a second chance.
The job will be dirty and you may come home each night smelling a little rough, but the pay is good compared to other industries and there’s a lot of opportunity to grow.
