Ex-Prisoner Job Opportunities and Career Leads
A Guide to Employment Re-Entry for Ex-Offenders in the United States
The U.S. Justice Department estimates that more than 650,000 people are released from state and federal prison every year. To help break the cycle of recidivism, these parolees must find work and integrate back into society. This can pose a challenge for ex-prisoners, especially in today’s economy. But there are steps a person can take to bolster employment opportunities.
Disclose Background and Crime
Oh, the dreaded box on the application that asks, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” An offender's first notion might be to leave this section blank, but reverting to criminal ways is not the answer. Disclose offenses to a potential employer. Falsifying information is a felony and more companies are doing background checks now than they ever have before. One should stress that they have paid their dues to society and let employers know that they want to start their life over.
Apply for Appropriate Job Openings That Do Not Relate to the Crime
Most employers will consider the safety of the public before they consider an ex-prisoner's personal needs. Hiring in sensitive areas is not recommended. Do not apply for jobs that put the care of others in unpredictable hands or compromise an individual’s security, such as the care of elderly, disabled, and ill persons or residential services.
Consider the nature of the conviction in relation to the job opportunity. If the crime is theft, avoid applications for cashier or other positions that handle money. By applying to inappropriate positions, a well-meaning ex-criminal will likely be wasting his or her own time and the potential employer’s time. This time can be better spent applying for positions that are more suitable.
Entry Level Jobs for Unskilled Workers
Employers are more willing to take a chance on at-risk employees in entry-level positions. A committed employee will often find room for advancement. Many employers that have taken the risk of hiring ex-cons note that these have been some of their best employees due to their remarkable intentions of getting their lives on track.
- Telemarking
- Tele-fundraising
- Driver/ Delivery– delivering goods between businesses
- Retail sales (such as hardware stores, nurseries, etc.)
- Fast food outlets
- Food Prep
- Dishwasher
- Background Actors/ Extra Casting (consider using a Call Center that books clients on daily shows for a monthly fee that is taken from the paycheck earned)
City and Federal Career Opportunities
The city has a vested interest in providing employment to those just released from prison to reduce crime and prevent ex-prisoners from returning to jail or prison. City and federal jobs to consider include:
- Water and Sanitation services
- Recycling services
- Army/ Navy/ Marine Corps
- Peace Corps paid volunteer services
Skilled Trades That Offer Training
- Fabricators/ welders (some companies post at halfway houses)
- Firefighter (must pass civil service examination to be eligible for training)
- The Green Job Initiative
- Drywall/ Carpentry/ Maintenance crews/ Construction
- Gardening
- Equipment Operators
Job Referral Agencies
Employers that have hired ex-offenders often times say they have better luck working with ex-convicts when hiring through an agency. Agencies pre-screen potential employees and their willingness to work, often weeding out those who are not serious. Try enrolling with several agencies that specialize in helping ex-prisoners transition.
Local Non-Profits, Social Services and Ministries Specializing in Return to Work Programs
Search for nationwide and local non-profits and inquire about their employment placement services. Below is a sample of nationwide organizations that provide these types of services.
- Goodwill Industries
- The Next Step/ Buddhist Peace Fellowship
- Work Force USA
Temporary and Permanent Employment Staffing Agencies
There are mainstream employment agencies that will also consider ex-offenders for job placement. Call local agencies and ask to speak to a job recruiter/placement professional. Tell them the situation and ask them if they will assist in finding temporary and/or permanent work. Temporary placements often turn into full-time jobs or a good temporary employee can make a career out of being a temp.
Many agencies cater to office employment. Positions that don’t require previous office experience include:
- Receptionist
- Mailroom
- Runner
- Security
- Message Center
- Production/ Assembly lines
Computer skills give employment agencies more opportunities to find more placements, including positions like:
- Administrative Assistant
- Media Buyer
- Data Entry
Local Job Fairs
While not all cities are ahead of the game like San Francisco, a city that offers job fairs specifically designed for ex-prisoners, do not discount a general job fair in the area. Prospective employers are impressed by the proactive nature of those attending job fairs and their diligence in their job search. Be sure to inform the prospective employer at the job fair of past felonies, so that if called into an interview, it will be evident that it is a serious opportunity.
Tax Incentives for Hiring Ex-Prisoners
Inform prospective employers about financial incentives created by the United States Congress to benefit employers hiring ex-offenders. One tax break gives the employer a $2400 credit once an ex-offender is hired and completes a certain number of working hours. To find out more about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Federal Bonding Program, a no-cost Fidelity Bond that insures “high risk” job applicants, contact the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Association. It may be the push an employer needs to be sold on the idea of hiring someone recently released.
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