Millions of Americans have been convicted of felonies. The reality is that getting a good job after a felony conviction is not always easy for felons. For ex-offenders and felons in this country, securing employment is often the biggest challenge. The number of opportunities can seem very limited.
Fortunately, there are still felony-friendly jobs to be found. Many organizations offer second chances to ex-convicts, and you can join them. It’s important to keep in mind a couple of things: Your experience is not uncommon. It can be extremely detrimental to your career not to persist in your job search.
While the overall U.S. imprisonment rate decreased from October 2020 to October 2021, there were still more than 1.4 million people incarcerated. Approximately two-thirds of ex-offenders who have been released from state prisons end up being arrested within three years of being released, according to a 2018 Bureau of Justice Statistics report. It is generally true that former federal prisoners who find employment after release are more likely to integrate into society successfully.
Having reliable employment makes it much less likely that you will ever get into trouble again. The alternative of turning to crime is much more appealing to felons than almost any legitimate job. Many people feel discouraged and unfairly treated when looking for jobs, but those who persevere and know where to look often discover new reasons to feel hopeful. Opportunities are available if you are willing to make the extra effort necessary to find and qualify for jobs that hire felons.
How can felons find work? It’s more than you think. Depending on the option, post-secondary education may be optional. The skilled trades often offer paid apprenticeships, so you can earn a decent income while learning and gaining experience in the trade you choose while earning a decent income.
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What to Know About Second Chance Hiring and Why It Could Help Solve Your Labor Problems
The practice of hiring individuals with criminal records is called second chance hiring. In addition to being altruistic, second-chance hiring taps into a massive talent pool many businesses can take advantage of. An estimated 70 million people live in the world.
Reintegration into society can be difficult for Americans whose arrest or conviction records create significant barriers.
Big enterprises have begun to discover the talents, loyalty, and motivation of the more than 600,000 citizens who return from prison yearly. Several companies, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Home Depot, are including people with criminal records in their hiring practices. Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Company, recognized the value of this labor group in a recent op-ed.
When the job market is extremely competitive, smaller merchants may need to consider investing in second-chance hiring to find talented candidates. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering second-chance hiring.
When you have been labeled as a “felon” it can be challenging to return to normal life. The process of finding a job is even more challenging. Obviously, not many people are interested in hiring someone who has spent time in jail for criminal activity. In the event that someone hires felons, they are unlikely to make much money for their labor.
People who have committed felonies can find jobs through second chance employment services. The government offers programs and trade schools for felons. There is a decline in unemployment rates one of the reasons for this. Therefore, companies are expanding their search for candidates who are suitable for their positions.
How to get started
Merchants who want to become second chance employers have access to a number of resources. To learn more about Getting Talent Back to Work, visit Second Chance Business Coalition and 70 Million Jobs. In addition, you can read “The Business Case for Criminal Justice Reform: Second Chance Hiring,” a report from the U.S. Commerce Department.
Benefits of Second Chance Hiring
It is possible for felons to find employment. There are many employers who are willing to hire convicted felons. Felons can pursue training to become job-ready. It is even possible for some employers to hire parolees. Hiring felons and misdemeanors can benefit employers in many ways.
1. Take Advantage of Incentives: Recruiting ex-convicts may qualify you for a substantial tax credit. It is also possible to receive partial wages in some states. Furthermore, you can get training funds and tax credits for ex-felons. Federal government-funded fidelity bonds are also available for free. Your home will be protected from theft and dishonesty as a result.
2. Less Turnover: People with criminal records are less likely to switch jobs frequently. As a result, you will have a reliable employee working for you for a long time. There are many ex-felons who have a good educational history and employment history. This could make them a valuable asset for your organization.
3. Employ Ex-Felons to Demonstrate Your Nondiscriminatory Policy: Hiring ex-felons allows you to demonstrate a nondiscriminatory policy at work. Your company’s other employees will benefit from this boost in morale.
4. Help the Community: By hiring ex-convicts, you are actually giving them a second chance. As a result, you are contributing to the community and reducing crime.
Top Paying Jobs for Felons
It is now common for employers to hire ex-convicts. Felons may be able to find some jobs with lower wages, but there are also some with high pay. You can choose felon-friendly careers. If you are a felon, here are some career options you may want to consider.
1. Mobile App Developer: It’s one of the most popular jobs right now. It is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree to apply for this position. Many technology companies offer fobs to people with felony convictions. At entry level, you can expect to earn about $28 per hour, and it can rise to $50 per hour with experience. This field offers endless opportunities.
2. Truck Driver: One of the best jobs for felons is trucking. There are a number of trucking companies that offer job opportunities to people with criminal records like some Second Chance Trucking Companies. This is an extremely demanding job. This is a high-paying job. An average truck driver can earn between $65,000 and $73,000 per year. Many trucking companies offer training to felons. Training and job opportunities are provided to felons by Swift Transportation, Shaffer Trucking, CR England, etc. If you are hired for this job, you shouldn’t have any problems traveling long distances.
3. Delivery Service Provider: Felony conviction chargers can work for UPS and other delivery service providers. At first, you may be hired on a seasonal basis, but you may eventually be hired on a permanent basis. It is common for companies such as UPS to hire thousands of package handlers during the holiday season. Even though you may be required to work a 12-hour shift, the pay is quite good. In addition to getting about $12 an hour, you can expect to get some perks as well.
4. Roofers: Hiring roofers is easy. A background check is not usually conducted before employees are hired by most roofing companies. You might be able to get away with overlooking your criminal record. The hourly wage in this job is likely to be between $15 and $25.
