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Reader A Bummed Out Wife asks:
My husband made a terrible mistake in his past that continues to affect him now. He pled guilty to growing marijuana with the intent to distribute it for sale. He completed his sentence (4 years of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $2,500 fine).
He has two degrees, actively volunteers with a community agency, and has not gotten so much as a speeding ticket since his conviction. However no one will hire him once his background check comes back.
He has been completely honest about his mistake and has never sought to deceive any potential employer by hiding his felony record. But it is truly disappointing to go on several job interviews and interview well enough to be considered for a job offer, only to be told ‘no’ due to his criminal history.
We are at our wit’s since we grossly underestimated how negatively this would continue to affect his job options. What advice would you give besides to “try, try again”?
Brian answers after the jump.
Brian Sayz:
Yep. This is a big problem. And I wish I could tell you there is a quick and easy solution, but there isn’t. There’s no silver bullet. In the end, your husband, more than most job seekers, is going to have to depend on the kindness in someone’s heart.
Let me give you my various thoughts on how you should proceed and hopefully one of these ideas will lead you down the right path.
Firstly, some resume writers I know say not to put any arrests or time incarcerated on a resume. But I don’t see what the point of that is. You have to fess up to a felony conviction on a job application. That’s the law.
And if you don’t fess up… only to have it come out down the road… they have a legal right to fire you for your deception.
So, I’m all about being up front about it. I’m not saying you take out a billboard or anything… you can put a little note at the very end of the resume. And make sure to make a note that you’re open to discussing all the details.
Being forthcoming and showing an eagerness to own up to the past is the best strategy you can take in this situation. It seems that your husband is already doing this.
Ex-Felon Employment Services
The best advice I can give you is to seek out ex-felon employment services or charities. These are organizations who do exactly what we’re talking about: help ex-offenders find work. Trust me, they’re out there. In a nation with millions of citizens behind bars, you are not alone in this predicament.
There’s no big national organization or government agency. But various states and even cities and communities have just such services. I think the state of California has one, but my googling proved inconclusive. I’ve heard people work with Prisoner’s Relief Society, but they too seem to absent from the web. The National H.I.R.E Network has resources you might find useful.
Bottom line, search the yellow pages in your local community. Or call the local courts or government. Or… I don’t know if this is applicable in your case… did your husband have a parole officer? Might that officer be a resource for you?
Employers do have some incentive to hire ex-offenders, btw. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is available to employers as an incentive to hire felons, up to thousands of dollars a year. The Federal Bonding Program is another employer incentive. So… putting that out there.
Other thoughts…
Try temp agencies. I’ve always heard it’s much easier for ex-offenders to find temp work. And temp work can offer your husband a chance to prove he’s a solid worker. Temp work often can lead to a permanent job offer.
And I always speak on this blog about using personal connections and networking to find a job. In your husband’s case, this might be the best hope. Do you have any friends or family members who own businesses or who can help your husband find work? You’re looking for any situation where someone can find it in their heart to give your husband a second chance because they know and like him… or else can vouch for him personally.
What about your church? Do you belong to a church or religious community/congregation? I know this sounds like something out of Leave it to Beaver (or The Wire… I’m thinking specifically of Cutty from The Wire) but isn’t this sort of thing what churches are sort of for? This is just the sort of community work churches do. Or are supposed to do. Forgiveness and second chances and all. Try approaching your minister/priest/rabbi, what-have-you. He/she might be able to point you in the right direction or at least reach out to someone in the congregation who can help.
Finally, and this might seem flippant, but I’m being serious: what about self-employment. If you husband has the resources/skills, why not going into business for himself or starting a small business? If he’s the boss, he can’t reject himself.
18 responses so far ↓
1 Julie // Jul 10, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Something else that you should at least look into is expungement of the criminal record. The specifics will depend on what state you are in and the state statutes there. Expungement means that you don’t have to report the conviction to employers (unless you’re seeking a government security clearance). The type of offense you were convicted of and your record since conviction will be the most determinative factors. You’ll probably need to consult with a lawyer but often Legal Aid services can help with this fairly straightforward process. Without more specifics I can’t say that you would be eligible but it is at least worth some research.
