Meet our latest guest writer, Ex-Felon Girl! She’s here to share her real-life experiences on finding a job, succeeding at work and rebuilding your life after a felony offense. If you like her advice, be sure to let us know – we’re here to help you with the information you need to succeed!
The number one tip I can give anyone who is trying to find a job with (or without) a felony on their record is that it’s much easier to find a job when you have a job.
When I was first released from jail I had no job and $300 to my name. I applied for jobs that I really wanted and knew I was qualified for (call centers and customer service). But as many applications as I put in, and as many follow ups as I did, I never got past the interview process.
That’s when I knew I was going to have to start at rock bottom. I put my pride on the shelf and applied at a certain 24-hour chain restaurant famous for its hash browns. I was asked to start the next day working 3rd shift, and I accepted.
After working there three months I decided I should start applying for better jobs. It took a while, but I was offered a job at a cell phone company after working six months at that restaurant. I had applied for this cell phone company position before, but never got an offer. Having that first job made it possible for me to get the next one.
The cell company was a great paying job and I loved it, but after only five months they told us they were closing the doors, and I had a month to find another job. It only took me two days to find a job at a women’s clothing store. Even though it did not pay well and was not my first choice, I knew it would get me to something bigger and better. After working there for over six months I applied at a more upscale retail location, and to my surprise was offered a job after three different interviews.
Today, I have been working there for almost two months and I am the top sales associate for my department. I work on 100% commission, but I make more than my mother (who is a teacher). If someone had told me I would be working here one day, I would have looked at them as though they were crazy.
Don’t give up, start at the bottom and work your way up! Look for more job search tips from me next week.
We know that job seekers with a criminal record face special challenges – if you have a question you’d like Ex-Felon Girl to answer, leave it in the comments below!
About Ex-Felon Girl
I think this is important because it shows credibility. Somehow not having a job makes someone seem desperate and like they have to take what they get, especially when said person is already at a disadvantage because of their background.
Hello Nunya,
I agree, it does show credibility and I guess that is how I have been able to climb my way up to better and better jobs on at a time. It had not been easy and I have worked at many places I hated, however I have grown so much personally and professionally with each job.
I have been following Ex-Felon Girl’s blog for almost 3 years now I think. She is very real and to the point. Her advice is priceless! She helped my brother get a job after spending almost 2 years in a drug recovery program. He is now a head teller at a very large bank.
Hello Kristi,
Thank you for being such a loyal reader for so long. I am glad to hear your brother was able to leave his past behind and move on with his life. We can call learn something from that.
awsome im in the same boat, had my measly job a year now and very qualified for better…thanks
Hello h,
Now that you have worked for this job for a year, you can start apply for other jobs that you would rather have. Of course do not quit the job you have now until you have another. I have made this mistake myself.
Im very proud of what Ex-Felon Girl has put together over the past 3 years and her drive to succeed. I have been her best friend for the past 5 years and have been her biggest supporter and advice giver since I met her all that time ago. I also give her insight based on the business owners perspective, since I’m a small business owner, which I think really helped her understand all sides to the issue of hiring an ex offender. She continues to give amazing advice and I look forward to what her experiences will bring her in the very near future! Good luck to you all!
xo
Sebastian St. Clair
Thank you Sebastian, that means the world to me.
I am a Special Education Teacher for high school students. The law dictates that I teach them “school to work skills” – in the past, a very boring subject to teach until I began using Ex-felon girl. The fact that they are students (ages 13 – 21) they think that they are invincible and that the cops would never bust them for what they consider “small time” crimes. In truth their “small time” crimes equate to more felonies than misdemeanors. I know this because I go to court with them each time they get caught. Anyway, I have been following Ex-felon girl since it’s inception. I have, on many, many occasions, used the Ex-felon girl website in my lesson plans. It has been a valuable tool for “real life” lessons for my students. It has changed their perception of what can happen to them if they don’t make different decisions. Keep it coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I am so flattered that you have used some of my content to teach you kids about the harsh and true facts of real life. I would give anything to go back in time and correct my mistakes, but of course there that is impossible. However, I decided a long time ago I was going to turn negative situation into something positive and that I have done.
well i have tryed everything and i am still struggling and i am working 2 fast food restarant jobs please if anyone can help me email me ill send u my resume help a brother out
email is imran.bhimji@yahoo.com
Hey Ali,
How long have you been working for those fast food places?