5. Computer Support Specialist: Ex-offenders with computer knowledge can find employment as computer support specialists. At entry level, you can expect to earn $18 to $26 per hour.
6. Marketing Specialist: This job requires a bachelor’s degree and some experience. In a field that is becoming increasingly popular, there are many opportunities for employment in Internet marketing. At entry level, you can expect to earn $16 an hour, and there is no limit to how far you can advance.
7. Plumbing: Plumbers are in high demand right now. To apply for the job, you must have a vocational certificate. It is possible to earn about $26 per hour working on new construction sites. Building construction jobs require a lot of plumbing work, and plumbers are in high demand.
8. Web Writing: The number of websites and blogs is increasing, which means that companies are in need of writers. A self-employed person earning more than $14 an hour, in this case, can be considered self-employed.
9. Landscaping: This is a rewarding and relaxing job. Most felons have already done this in jail, so they are already familiar with the process. Having a vocational certificate will enable ex-convicts to find employment in this field. There is a potential for earning up to $14 an hour here.
10. HVAC Technician: A home must have an HVAC system, and an HVAC technician must always be on call to provide maintenance and repair services. Therefore, there are plenty of job opportunities in this field. This job requires a vocational certificate, and you can earn aout $23 an hour.
For a start, you can even choose low-paying jobs. As you gain experience, your wages will increase. You do not need to worry if you have felony records. The world is full of opportunities for you.
Getting a Government Job With a Felony
Having a felony on your record won’t prevent you from getting a government job. Generally, you won’t be automatically rejected if you have a criminal record. However, some types of convictions may prevent you from being hired for certain positions. There are many factors to consider, including your goals, what you were convicted of, the length of time it has been since your offense(s), and your ability to reintegrate back into society.
Applicants with felony convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis by the government. A federal rejection is only automatic if the applicant is convicted of treason, campaigning for the overthrow of the government, destroying public records willfully or unlawfully, or inciting direct rebellion against the government.
8 Tips for Getting Hired as a Felon
What are the chances of felons getting jobs? There is no one story that is the same for everyone. Some common threads emerge if you talk to enough ex-convicts who have successfully re-entered society. The following are some examples of advice you may hear:
1. Remind Yourself that You aren’t a Bad Person: Everybody makes mistakes. Life does not go completely smoothly for anyone. You must first believe that you are worthy of a second chance before others will give you one. Make a distinction between what is happening right now and what has happened in the past. Accept that what happened in the past does not necessarily determine what will happen in the future.
2. Be Realistic About How You May be Perceived by Employers at First: There are many stereotypes out there. When you are a felon, you may be regarded as untrustworthy, dangerous, and uneducated. There is a risk of theft, harming other employees, or drug abuse that employers may fear in you. The importance of knowing about stereotypes can help you overcome them, even if they don’t apply to you.
3. Create a Professional Image: The first impression matters a lot. Maintain that look every time you go out by dressing as if you are already successful. Classic and conservative clothing and hairstyles are always a good choice. Feeling successful is an important part of becoming successful. A successful person cannot feel successful unless he or she looks successful. This is a very important step, so invest your time and energy into it.
4. Find Out What Your Options Are: Get in touch with people in different industries. Find out what requirements you may need to meet. If you have had a felony conviction, find out if your felony conviction may disqualify you from pursuing a career you’re not qualified for. It is usually a felony offense related to sexuality or violence that is the most limiting and punishable.
5. Take Advantage of Extra Training: The most valuable asset you have is your skills. Consider career training programs offered by trade schools and vocational colleges. Employers frequently look for candidates with relevant skills. If I cannot attend a trade school near me due to a particular conviction, can I attend a trade school near me? It’s worth asking the school you’re interested in about online training options that could facilitate your education outside of the campus.
6. Consider Volunteering for a Short Period of Time: Ex-convicts who want to give back are welcome to volunteer with church groups, charities, and non-profits. When you apply for jobs as a felon, you must demonstrate that you are reliable, hardworking, and honest so that you can establish excellent references.
7. Take a Strategic Approach When Choosing a Job: People are more likely to get hired for positions that do not require them to interact with customers face-to-face. Since many small businesses don’t perform pre-employment background checks before hiring people with criminal records, they tend to have better track records than larger companies. There may also be fewer hiring obstacles when you use a temporary agency or a company owned by a friend or family member.
8. Stay Positive and Thick-Skinned: The key to success is persistence. There are employers who won’t give you the time of day no matter what you do. Keeping your chin up and moving forward is the best course of action. Make a point of reflecting on how you have grown and what you have learned from your experiences. Sooner or later, you’ll have an opportunity. Don’t look back when you get it.
FAQs
How Do You Convince Your Boss to Give You a Second Chance?
Here are five ways to ask for a second chance at work:
- Apologize at a convenient time.
- Establish a specific plan for improving the situation.
- Make sure your goals are attainable and transparent.
- Confess your mistakes and take responsibility.
- Trustworthy behavior shows that you are trustworthy.
What Professional License can a Convicted Felon Get in Texas?
A convicted felon is typically not eligible for most professional licenses unless his/her record has been expunged. Official licenses are required for many good-paying professions such as those in the medical, legal, and financial fields, as well as insurance.
Can Convicted Felons Vote in USA?
A majority of U.S. states reinstated voting rights upon completion of a sentence as of 2018. The only states that permanently disenfranchised felony convicts were Iowa and Virginia, while six others restricted restoration to those who had committed crimes of “moral turpitude.”
Conclusion
There will always be mistakes, but it doesn’t mean the end of the world. In our changing society, ex-convicts are more likely to be hired now that our society is changing. It is important not to give up even if you have a felony record. You can get a high-paying job in lots of places.