2 gwyneth // Jul 11, 2008 at 4:29 am
This is a truly awful dilemma, but to be positive just think of the opportunity that employers are missing!
My best advice would be to apply to small firms. Try to avoid automation wherever you can. If you apply to a large firm chances are HR will reject your application before it is even considered. An SME, on the other hand, will adopt a more human approach, your application may well be considered by the proprietor who should jump at the opportunity to employ somebody so well qualified.
Above all, don’t give up hope. Be positive and keep on banging on doors
3 Scott // Jul 14, 2008 at 6:46 am
Expungement is a good idea. As to the temp agancies, it would depend on the client. SOme clients require background checks as well. I know mine does.
4 Eric // Jul 17, 2008 at 2:38 pm
There is a lot of good information to help ex-offenders get jobs at my blog:
http://helpforexoffenders.wordpress.com
5 50 // Jul 21, 2008 at 1:09 am
The people that are looking for work are the people that are trying to change their life. I been out of prison for fourteen years, when I first got out of prison I got a job working in a hospital as a maintenance tech. eleven years I work there. new management and I was let go. the last three years have been hell for me. all that about a tax brake for employer, expungement is a joke and not helpful, information about you stays in the system, expungement was giving for the crime on such and such date. big deal that will change an employers mind. Face it prison is big business, construction, lawyers, judges, law enforcement, doctors, prison guards, food service, etc. etc. with out felons a lot people would be out of work. keep the slave trade moving. today if you an ex felon their is no need to apply is what they are saying, sure you can find work next to the illegal alien. I think I am going back to sale drugs on the college campus.
6 50 // Jul 21, 2008 at 1:10 am
The people that are looking for work are the people that are trying to change their life. I been out of prison for fourteen years, when I first got out of prison I got a job working in a hospital as a maintenance tech. eleven years I work there. new management and I was let go. the last three years have been hell for me. all that about a tax brake for employer, expungement is a joke and not helpful, information about you stays in the system, expungement was giving for the crime on such and such date. big deal that will change an employers mind. Face it prison is big business, construction, lawyers, judges, law enforcement, doctors, prison guards, food service, etc. etc. with out felons a lot people would be out of work. keep the slave trade moving. today if you an ex felon their is no need to apply is what they are saying, sure you can find work next to the illegal alien. I think I am going back to sale drugs on the college campus. see ya.
7 Substantiation // Aug 5, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Dear 50,
If you think negative thoughts you only seal your fate with a self-fulfilling prophecy. You have to believe in the ability to work past all this before anything can happen. If you go back to selling drugs you know the routine. Believe in yourself and things will change fof the better.
8 Epictetus // Aug 5, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I agree with Substantiation. What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are. If you think you are capable, you’ll act that way. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you think, so you are.
9 June // Sep 6, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I agree with all of the above. The only thing is, some employers are broadening the scope of the period of time that horrible question covers, depending on the state. In some states, it may ask something like, “within the last 5, 7, 10 years,” others ask, “ever” and still others, “convicted, not convicted, plead, or plea deal”. It’s crazy. A relative of mine moved to a state that was more lenient (medical field), then moved after 3 years to another state that he eventually settled in. There’s really no quick answers. But it seems like you’re a good candidate for expungement.
10 15 years too long // Sep 7, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Following 15 years of incarceration, beginning when I was 17, I am finding that the acceptance of my felony to potential employers is an iffy proposition. I have 3 college degrees, working on my masters, and the moment my felony is mentioned it’s as if I just committed the crime at that very minute. With the support of my family and close friends, I know that all I have to do is get my foot in the door. Establish that work history and the doors will eventually open for me. The only person to keep me down is me.
11 JAMIE // Sep 17, 2008 at 1:39 pm
i want to go to school for medical billing and coding i have felony of worthlelss checks will i be wasting my time and money
12 Pedro // Oct 2, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Can anyone provide a list of companies that hire ex-felons in the East Bay, California?
I have about 8 months of probation left and expect to have my record expunged at that time but I need work now. I have technical/computer skills.
13 Pedro // Oct 2, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I am also willing to do regular store work like office work, stocking, ware housing, etc but I heard that places like Home Depot do not hire people like me.