I’m a ex -con also. Matter of fact I’m still on probation I have 7 months left and I’m 48 years old, how can you help me?
My best advice is to start at the bottom. Do you have any skills? If so I would start with that. I have been able to help people in your situation find maintenance jobs. Have you looked into those kinds of jobs?
Hello Ex-Felon Girl, I am in the process of becoming an Ex-Felon Girl myself..:) I am waiting for an expungement. Staying POSITIVE and PATIENT has helped me keep my sanity. Although my unfortunate situation, I have been looking for work in all job markets. Before my felony, I was have a VERY hard time finding a job, went on many interviews but none hired me. Finally I got a job in my feild, but to try and keep it is how I got felon. Now I am back where I started, but with a criminal background ( my 1st offense) I will keep my head-up and keep searching for a job, hopefully something will happen and I can have the life I once had ( a clean record and a career). Making bad decisions can have a BIG impact on your life, but to LIVE is to LEARN. Thank You for your site…:)
I have had lots of people tell me that they have gotten a job with a felony record and ended up committing another felony to keep their job. I must say that is not the way to go. We are the mercy of the employer and we need to prove ourselves trustworthy. If an employer is willing to take a chance and hire someone with a record, they most really believe in that individual and giving second chances. However if you turn on them they are less likely to ever hire someone with a record again.
yes! i agree wit all you guys they want us to do right but its hard to do, when people judge us for mistakes we made when we were young.Im a changed person and my mistake was three years ago and its still hard to fnd go jobs, but now since irad this blog im goin to try to not put my expectations so high and start t the bottom . after all beggers cant b choosers
Hello Need-A-Job,
Employers have a right to be worried about hiring someone with a criminal record. Employers have to consider the safety of their employees, profits, as well as their own job. Believe me it took me a few years to understand this, but once I did I started to understand how to get what I needed. I figured by starting at the bottom and working my way up. I would be able to prove to employers that I was trust worthy and willing to work hard to move up to where I wanted to be.
You must remember no one owes you anything!
I have the same problem, but i am a juvenile and i have a felony on my juvenile record.. i was 12 and i didn’t know what i was getting myself into. I have learned from my experience, and i haven’t gotten in any more trouble. It’s just i am trying to move on and find jobs but nothing is going the way i have planned it. Just help me out and tell me what i should do…
Hello Jasmine,
Considering you were a minor when you were convicted of this felony, I would think the felony would drop off your record when you turn the age of 18. I know that is the case for a lot of minors who have made a mistake, however there are rare occasions where the charges are not expunged after the minor reaches the age of 18. Without know the nature of the offenses as well as not being a lawyer, I cannot tell you for sure.
You should look on the brighter side of things though, you learned at a very young age what some people do not learn until much later in life. You are young enough where you can change and start over before your life really even begins. You might be having a hard time finding a small part time job right now because of your record, so my best advice to you is to focus on your academics and if you are out of high school get enrolled into a trade school, tech school, or university. Your life is far from over it just started. Best of luck to you and feel free to write me at any time exfelongirl@gmail.com.
enjoyed reading the blog and good tips.
Thank you Lorrie!
Not to be mean, but you all that got a job with a felony conviction must be white? I got a felony conviction for spanking my only child with a switch. Never in my life have I been in trouble besides a traffic ticket. She was stealing from her teacher so I spanked her. I never did jail time and she didn’t need any medical attention. If I felt that I “abused” my child, I wouldn’t have sent her to school the next day. She had a whip mark on her arm and I got a felony for that. The strangest part is, during that time I worked in HR for a very prestigious staffing agency and ran background checks. I feel that I’m pretty much paying for how I was raised, not having the funds to pay a real attorney, and having an overzealous DA. I never thought having a conviction was looked at so seriously until I got one myself. I’ve imagined dying from cancer, my house catching fire, but never in my life did I think I would get a felony. I could go all day with this. My issue is that being black with a felony, looking for a career is almost like a “catch 22.” Yes, times have changed but we are still living in a society to where color is somewhat an issue. I’ve had a solid work history in a corporate setting since I was 20, now that I’m 32, looking for a job with a felony, all of that doesn’t even matter anymore. I’m almost finished with my degree in Paralegal Studies that’s ABA approved and that still doesn’t matter. I’ve been on countless of interviews, with some employers ready to hire me on the spot. But once I reveal my conviction so candidly, their whole mood change. I guess I’m going to spank my co-workers? I’m considering taking this to the United States Supreme Court because I’m starting to feel that this is discrimination. I understand the whole reason behind running a background check, but these employers need to understand that some people with felonies are not bad people. If the jobs we are applying for have absolutely no interference, then why deny a chance for employment. Our country is so judgmental! We have our voting rights taken away, barely can get employment, but yet we have to pay taxes?? I’ve seen some people with a record who works a lot harder than those without one. If a person has shown complete rehabilitation and the conviction is ancient old, then what’s the darn problem? I’m furious because it’s not fair, now I see why those with serious felonies convert back to the streets just to make ends meet. Yes, some will continue to commit crimes, but all felons shouldn’t be put into one category. No one is perfect; but now I know how easy it is to get one. What ever happened to “Paying your debt to society”? The US Supreme Court and other small government will hear from me!!! This is ridiculous!
