Working With a Criminal RecordWorking With a Criminal Record

Presented byPresented byKim ColemanKim Coleman

CEO, CEO, Employment VenturesEmployment Ventures

www.employmentventures.org

E-mail: ceo@employmentventures.orgE-mail: ceo@employmentventures.org

Today's competitive job market presents a challenge for anyone seeking to move up. But a criminal record can make finding even entry-level positions even more difficult.

Rising Inmate Populations Mean More Ex-Offenders Seeking Jobs

Skyrocketing inmate populations mean millions of inmates released from jail or prison over the past five years are facing this scenario.

Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) data show that in 2009, more than 8.5 million adults were under some form of correctional supervision, including prison or jail, parole and probation. Approximately 3.4 million were incarcerated, leaving 4.9 million in society -- and looking for work. Ex-offender population demographics are also a factor. In 2009, there were 6,374 African American male prison inmates per 100,000 African American males in the United States, compared to 1,870 Hispanic male inmates per 100,000 Hispanic males and 687 white male inmates per 100,000 white males. In other words, African American males are incarcerated at a rate nearly seven times that of white males.

The FactsThe Facts

What You Need to KnowWhat You Need to KnowThough you may not have been guilty of the crime you Though you may not have been guilty of the crime you were accused of, employers may not see it that way. were accused of, employers may not see it that way. Be ready for some rejection, it is part of the game. Be ready for some rejection, it is part of the game. Many employers participate in community Many employers participate in community rehabilitation programs that assist ex-offenders in rehabilitation programs that assist ex-offenders in landing gainful employment. landing gainful employment.

Record expungement is not etched in stone. There are Record expungement is not etched in stone. There are over 8,000 websites where employers can find over 8,000 websites where employers can find anything they want to know about your legal anything they want to know about your legal background. Think before you spend money on this background. Think before you spend money on this effort. Get sound legal advice and representation to effort. Get sound legal advice and representation to pursue an expungement.pursue an expungement.

Check your own record to know exactly what an Check your own record to know exactly what an employer will see. employer will see.

Check theCheck the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website: https://cch.state.mn.us/Common/BCAHome.aspx https://cch.state.mn.us/Common/BCAHome.aspx

What You Need to KnowWhat You Need to KnowPrepare yourself by visiting a local workforce center and enroll Prepare yourself by visiting a local workforce center and enroll into a Job Readiness program where an Employment Counselor into a Job Readiness program where an Employment Counselor can provide you with needed strategies and resources to can provide you with needed strategies and resources to successfully gain employment.successfully gain employment.

There are no miracles, you will need to cater your job search in There are no miracles, you will need to cater your job search in a direction that fits your situation and know how to sell yourself.a direction that fits your situation and know how to sell yourself.

If your release requires you to find employment in a limited time If your release requires you to find employment in a limited time to prevent re-incarceration, use temporary agencies for to prevent re-incarceration, use temporary agencies for immediate placement, but continue search for full time immediate placement, but continue search for full time employment.employment.

Your Employment Counselor may provide you with a list of Your Employment Counselor may provide you with a list of “Felony Friendly” employers. Don’t put too much faith in this employers. Don’t put too much faith in this list. Employers have the right to advertise that their hiring policy list. Employers have the right to advertise that their hiring policy includes employing individuals with criminal records, but they includes employing individuals with criminal records, but they may not actually be as open to this practice as they claim to be. may not actually be as open to this practice as they claim to be.

InterviewingInterviewing

Always be honest.Always be honest. If an employer hires you, then later discovers If an employer hires you, then later discovers that you lied, the employer can likely legally fire you. That'll make it that you lied, the employer can likely legally fire you. That'll make it even tougher to land the next job. even tougher to land the next job.

Outline your conviction by answering Outline your conviction by answering yesyes and then add: and then add: “Will “Will explain in interview”.explain in interview”. Never disclose your record prior to the Never disclose your record prior to the interview, and at the interview, only discuss it if the employer interview, and at the interview, only discuss it if the employer initiates it.initiates it.

Always take a brochure about bonding and tax credits if it applies to Always take a brochure about bonding and tax credits if it applies to your situation. Explain the benefits to the employer. See the your situation. Explain the benefits to the employer. See the Department of Employment and Economic Development: Department of Employment and Economic Development: www.deed.state.mn.us/bondingwww.deed.state.mn.us/bonding www.deed.state.mn.us/wotc/page3.htm

Employers ExpectationsEmployers ExpectationsEmployers main concerns revolve around trust and safety issues because they Employers main concerns revolve around trust and safety issues because they

have to protect their investments. Here are the main expectations:have to protect their investments. Here are the main expectations:

Employee Safety:Employee Safety: Are you a danger to others. Are you a danger to others.