Can anyone provide an actual list of companies that hire ex-felons in the East Bay (besides construction companies)?
14 adam smith // Nov 30, 2008 at 12:24 am
That is the worst advice I have heard. I have a felony for a non-violent offense from 1994. This is 14 years later and I have the same problem. His advice is the politically correct advice. Keep trying, eventually your husband will get someone to give him a chance to wash dishes for minimum wage, and if he’s lucky, 20 years later they might promote him. Really? You really want to go down that road? I have two bits of advice: first, for him, lie or choose a job that pays well that’s under the table. On all the applications I lied about my record on in 14 years, I got caught once. But I had a paycheck for 3 months. And that company said they don’t work with ex-cons, so had I been honest, I would have been hungry. The under the table job I recommend is pizza delivery—but in a safe and affluent town. Personally I have done it in both affluent areas and New Haven, CT, which is very unsafe. Do it in a nice town. I worked open to close 6 days a week and never left with less than $150 in my pocket. Do the math. That’s $900 cash a week. That’s $46,800 a year to start. My best average was $1200 a week when I hustled to make lots of runs and be as polite as humanly possible for bigger tips. The rest of you can laugh, but $1200 a week cash beats $7.60 an hour at McDonald’s any day of the week.
My other bit of advice depends on how much you love him. If you truly love him, and would do anything for him, consider letting him be the one to stay home caring for any kids, the house, etc, while you further your career. Meanwhile, save. A lot. Most people need 10% of what they want even though they may buy 90% of it. Save and keep saving and help him find a business to start. The doors are virtually wide open for most businesses. Town licenses have nothing to do with your record. I own a pizza place, and while I’m struggling, I own it. In my name. I’d suggest shopping ideas with him. Maybe a liquor store with you as the holder of the license? Or whatever his dreams are, find a way to make them work. The last option is to leave the United States for a more compassionate country that will accept you. If either of you are Jewish, Israel offers the right of return to all Jews. It’s an option. Good luck.
15 Eric // Dec 7, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hello everyone unfortunately my other blog was shut down. You can find my new blog “Help for ex-offenders and felons ooking for jobs” here:
http://www.jailtojob.com/wordpress
16 Nicole // Dec 26, 2008 at 1:53 am
Does anyone know of NJ ex-offender resources for job possibilities? Thanks…This is a very important and much needed website!
17 Jacqueline Caron Founder/CEO // Dec 27, 2008 at 11:17 pm
HOW LONG IS LONG ENOUGH?
For any man or woman convicted of a crime, successfully completing their sentence, along with any assigned parole or probation, is just the beginning. After their release from confinement, they are faced with re-integrating themselves back into their community – often in the same area and with the same influences that provided them opportunity to break the law in the first place.
Their search for employment is often stonewalled by the fact that they now have a conviction on their record. Employers performing a routine search find the negative information, and unless they are part of a progressive federal or state program, or willing to give the applicant a second chance, the applicant is put at the bottom of the list of candidates – if they remain on the list at all.
The goal of improving their own economic status and fighting the impulse to return to their former ways is complicated further by the fact that even advanced education – like a master’s degree – is often not enough to convince a potential employer to give them another chance.
Apartment leases, home mortgages, opening a bank account or a credit card, and many other processes that non-offenders take for granted are often closed to these individuals. This situation continues for as long as the conviction stays on their record, and with the advent of computers, the information is even easier to find.
How long is long enough for a person convicted of a crime, who has successfully completed their parole and / or probation, to continue to pay for that crime? The Connecticut Pardon Team was founded in 2004 to provide tools and information for individuals convicted of a crime who are interested in clearing their record through the non-inmate pardon within our state through our Pardon Assistance Program.
18 Misty1NC // Jan 5, 2009 at 12:52 pm
There is some very good advice here. Convicted for marijuana 9 years ago, I had my own business, now defunct and worked at a Country Club for 7 years. Have two degrees and thought I could find a job. Ha ha. Doors slam especially in the south, I think. Things have to change, there are too many of us. But, I recently got my right to vote back and pot will surely be legal soon. Thanks for the website.
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