I truly believe it has nothing to do with race. I am a young white female that comes from a very good background and I have the same trouble as everyone else with a record.
Brown, I’m very sorry to hear your story, but its not a race thing. I’m white with no felonies but several petty arrests and I can’t find work either (the CBC’s are getting me) and the job market SUCKS right now. But I am curious, how much time did you serve, and what happened at your prestigious job doing background checks? Won’t they hire you back? But I do feel your pain, being poor (black, brown or white) and going to court is not a favorable position, I know, I’ve been there many times and it never works out well for me!!!!!
To Felon-girl, Thankyou, I told my sad story on another section of this posting, but your words really struck a cord with me because I have an interview in 2 days for a third shift job at a drive through burger joint. I HATE 3rd shift but I hope I get the job because your right, I’m 48 yrs old, lengthy criminal history, (clean and sober for quite a while) jobless, desperate, broke, (10$ to my name), on food stamps and going to be homeless in six weeks (eviction)!! So I’m going to order the humble pie and start climbing the giant ladder. I’m going to have to walk to the job, 4miles ea way for a few weeks, but eventually I’ll get a bus pass and I checked out a few local rooming houses ( I hope theres no bugs, I HATE BUGS TOO!!) and take it from there. Hopefully it works out for me, and good luck to the rest of you, just remember stay positive and clean, eat right and excersice, and may the forces of good always be with you!!!
Hello Gary, yes you must start from the very bottom in order to get where you want. Yes I have worked 3rd shift jobs before. My worst one was Waffle House. The only shift they had was 3rd so I took it. I knew that if I just waited it out I could get a better shift. Soon enough I was put on 1st shift. At first I hated everything about the job and hated going in, but I soon changed my mind and started being thankful for the job. I was thankful that there was a job available for me so I could pay my bills and make it. Then other good jobs started to come my way.
I can tell you from experience another way to get ahead is to volunteer! Put yourself out there and help others. But it must be heartfelt not just for a way to get a job. But in the process of gaining personal satisfaction from helping others you meet people who can help you along the way. You never know you may find go for a job interview and see someone who you worked on a volunteer project with. This is easy to do while you are looking for a job and even after you start at the bottom working you still can find time to help one another occasionally!
That’s EXCELLENT advice Joanne, thanks for sharing! If you’ve got personal experience with this you’d like to share with the members, please get in touch with me at awhite@snagajob.com – we’d love to share your story!
Thank you Joanne, I wrote a blog about volunteering. It has helped a lot of people I know job great jobs. Thank you for sharing this!
Awesome idea, and helps keep busy while waiting for interviews..
I was charged in 1996 for 3 Felonies, Tehy were, DUI, Agg Assault, and Theft. While going to court for a couple years, I became an Accounting assistant, then Jr Accountant in 6 months still battling in court.. Finally i was convicted, and lost my job due to 4 month sentence. I got out, and got a Job as a Data Analyst // Report Analyst, after 6 months of seraching, and being denied. The company didnt do background checks but i disclosed the info up front, and the controller, loved the honesty,.. Since then i have take S^#$ jobs between decent jobs,, it is always a struggle when you put that check box on the application. I am now a contractor for a financial institution, after being denied at 2 other banks. The contracting company used a “weak” background check and i passed even though i disclosed the Felonies.. After 4 months this company wants to bring me in permanent,, this means passing their background check,, i’m screwed now.. I am in process of gettng the 3 felonies set aside,, would = Dismissed on a background check, but in the details it will still say, guilty, probation etc , relased probation, then dismissed.. not sure which way to go..