Attendance and Reliability:Attendance and Reliability: Do you have strong work ethic; will you attend Do you have strong work ethic; will you attend work regularly.work regularly.

Interpersonal Skills:Interpersonal Skills: Can you get along with others. Can you get along with others.

Compliance:Compliance: Can you take orders and follow directions. Can you take orders and follow directions.

Confidence:Confidence: Can you convince the employer you are the person for the job Can you convince the employer you are the person for the job and that you will not revert to criminal activity.and that you will not revert to criminal activity.

Quality:Quality: Is your work good or accurate enough to represent the company. Is your work good or accurate enough to represent the company.

Productivity:Productivity: Is your work fast enough, i.e., working at the rate an employer Is your work fast enough, i.e., working at the rate an employer feels is reasonable to as of employees.feels is reasonable to as of employees.

Reliability:Reliability: If you say you will do something or be somewhere at a certain If you say you will do something or be somewhere at a certain time, you will.time, you will.

Honesty:Honesty: Not stealing, telling the truth and not doing things on the worksite Not stealing, telling the truth and not doing things on the worksite that are dishonest.that are dishonest.

InterviewingInterviewing

When you are discussing your record:

1.1. Be brief;Be brief; never go into great detail with an interviewer about never go into great detail with an interviewer about your situation, remember the employer can get the information your situation, remember the employer can get the information they are required to have from other sources.they are required to have from other sources.

2.2. Don’t make excuses.Don’t make excuses. This makes the employer doubt your This makes the employer doubt your integrity and you may seem desperate.integrity and you may seem desperate.

3.3. Present your situation in a positive mannerPresent your situation in a positive manner to assure the to assure the employer that if they are concerned about any activity in your employer that if they are concerned about any activity in your record, you have learned a valued lesson and took steps to record, you have learned a valued lesson and took steps to correct your mistake/s; i.e. anger management classes, skill correct your mistake/s; i.e. anger management classes, skill building or other educational activities including work building or other educational activities including work experience. Steer the interview toward the positives of your life experience. Steer the interview toward the positives of your life as it is now.as it is now.

4.4. Stay relaxed and be confidentStay relaxed and be confident

Interviewing QuestionsInterviewing QuestionsQUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED AT A JOB INTERVIEWQUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED AT A JOB INTERVIEW

1. 1. What do you know about our company? (Find out what you can about the company)What do you know about our company? (Find out what you can about the company)2. What qualifications do you have for this job? (Match what you know about2. What qualifications do you have for this job? (Match what you know about the job and company to your experience)the job and company to your experience)3. What is your greatest strength? (Relate to job description)3. What is your greatest strength? (Relate to job description)4. What is your greatest weakness? (Turn into positive; i.e., perfectionist with4. What is your greatest weakness? (Turn into positive; i.e., perfectionist with high self expectations. Admit a past problem and what you learned from it)high self expectations. Admit a past problem and what you learned from it)5. Tell about yourself. (Reveal something semi-personal but still professional)5. Tell about yourself. (Reveal something semi-personal but still professional)6. What do you think you learned during your incarceration?6. What do you think you learned during your incarceration?7. Why did you leave your previous job? (Turn into a positive)7. Why did you leave your previous job? (Turn into a positive)8. Could you give an example of how you demonstrated skill?8. Could you give an example of how you demonstrated skill?9. Give me an example of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job. 9. Give me an example of how you handled a difficult situation on a previous job. 10. In a job, what interests you most/least? (Relate to position)10. In a job, what interests you most/least? (Relate to position)11. Where do you see yourself in three years? (Demonstrate ambition and11. Where do you see yourself in three years? (Demonstrate ambition and flexibility)flexibility)12. What could you have done better on your last job? (Keep it positive)12. What could you have done better on your last job? (Keep it positive)13. What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to13. What have you done recently that shows your initiative and willingness to work?work?14. Tell me about your top 3 accomplishments.14. Tell me about your top 3 accomplishments.15. Why should we hire you?15. Why should we hire you?

