Fresh Start!This workshop will help jobseekers develop

effective responses to both typical and difficult job interview questions; project a professional image that always makes a good first impression; speak more confidently about themselves and about their past.

Labels

Discussion:

Perceptions, judgements, and attitudes.

How the “public” view ex-offenders.

SKILLS

“Who am I What am I”

Handout

List your attributes/natural abilities

List skills

Explaining Your Conviction

Application – Under the felony section write “I will explain my conviction in a personal interview.”

Write it out – state the facts, take responsibility for your actions, and emphasize desire to make a Fresh Start

Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…

1.) Introduction Statement:

Thanks for the opportunity to explain: I am not proud of what I did I am nervous talking about it, but I want to

be honest. I am glad you asked, because I want to be

up front.

Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…

2.) Take accountability!

What is accountability?

I was young and made a mistake. I made a poor choice. I made a mistake.

Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…

3.) Conviction: Talk about it I got into an altercation where someone got hurt

and I was wrong. I took something that did not belong to me and I

was wrong. I was somewhere I should not have been and I

was wrong. Note: Don’t use hostile words (assault, armed robbery, terrorist threats)

Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…

4.) Learn: What did you learn?

(Talk about what they learned while incarcerated)

During my rehabilitation I:Attended AA/NAUsed my time wisely to…Got my GEDWorked as a janitor, on the yard crew, as a clerk etcTook a vocational education class.

Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…

5.) Here and now:

(Talk about what you are doing positively, now)

I am here today to bring my skills…

1-Minute Commercial

Conviction Explanation Example #1:

“I am glad you asked me, because I want to be up front with you. When I was younger I got involved with some people who were transporting drugs. I made some bad decisions in the past. During my incarceration I was chosen to work in the optical department where I got my certificate and I found I really enjoyed it. Now I am ready to get to work and prove that I can do a good job. That’s why I am applying with you. In fact, you qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and you may receive subsidized wages.” List skills & attributes

Conviction Explanation Example #2:

“I’m a little nervous talking about it, but, I want to be honest with you. Three years ago I was involved in an altercation in which the person was hurt. I am sorry it happened and I am paying restitution for it. While I was incarcerated, I attended anger management, took an education course to get my GED and worked as a clerk. I am a hard worker and have skills in (list skills) In fact, you may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and you can receive subsidized wages.”

Complete Explanation Exercises

More Interview Tips

GroomingAttire for an InterviewBody LanguageResearching CompaniesFollow up with a Thank You Letter

Available/Additional ResourcesExpunging criminal records

Handout

Limited experience: Draw from skills you gained from classes, volunteering, extracurricular activities, internships, and other experiences to highlight skills identified in the job posting.

Available/Additional Resources Cont’d...

Criminal record: Include work experience you had while incarcerated to close employment gaps. Highlight any experience or training you received that's related to your career goal. A functional resume style may work best. 

Gaps in Employment: Highlight your qualifications in the top portion of your resume and de-emphasize employment dates.

ANY QUESTIONS?Comments?

Career Counselor (559) 713-5001

www.employmentconnect.org