Thanks,
you know what I am so glad I here because I too had a past that was holding me back and someone gave me chance even though the hours are short I am very please someone is willing to give me chance……keep the faith and keep your head up high
That’s awesome Trice! Do your best and you’ll move on to your next job with a reference and experience, and that’s going to make it way easier to land your next position – love your positive attitude!
You all make this sound fairly easy. I have one felony from 30 years ago and cannot find a job, any job. I have applied at all fast food and as it is now you have to apply online with virtually every job and they all check backgrounds. It is cheap and easy for them to do, so why wouldn’t they. I have a Master’s degree and management experience but this doesn’t matter. Finding a job with a record today is near impossible, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
I would just like to first say congratulations on not only working your way from the bottom to the top but also keeping the faith. Unfortunately for myself these tips are not helping. I have a felony conviction that is now 5 years old. I even applied at the Waffle House but i was told I was not even eligible to apply. When I asked the reason why, they could not give me one. I have plenty of skills and qualifications. Im proficient in Microsoft Package and am able to type over 10,000+ keystrokes for data entry. I recently was employed at a fast food chain for 5 years and applied for a job everyday while I was there. No luck. I have even offered to work for companies voluntarily for a week to show them my work ethic and skills. I was told after that week that my skills, qualifications and work ethic were superior but that I could not be hired because of my background. So they pretty much got free labor and I got nothing. I have even expressed to companies in interviews how they would qualify for up to $2400 if they were to hire me and that I would possibly be federally bonded for up to six months at no cost to them and still no bite. I need help!!!!
I’m sorry to hear about your job search hardships, J-Nelle. I used to work with people with felony convictions to help them find employment and have seen many do so. It seems like you’re doing your homework on how to leverage your circumstances and giving it your all, which is very commendable. Where it is very difficult for individuals with felonies to find employment, it is not impossible. Here are some things you might want to try, if you haven’t already:
1) If you still have the contact information of the managers at the companies where you volunteered your services? If so, see if they would be willing to serve as a reference for your work ethic. Or better yet, maybe they can even refer you to an employer who is willing to give you a chance.
2) Find out if there are any community resources who help people with felony convictions find employment. Local workforce development centers, employment commissions, non-profit organizations and organizations like Goodwill have programs that help you with your job search and networking. They might be able to point you towards employers who have hired their clients in the past. Some of them even have on-the-job training or work experience opportunities that connect you with employers who might bring be able to hire you.
3) Network. Network. Network. Meet people. Volunteer in the community (See Joanne’s comment).
4) Hang in there. You’re going to hear a lot of “No’s” and that is frustrating and demoralizing. But remember you really only need one “Yes.”
I hope some of these were helpful for you. Good luck!
I spent 6 years in the Texas prisons but will not let it define my life. Have been home for 20 months and am half way done with a business degree I started 18 months ago. It is not easy. I am perpetually on my last dollar and I don’t know that anyone will give me a decent job when I am done. But fear will not control my life. Focus, relentless determination. I know that my attitude and character will always shine through and because of my history, I just have to work that much harder. Never stop pushing through it; don’t give up.
That’s a great attitude, Texas X! Attitude matters a lot in your job search and a positive one will definitely make a difference in your job search. Good luck on your job search and obtaining your business degree! Let us know if you have any questions or find success in your job search.
I was 19 when i got 3 felonies and a strike! I opened my own business and moved to Kirkland WA. I was extremely successful up until about 3 years ago. It was like a dream come true I deposited 50k in my account in march of 2007. I’m not trying to brag. I have been in construction my whole life and I have worked myself hard. I had no idea that in October of 2008 my business would go under. My contractors went under and work dried up so quickly it was unbelievable. I have been working under the table and doing whatever it takes just to survive. I recently recovered from shoulder surgery and now have to find a regular job! I have owned my own business since I got out of prison thanks to my older brother helping me get my bond and license when i was 22. Now I have to go out and see what there is out there for someone with 3 felonies and a strike that will never get off my record for life. I never hurt anyone, and I have been straight edged for ten years on January 5th. But I may never even be able to leave the country, at least not easily. Anyway I look at it I def see a hard road ahead but starting Monday morning on the New Year of 2012 I am going to use every skill and bit of charisma that i possess to win over a chance to obtain a somewhat normal life. I just realized that feeling down and sorry for yourself leaves vulnerable and open to peoples discrimination like an open book. After all I use to talk to millionaires in Seattle WA everyday. There is no stopping me, but I’m sure just like starting a business you got to get a hundred no’s before you get one yes in the worst case scenario. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Good luck to all and a happy new year to everyone!