Interviewing QuestionsInterviewing QuestionsQUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWERSQUESTIONS TO ASK INTERVIEWERS

1.1. What specific responsibilities would I have?What specific responsibilities would I have?2.2. What might a typical workday in this job be like?What might a typical workday in this job be like?3.3. What types of career paths do people typically follow when they are What types of career paths do people typically follow when they are

promoted out of this position?promoted out of this position?4.4. Who would be my supervisor?Who would be my supervisor?5.5. With whom would I be working?With whom would I be working?6.6. To what extent will I be working independently or as a team member?To what extent will I be working independently or as a team member?7.7. How large is the department?How large is the department?8.8. Is there a training program for new employees? If so, can you explain yourIs there a training program for new employees? If so, can you explain your9.9. training program?training program?10.10. How would my performance be evaluated?How would my performance be evaluated?11.11. How is superior performance noted?How is superior performance noted?12.12. Is there a probationary period? If so, how long?Is there a probationary period? If so, how long?13.13. How do I take time off to see my parole agent / probation officer, these areHow do I take time off to see my parole agent / probation officer, these are mandatory appointments?mandatory appointments?

INTERVIEW CHECKLISTBefore the Interview:Before the Interview:ü Check location, time, date and name of interviewerü Check location, time, date and name of interviewerü Find out as much as you can about the companyü Find out as much as you can about the companyü Prepare some answers to common interview questionsü Prepare some answers to common interview questionsü Practice interviewing and ask someone to critique your performanceü Practice interviewing and ask someone to critique your performanceü Determine salary expectationsü Determine salary expectationsü Dress appropriately and present a clean appearanceü Dress appropriately and present a clean appearanceü Take extra copies of your resumeü Take extra copies of your resumeü Arrive on timeü Arrive on timeDuring the Interview:During the Interview:ü Be prepared to shake hands when you introduce yourself to the interviewerü Be prepared to shake hands when you introduce yourself to the interviewerü Remember the interviewer’s name and use it during the interviewü Remember the interviewer’s name and use it during the interviewü Recognize that the interview is a conversation, not an interrogationü Recognize that the interview is a conversation, not an interrogationü Maintain good eye contact and try to smileü Maintain good eye contact and try to smileü Listen carefully and respond appropriately to questionsü Listen carefully and respond appropriately to questionsü Ask intelligent questions to show you are interested in the jobü Ask intelligent questions to show you are interested in the jobü Do not initiate money or benefits conversation until you have a job offer, but be preparedü Do not initiate money or benefits conversation until you have a job offer, but be preparedto negotiate a salary when the subject is raisedto negotiate a salary when the subject is raisedü Answer questions fully, but do not dominate the conversationü Answer questions fully, but do not dominate the conversationü Maintain good posture and present a positive attitude with a confident self-imageü Maintain good posture and present a positive attitude with a confident self-imageü Do not lie and do not bad-mouth past employersü Do not lie and do not bad-mouth past employersü Find out the employer’s requirements for the position and tell how you met themü Find out the employer’s requirements for the position and tell how you met themü Convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job by carefully presentingü Convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job by carefully presentingyour technical skills, general abilities and personality traitsyour technical skills, general abilities and personality traitsü Close the interview by asking for the jobü Close the interview by asking for the jobü Find out when to follow upü Find out when to follow upAfter the Interview:After the Interview:ü Send a thank you note reasserting your interest and qualificationsü Send a thank you note reasserting your interest and qualificationsü Follow up in a timely mannerü Follow up in a timely mannerü If you are not selected, try to find out whyü If you are not selected, try to find out why

ApplicationsApplications

The following sample job application areas will give you an idea ofThe following sample job application areas will give you an idea ofwhat to expect when you apply for a job and how to presentwhat to expect when you apply for a job and how to presentyourself to potential employers.yourself to potential employers.

You may be asked to fill out an application on the day of theYou may be asked to fill out an application on the day of theinterview, so make sure you are prepared to provide any interview, so make sure you are prepared to provide any

necessarynecessaryinformation about yourself and your employment history. information about yourself and your employment history.

Have this information and your resume with you at all places youHave this information and your resume with you at all places youapply to so each employer has the same information. apply to so each employer has the same information.

Conflicting information can hinder your chances.Conflicting information can hinder your chances. You never You neverknow who knows whom. Employers do talk and exchangeknow who knows whom. Employers do talk and exchangeinformationinformation..

