One of the main reasons why newly released inmates or those on probation or parole
return to prison or a life of crime is due to a lack of job opportunities.
There are 70 million U.S. adults with arrests or convictions that are turned away from
jobs due to their records.
650,000 people are released from prisons and jails every year.
Coupled with no money or income and inadequate housing, no life skills, and a criminal
record and it looks like being inside a cage is better than being free.
Studies show that nearly 1 of out 3 Black men have felony convictions, so that directly
shows why minority men are the ones looking for 2nd chance jobs and opportunities.
Having a criminal record, even a misdemeanor can make it harder to get employment
even at places that pay low and require little to no experience.
Completing require community service is also difficult because many non-profits do not
accept people who committed violent crimes or crimes against women and children.
Everyone deserves a second chance in life, but it seems today’s society is hindering
more than helping those who need it the most.
Below tips are listed that will hope those with criminal backgrounds to find employment:
Be honest about criminal history on applications and during interviews.
Be patient and do not get discouraged.
Search in industries that need workers, like manufacturing, restaurants,
landscaping.
Set a goal on a few applications to fill out daily or weekly.
Although difficult to accept a job that pays low wages, it’s easier to accept a
position just to show your probation or parole officer that you are making strides
in the right direction.
Studies show that over 60% Black men released from prison have the hardest
time after being released and that over a year later they are still unemployed.
Waste management services, food services, and construction companies are the
major industries that hire convicted felons.
With no job skills attained in prison and jails, many felons take jobs with low
wages because they need income to provide for themselves and comply with
supervision.
Having a criminal record and checking the box for a felony conviction on an
application, reduces the likelihood of a callback by 50%.
Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Starbucks, Bed Bath and Beyond, Facebook, and
Koch Industries are all companies that have removed the question about
convictions from their employment applications.
Many states also restrict people with criminal records from obtaining licenses for
cosmetology, real estate, social work, or even tow truck driving.
In conclusion, having a second chance is integral to a newly released person’s
success. Employers must look at the age of offense and its relevance to the job
before automatically disqualifying a person.
Being open and honest will help the employer understand what steps the person
has taken to change and rehabilitate themselves to society.