What an awesome story Jackson! Congratulations on your success so far, and we’re looking forward to seeing what you succeed at next – keep in touch and let us know how things are going!
Hey, What you have done with your life is awsome. What do you do , When you are 52 years old, just out of prison, bad health and have not worked in years??? I”m scared to death…. Any advice???
Hey Michele,
Thanks for your post! I used to work with individuals coming out of prison and helping them with their transitions. First, pace yourself. Take it one day at a time. It’s a big transition and you may or may not have people coming at you left and right, trying to catch you up on all the new cell phones, Internet gizmos and other gadgets that are out there. Take it slow. There’s no need to be pressured into signing a contract with a cell phone company just yet. Second, I highly recommend you get in touch with a local workforce development center, employment commission or community organization that helps individuals in similar situations as you in their job searches. Organizations like Goodwill are great places to start. If they do not have anything, they might be able to refer you an organization or agency that can help you. Third, find an organization you like and volunteer. Regular volunteering can help you connect with positive people, gain valuable work experience, get references and provide you with some good routine. I hope this gives you a starting point. Here are a few more tips for searching for a job with a felony on your record http://www.snagajob.com/resources/do’s-and-don’ts-of-job-searching-with-a-felony/. Good luck!
Question? I had a assault charge and drop to a misdemeanor 26yrs. ago. Will this still affect my opportunity for hire?
Hi Robert,
It all depends on the employer, their background check process and how you conduct yourself. Read the application carefully. If it asks if for any convictions ever, then you should answer and provide information. If it asks for convictions in the past 5 or 7 years, you don’t have to worry about it with your charge being from 26 years ago.
hi im david i have a 7 yr old felony for second degree burglary ive been in texas for 10 months and applied everywhere i know that im qualified for and still have not had any luck in finding a job what should i do to help me find work with me having a felony conviction
Hi David! Sorry to hear you are having a frustrating time. Check out this article and comments for some great advice: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/5-tips-for-job-searching-with-felony/.
Hi! There are so many questions I have running through my brain, but I first have to give you a background. I am 31 years old, married with two step sons (which we have full custody of) who are 10 and 7,and two biological kids who are 3 and 1. I graduated from a state university with both my undergraduate degree in elementary/special education and recently my M.S. in Special Education. I spent 6 years teaching middle school students with severe behavioral/emotional disorders. My last pregnancy left me on complete bedrest, and I lost my teaching position. Unfortunately, soon after giving birth to my amazing son on the 4th of July, my life spiraled out of control. I was diagnosed with severe post-partum depression, even having to undergo a complete hysterectomy soon after due to endometriosis. I had 6 surgeries in a year and a half, and was also diagnosed with severe migraines which left me having to use prescription pain meds for a long period of time. Long story short, I always took what was prescribed, but even when I wasn’t hurting at the time because I realized I would start to feel sick. I went to my Dr. and she stepped me down. However, during all of this I managed to somewhat lose my mind and was arrested for a DUI, Resisting Arrest, and then had more charges come out of the woodwork from a year ago. I have never had more than a speeding ticket in my life, the report for the DUI was negative for any substances, but I am still facing Felony charges. My family lost our home to a fire this past Christmas, so money is tight and I just don’t’ know what to do. I need to pay my lawyer who is pushing for trial. I have been on probation since July 2010, and doing wonderfully. I know that with a felony charge I will never teach again. Honestly, the thought of going back into public education at this moment overwhelms me, but looking at the 80,000 in school loans makes me a bit more motivated to find something I can do to provide for my family and still work around kids because that is all that makes me happy. I guess I need advise on my options in even looking for employment, I am overqualified for entry level positions and they won’t even look at me (not to mention the possible felony record). I don’t need judgement because trust me I realize how much pain this has caused for me and my family. I just want to fix it, or have some idea of what my future holds. I am truly scared and humbled by all of this. Thank you so much in advance for any help you may offer me!