Creating a resume can feel overwhelming, especially after being released from a lengthy prison
or jail sentence.
A resume is an important tool that helps you showcase your skills and experiences to potential
employers.
It’s your chance to tell your story in a way that highlights your strengths and shows why you are
a great candidate for a job.
In this guide, we will explore how to create a resume step by step, focusing on how to present
your experiences in the best possible light.
When you start working on your resume, the first thing you need to do is gather information
about your past jobs, skills, and education.
Even if you haven’t worked in a traditional job for a long time, think about the skills you’ve
gained during your time in prison or jail.
Did you complete any educational programs, participate in vocational training, or work in jobs
within the facility? All of these experiences are valuable and can be included in your resume.
Employers are often looking for transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-
solving, which you may have developed through various activities.
Begin your resume with your contact information at the top.
This should include your name, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address
is professional—something simple with your name, rather than a nickname or phrase.
If you don’t have an email address, you can create one for free through services like Gmail.
Providing up-to-date and accurate contact information is essential because this is how potential
employers will reach out to you for interviews or further discussions.
Next, create a summary or objective statement. This is a short paragraph at the beginning of your
resume that gives a quick overview of who you are and what you are looking for.
For example, you might write, “Motivated individual with strong teamwork and problem-solving
skills, seeking a position where I can apply my abilities and continue to grow.”
This statement should focus on your strengths and what you hope to achieve in your next job.
After your summary, list your work experience. If you have gaps in your employment history
due to your time in prison or jail, that’s okay.
Focus on the work you did while incarcerated, as well as any jobs you held before your sentence.
When describing your work experience, use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and
accomplishments.
For example, if you worked in a kitchen, you could mention tasks like “Managed food
preparation for over 100 individuals daily” or “Ensured cleanliness and safety standards were
met.”
These details show that you have valuable experience, even if it wasn’t in a traditional work
environment.
If you participated in any educational or vocational programs, be sure to include them in a
section dedicated to education and training.
This could include high school diplomas, GEDs, college courses, or certifications in areas like
carpentry, plumbing, or computer skills.
Employers appreciate candidates who have taken the initiative to learn new skills, so don’t
hesitate to showcase these achievements.
Even if your education was interrupted, every course and certification you completed is worth
mentioning.
Another important section of your resume is skills. Here, you can list specific abilities that are
relevant to the job you are applying for.
For example, you might include skills like “Time management,” “Basic computer skills,”
“Customer service,” or “Conflict resolution.”
Think about what you are good at and what you have learned from your past experiences. Even if
you haven’t worked in a typical job, you’ve likely developed skills that employers find valuable.
In addition to work experience, education, and skills, you may want to include a section on
volunteer work or community service if you’ve had those opportunities.
This shows that you are committed to giving back and being involved in your community, which
is a positive quality in any employee.
Volunteering also helps demonstrate your ability to work with others and contribute to a team,
which are important traits in any job.
When creating your resume, keep the format simple and easy to read. Use a basic font like Arial
or Times New Roman, and make sure your text is large enough to read comfortably.
Avoid using bright colors or fancy designs, as these can distract from the content of your resume.
The goal is to make your resume clear and professional so employers can quickly see your
qualifications.
Finally, proofread your resume carefully. Look for spelling or grammar mistakes, and ensure all
the information is accurate.
You can also ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume.
A well-written, error-free resume makes a strong first impression and increases your chances of
getting an interview.
In conclusion, creating a resume after being released from prison or jail is an important step
toward finding employment.
By focusing on your strengths, highlighting your experiences, and presenting your skills clearly,
you can create a resume that shows employers you are ready to work and succeed.
Remember, your past does not define your future, and with the right tools and mindset, you can
achieve your goals and build a positive future.
Keywords: resume, job search, employment, skills, work experience, education, reentry, career,
training, professional.