ApplicationsApplicationsBecause your record can be accessed by the public, you are atarget for identity theft. This is when someone accesses youprivate information and uses it illegally. In order to better protectyourself you have the following option:

At the top of your application write: “Due to identity theft, the dashed spaces will be completed ifhired”

Personal InformationPersonal Information First Name: _____________________________First Name: _____________________________Middle Name: ___________________________Middle Name: ___________________________Last Name: _____________________________Last Name: _____________________________Social Security Number: (enter dash) ------------Social Security Number: (enter dash) ------------Driver’s License Number: (enter dash) -----------Driver’s License Number: (enter dash) -----------Date of Birth: (enter dash) -----------Date of Birth: (enter dash) -----------Street Address: Use street address, not name of facilityStreet Address: Use street address, not name of facilityCity: _______________ State: _______ Zip: ________City: _______________ State: _______ Zip: ________

ApplicationsApplications

EducationEducation High School: If received GED while incarcerated, list school district instead of facility name Position DesiredPosition Desired Title: Always put the title you are applying for –don’t leave blank or say “Any”

Desired SalaryDesired SalaryNever put “open” or “any”. Use a dollar amount or“Negotiable”

ApplicationsApplicationsWork EligibilityWork Eligibility

Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years? within the last five years? Yes:_______ No:_______Please explain: “Will discuss in interview”Please explain: “Will discuss in interview”

Have you been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or pleaded no Have you been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or pleaded no contest to, an act of dishonesty, or breach of trust or moral contest to, an act of dishonesty, or breach of trust or moral turpitude, such as misdemeanor petty theft, burglary, fraud, turpitude, such as misdemeanor petty theft, burglary, fraud, writing bad checks, and other related crimes within the last five writing bad checks, and other related crimes within the last five (5) years? (5) years? Yes:_______ No:_______

Please explain: “Will discuss in interview”Please explain: “Will discuss in interview”

Do you have other special training or skills (additional spoken or Do you have other special training or skills (additional spoken or written languages, computer software knowledge, machine written languages, computer software knowledge, machine operation experience, etc.)?operation experience, etc.)?

List all obtained before and during incarceration. Also list any self-employment.

ApplicationsApplicationsEmployment HistoryEmployment History Please give accurate and complete full-time employmentrecord. Start with present or most recent employer. Includemilitary experience if applicable.Position: (If incarcerated and held a job while incarcerated)

Company Name: “Hennepin County”

Job Title: List the actual title, if you took classes, list theclass names

Name of Supervisor: Get permission from that person andexplain what job you are applying for.

Weekly Pay: “Rate of pay or 80.00/week cost of prison tohouse an Inmate”.

May we contact this employer? Yes: _______ No: _______

Reason for leaving: Program/classes ended

ResumesResumes MICHAEL JACKSONMICHAEL JACKSON

100 Neverland Ranch Somewhere in California 1-800-accused felon100 Neverland Ranch Somewhere in California 1-800-accused felon

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVEFull time position in the Industrial/Hospitality fields where I can utilize my experience in Full time position in the Industrial/Hospitality fields where I can utilize my experience in

service and problem solvingservice and problem solvingto enhance the productivity of the company.to enhance the productivity of the company.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONSSUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONSIndustrial/HospitalityIndustrial/Hospitality

Proficient warehouse worker with knowledge of shipping/receiving processesProficient warehouse worker with knowledge of shipping/receiving processesExperience with factory assembly work and Punch Press operationExperience with factory assembly work and Punch Press operationExperienced Janitor familiar with various chemical cleaning processesExperienced Janitor familiar with various chemical cleaning processes

Human ServicesHuman ServicesExperience with counseling and promoting individuals toward obtaining treatment for Experience with counseling and promoting individuals toward obtaining treatment for Alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA)Alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTSPROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS2002-20042002-2004 Treatment TutorTreatment Tutor Hennepin County-MNHennepin County-MN1998-20011998-2001 Outreach Worker/Maintenance Outreach Worker/Maintenance Hennepin County-MNHennepin County-MN1996-Present1996-Present Temporary AssignmentsTemporary Assignments Work Connection - Saint Paul, MNWork Connection - Saint Paul, MN1986-Present1986-Present Temporary AssignmentsTemporary Assignments Q-Temp - Minneapolis, MN Q-Temp - Minneapolis, MN

EDUCATIONEDUCATION19991999 General Education DiplomaGeneral Education Diploma Hopkins School Hopkins School

DistrictDistrict19921992 Certified Nursing AssistantCertified Nursing Assistant Minnesota Technical Minnesota Technical

