Where can a convicted felon find a job in the bay area (Oakland)?

Answer 1

I can answer this question simply because of my experience. I happen to BE a convicted felon. Fifteen years ago, in Charlottesville, VA I committed a felony theft. I did it. I admit it. I was convicted and will be labeled a felon to the day I die.

Here's what I did.

1. I contacted a series of recuiters (NOT staffing /personnel services). I pretended to be an employer that was interested in hiring someone of a management caliber. I asked each recuiter..."What/How to you screen your potential candidates?" There are dozens of personal recruiters in every state of the U.S.

Some independent recruiters said - "We complete an FBI background check on each candidate."

Some recruiters said - "We go back 10 years into their life."

Some said - "We check locally only."

2. Once I knew which recruiters I would 'qualify for'....I waited a few weeks and contacted them as "me." Initially, they'd ask me questions and get permission to conduct a 'detailed background investigation.' I already know what they check for so I welcomed it with open arms.

3. Then, after a few interviews and drug tests, I was hired by a HUGE company. Seven years later, I am earning $80,000.

That's how I did it. You do the same!

You see, the problem is not that we are "felons." EVERYONE has committed a felony. My wife's mother cheated on her taxes for years. My college friends sold drugs when they were 22 years old. My boss supposedly made about $25,000 from an overseas gambling debt that could be seen as a Federal crime in some arenas. Everyone has committed a felony. Everyone. Some have simply been caught while others got away with it. I find it ridiculous that former felons are treated like diseases. It doesn't help anything.

Now, 7 years later, I am allowed to vote in Virginia and even protect my home with a firearm. EVERYONE that knows me is under the impression that I lead a truly "straight" life. If they only knew my criminal past. No one....not even my wife....knows of my conviction. It's a truly distant memory.

Do your homework and get past the background check. Once you have tiptoed over that pain the rear, you are free to earn a great living.

Believe me....I am walking proof of it.

P.S. - Staffing/Personnel services screen with local and even Statewide authorities. Never go to a personnel service or staffing company. Go with an INDEPENDENT RECRUITER ONLY. Big staffing companies have the financial means to contact other franchises in other states and complet detail checks that you are trying to avoid!!!

Make it happen!

Dave

Answer 2

It is probably easier for a convicted felon to get a job then it it is for a person who stayed home and took care of family and children for years, or someone that is mentally ill or depressed.
At least where I live. I don't know what your are talking about, there about 10 million programs for ex-convicts or drug addicts, providing they are trying to turn their life around.
Where I live you have to do something completely insane or commit a crime before you are eligible.
And people wonder why there is so much crime.
The government programs practically instigate people to do no good before they get any type of sympathy.

Answer 3

It always matter what felony is on the record. If a drug conviction then the best bet may be to talk to your P.O. who can have a line on a position. If not then I hate to say it, but try food service, waitress or server if you can, fast food if necessary. I'm from Oakland myself but think that it's the same all over.

Answer 4

It is hard everywhere. My brother was in the same boat. We have a successful home base business and we showed it to him and now he is doing it. All our work is done on the computer and phone and in the comforts of our home. No inventory, no collecting and no overhead. Email [e-mail]
Good luck and keep trying. Don't give up. Keep the faith.

Answer 5

Well first of all - don't apply for positions that require you to be "Bonded" ! Lie!Lie!Lie! - start out taking whatever you can and build a GOOD reputation,that way you can look around,find something better and get great referrences from your employer. Do whatever it takes. Don't try and get work where they know you!! Be smart,a bad reputions follows you - clean up and move on... You CAN do it.. and from now on darlin! Be a Good Boy!!!

Answer 6

why don't you go for your own business? ask your family to help you out; go for landscaping, house painter, electrician, plumber, or car repair man, computer repair man ,
carpet layer;carpet cleaning , roofer, air& heat instoller.chimney sweeper. ask you mon or dad, or sister, or aunt to lend you some money; ask them if they will co-sign for you for a small loan; but come thru with it; do not be a flack with them; prove to them you want to make some changes in your life, make an effort; bacame the person God intented you to be. because it will be very hard for you to get a good job. i will pray for you.
Good luck !!! ps/DAVID S is giving you such a great advise go do it!!!

Answer 7

go to the state workforce development commission in sacramento (state capital). Every state has a department that specializes in helping "hard to employ" people find jobs. They even offer incentives to employers to hire them.

Answer 8

Check with temp agancies, some hire with out a background check, I used to work at one.

Answer 9

Try the Streets lots of work slinging that RA-WK

Answer 10

I often end up writing the same question on other sites