Welcome to Ask Gorick Anything, Edition #49.
This week's question is: “How do I get a job with a criminal background?”
Keep reading to find out.
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ASK GORICK ANYTHING
“How do I get a job with a criminal background?”
💡 The quick answer: Focus on 3 immediate priorities: 1. Diagnose why what you’re doing isn’t working, 2. Research and target "Fair Chance" and "Second Chance" employers, and 3. Prioritize networking with your former professional contacts.
THE QUESTION
“I was just released from prison this past June. I have no recent job history, no references.
I have a Associates Degree in Business and a lot of transferable skills but my resume sucks because of the employment gap.
When I do get interviews, I interview well, but obviously they pick someone without a criminal history and more experience. There is also this stigma that formerly incarcerated individuals are only good for fast food and hard labor.
Ive had 2 jobs but they both only lasted for 2 months because some of my co workers ganged up on me, made up lies about me to get me fired, even though i was kind to everyone, did my job, and went home, which I guess is very common now, so I can't use that experience.
I had a career advisor help me with my resume but I still can't seem to get a job. Seems like hardly anyone can anymore. I could use any advice you got. I don't know what to do.
This has never happened to me before. Im 39 and I always had a job before I got myself arrested.
Thanks”
—Bethany from Yakima, WA
GORICK’S RESPONSE
Hi Bethany,
Sorry it’s been so difficult getting back on your feet post-incarceration. It sounds like a tough journey.
Unfortunately, you’re right: a simple resume gap is challenging enough to have; having a criminal history makes it even more challenging.
Here are the 10 things that I’d suggest you try.
(Mandatory CYA—defined here—this is not legal advice!)
1. Diagnose your job search “failure point”
First, figure out whether you’re (A) not getting interviews or (B) not getting past interviews.
Review the interview self-assessment I shared with another subscriber to help diagnose your situation.
2. Understand the “Ban the Box” laws
If neither of the above is true for you and you’re actually getting job offers but not passing the background check, then search “Your state” + “Ban the Box law.”
(Psst—Washington has the “Ban the Box” law per the Office of the Attorney General.)
This should tell you if (A) your prospective employers are following the law and (B) if there are other jobs you should be targeting instead that would be more lenient towards your particular situation.
3. Reactivate your professional network
Get back in touch with any colleagues, mentors, coworkers, and friends with whom you had a good working relationship to see if they can refer you to positions.
View my tips on finding work through referrals that I shared with another subscriber.
4. Search for “second chance employers”
Use Google to find potential employers by typing “companies” + the following search terms:
- “Fair Chance”
- “Second Chance”
- “Felon Friendly”
- “Ban the Box”
5. Review curated lists of felon-friendly companies
Review these lists made by others that feature companies that have pledged to lower barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals to get hired:
- The Fair Chance Pledge List (from the Obama White House; scroll down for the lists)
- Second Chance Companies List (from GEO Reentry Services)
- Second Chance Employers Network (from Jails to Jobs)
- Felon Friendly Employers (from the United States Probation Office, Northern District of Illinois, but usable for anywhere in the United States)
- Second Chance Business Coalition (members list)
- Jobs for Felons (from Relaunch Pad)
6. Filter your job search on Indeed.com
On Indeed.com, search for your area and, under the “Encouraged to Apply” dropdown, select “Fair chance.”
7. Attend fair chance job fairs
Search for “Fair Chance and Opportunity Job Fair” + your area and show up looking your best and with copies of your resume in hand.
- Learn about my interviewing flashcard scripts in case they’d be a good fit (for anyone who has been eyeing a deck: stay tuned for the Black Friday sale starting 11/25)
8. Demonstrate The Three C’s (and show your potential)
Learn about the Three C’s (defined here) so you can get your foot in the door at a prospective company and…
- Say “yes” and do a good job (like the CEO of Lowe’s—story here)
- Build relationships with the higher-ups (like the former CEO of Merck—story here)
- Be proactive about solving problems (like the current CEO of Walmart—story here)
9. Consider solopreneurship/freelancing
Consider freelancing (especially if you’ve mastered any repeatable processes in the past).
Review my step by step guide on becoming a solopreneur that I shared with another subscriber.
10. Consider moving
Consider moving if you have permission to do so, you’ve tried the above tactics in earnest, and are only able to get a job elsewhere.
What is “Fair Chance” or “Second Chance” hiring?
It’s a movement in the U.S. to help ex-offenders more easily reintegrate into society by allowing job applicants with criminal histories to show their qualifications before being asked about their criminal history.
Some states have “Ban the Box” laws, which means that employers above a certain size must…
- Not ask about criminal backgrounds in the job application until candidates have been given a job offer
- Justify why an individual’s particular conviction would have an adverse effect on the job they are applying for
- Overlook convictions that are in the distant past
But, even in states without “Ban the Box” laws, more employers than ever are pledging to help people with criminal histories re-enter society by enacting similar hiring policies.
Hope this helps you out!
See you Tuesday for our next story and unspoken rule,
Gorick
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WHAT I’M READING
Here are 3 articles that I found interesting recently (no paywalls, although it may depend on your cookies):
- “The problem with career planning in science” (Nature)
- “First kiss dates back 21 million years, say scientists” (BBC)
- “A generation in crisis: Why young people are so unhappy” (EL PAÍS)
MORE OF MY WORK
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1. Keynote speaking: If your organization is looking for speakers for your internship program, new hire orientation, new student orientation, manager training, all-hands meetings, recruiting season, year-end performance evaluation season, or something else, let's chat!
2. How to Say It: Flashcards that teach you to know what to say in every high-stakes professional setting via hundreds of fill-in-the-blank scripts (just like the examples above). Free shipping on all orders over $40.
3. The Unspoken Rules: My Wall Street Journal Bestseller that Arianna Huffington calls “a blueprint for anyone starting their career, entering a new role, or wanting to get unstuck.” Used by top companies and MBA programs.
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