CollegeCollege

““Fitting In” on the JobFitting In” on the Job

Being the new person on the job is not always easy. Many people watch you to see what Being the new person on the job is not always easy. Many people watch you to see what type worker you are. The “new person” often gets the work that no one else wants. type worker you are. The “new person” often gets the work that no one else wants. Until Until you know who to trust, watch what you say, and be aware that not all advice given you know who to trust, watch what you say, and be aware that not all advice given by employees is true. by employees is true. To “fit in” on the job you must look and act in a way similar to other responsible workers. To “fit in” on the job you must look and act in a way similar to other responsible workers. This means This means your dress and grooming should be appropriateyour dress and grooming should be appropriate; work is not the place to ; work is not the place to try out the latest fads in clothing or hairstyles.try out the latest fads in clothing or hairstyles.Work is not the place for alcohol, drugs or romantic relationships, or dwelling on personal Work is not the place for alcohol, drugs or romantic relationships, or dwelling on personal problems. problems. Never draw negative attention to yourself.Never draw negative attention to yourself. Your time on the job should be Your time on the job should be spent workingspent working,, not spent on matters that would get in the way of your doing the job well not spent on matters that would get in the way of your doing the job well or making others uncomfortable.or making others uncomfortable.While you are learning your job, stay in touch with your supervisor. While you are learning your job, stay in touch with your supervisor. Do what your Do what your supervisor tells you to; not what other workers say.supervisor tells you to; not what other workers say. Ask questions when you need to Ask questions when you need to but don’t be a pest. but don’t be a pest. Let your supervisor know when you have finished a task and that Let your supervisor know when you have finished a task and that you are ready for new assignments.you are ready for new assignments. This tells the employer you are hard working and This tells the employer you are hard working and motivated. motivated. If you If you havehave to miss or be late for work (try not to), let the supervisor know in to miss or be late for work (try not to), let the supervisor know in advance and provide written excuse or absences when possible.advance and provide written excuse or absences when possible.Obtain a job description and/or outline of what is expected during your probationary period Obtain a job description and/or outline of what is expected during your probationary period and and follow the guidelines so you can do your best to get a good performance review.follow the guidelines so you can do your best to get a good performance review.

ResourcesResourcesAdult ServicesOffice of Adult Serviceswww.doleta.gov/programs Dislocated Workerwww.doleta.gov/layoff

Career / Training   Dept of Labor Career Voyages www.careervoyages.org Registered Apprenticeship Programswww.doleta.gov/atels_bat America's Career Information Networkwww.acinet.org/acinet/default.aspAmerica's Career One Stophttp://careeronestop.org

CorrectionsAmerican Correctional Associationwww.aca.org                                      National Institute of Correctionswww.nicic.orgNational Institute of Justicewww.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij  American Probation and Parole Asso.www.appa-net.org State Department of Correctionswww.corrections.com

Criminal Justice InformationNational Criminal Justice Service

www.ncjrs.gov  

FBI Uniform Crime Report

www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm

Juvenile Justice Stat. Brief. Book 

http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatbb/index.html

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data

www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD

Bureau of Justice Statistics

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs

DisabilitiesU.S. Dept of Justice ADA 

www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

Office of Disability Employment Policy

www.dol.gov/odep/welcome.html

Job Accommodation Network

www.jan.wvu.edu/

Rehab Services Administration

www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa

Disability Information

www.disabilityinfo.gov

Job Links

www.dol.gov/odep/joblinks/joblinks.htm

ResourcesResourcesEmployer Incentives for HiringEmployer Incentives for HiringEx-OffendersEx-OffendersFederal Bonding ProgramFederal Bonding Programwww.bonds4jobs.comWork Opportunity Tax CreditWork Opportunity Tax Creditwww.uses.doleta.gov/wotcdata.asp

Job SearchJob SearchAmerica's Job Bank America's Job Bank www.ajb.orgU.S. Government Jobs U.S. Government Jobs www.usajobs.gov America's Service LocatorAmerica's Service Locatorwww.servicelocator.org USPS Zip Code Look UpUSPS Zip Code Look Upzip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

Promoting Ex-Offender SuccessPromoting Ex-Offender SuccessThe Legal Action CenterThe Legal Action Centerwww.lac.orgNational HIRE Network National HIRE Network www.hirenetwork.orgNational Re-Entry Resource CenterNational Re-Entry Resource Centerwww.reentrycenter.com

Social Security AdministrationSocial Security Administrationwww.ssa.gov www.ssa.gov Form to Obtain Work History Form to Obtain Work History ww.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-7050.pdfww.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-7050.pdf

Starting A BusinessStarting A BusinessU.S. Small Business Administration U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.govwww.sba.govSCORESCOREwww.score.orgwww.score.orgIRS (Search Small Business) IRS (Search Small Business) www.irs.gov/index.html www.irs.gov/index.html 

OtherOtherU.S. Equal Employment OpportunityU.S. Equal Employment OpportunityCommissionCommissionwww.eeoc.govwww.eeoc.govU.S. Department of Labor Employment &U.S. Department of Labor Employment &Training Division Training Division www.doleta.govwww.doleta.govNational Sex Offender Public RegistryNational Sex Offender Public Registrywww.nsopr.gov www.nsopr.gov