Advice On Starting A Career After Prison

by kevrider

posted on 10/18/2009

When an individual gets out of prison they often have the frame of mind that they will never amoun t to anything or will never be able to secure a great job. This is a myth and anyone is capable of overcoming a felony conviction in order to be successful in the workforce.
The first step is to land a job of any sort. It does not matter what type of work you are performing, or even if you enjoy the job. Spenad a solid six months at this job in order to build job history with a legitimate employer. After building this history, begin searching on Monster or similar job boards for an opening with a comapny you would like to work for. Seek out entry level jobs just to get your foot in the door.
Design a resume while being creative with previous employment history. If the only job you ever held before going to prison were a Telemarketer and pizza delivery job, then play this as "customer service" experience and seek out cutomer service type jobs. Use experience from prison as job skills and strengths and include it in your resume.
Most large companies will verify one to two references and consider this sufficient. Be sure and list at least two good references that will provide a solid reference.
Do not lie on your application. Unless the position states that it requires no felony convictions, being truthful on the application will still get you in the door. Once hired, companies will generally not recheck your background for a promotion regardless of the requirements for the position. I am proof positive that advancement is a real possibility after getting your foot in the door.
Stay clean and ensure that you can pass a drug test at a moments notice. All large corporations have a drug test policy and will always perform a pre-employment drug test.
Another good aspect is to perform some volunteer work. Volunteer fire departments are good if you check your state statues first to ensure a felony conviction will not bar you from volunteering. Seek out smaller departments first, and sit down with the Chief to disclose and explain your background before they perform a background check on you. Most are so desperate for help that with an explanation of the circumstances they will still appoint you as a firefighter.
A great career with a reputable corporation is a real possibility even with a felony conviction. With a little planning and effort, anyone can go on to become a productive citizen and throw the "prison" crutches away for good.

Comment on this article

You must be logged in to post comments.

Previous Comments