I havre a long criminal history and i'm trying to find a job but no one will give me one what do io?

Answer 1

First - research the laws in your state - they vary greatly. In some states you cannot be asked about any crime more than 7 yrs old. In the state I am in it is legal to ask about arrests not leading to conviction. It is important to know what the laws says in your state before you start looking for work. You can NOT count on employment counselors to know the laws - many don't (sadly)

Second - find a local agency that works with ex-offenders. If you can't find one, try calling 2-1-1 (the new information line that covers about 75% of the US) Often times the employment counselors will have a secret list of "felony friendly" employers. I know I have one. It is something that I have made for my own use over the years. We all guard these, but are very willing to share the information with our clients. If you see a printed list (like a handout) it is a good place to start, but chances are everyone looks at those employers first. If the program has MRT - it will really help (never-mind the "therapy" part of the name, its a great tool for helping you be successful in getting a job).

Third - Somehow folks get the idea that just serving time is the only consequence for their actions. Wrong answer! A felony will stay on your record forever - and will affect life in a number of ways - employment being one of them. There are certain jobs or work-sites that you are never going to work at - the airport, a hospital, school, etc. You will have to explain your background to many more.

Having said that - getting a good job is not impossible - I work with ex-offenders daily that are able to overcome these barriers. How do they do it?
-They have support - from friends, family or a case manager.
- They have patience and know it is going to take a long time
- They know they have to work harder & smarter than if they did not have the felony.
- they use all the job search methods - not just one or two

Answer 2

Do what I did: Become your own boss and work for yourself.

Find something you're good at and make it a career.

I am self-employed full-time as a carpenter and specialize as a restoration artist for Victorian homes.

I also work as a consultant part-time for an attorney.
Considering my extensive history with the law, it only made sense to try and learn it. I applied it to another area I excell in- bending the law and finding ways to circumvent the system to make it work for me.
Basically, I study over law books and find loop-holes. I bend the law rather than break it. Hell, you've gotta start somewhere...

Find your gift and explore it- become your own boss.
I've become very wealthy doing so myself and am now a respected member of the community.
My business partner is a city council member and the former mayor of nearly twenty years.
I know the county sheriff on a first name basis as well as virtually every business man in the county.

If that's not progress for a convicted felon then I don't know what the hell is.

All you need do is explore your talents and stay out of trouble.
The only advice aside from this that I can offer is to make it clear that you won't tolerate any bias regarding your past criminal history.
The whole idea of reforming is to become successful and happy- not to do the right thing and get it shoved up your *** because of what you used to be.
Allow one person to do so unanswered and the rest will follow. Confront them if they do- but only if you've genuinely changed and committed towards leading a different life.
Everyone deserves a second chance. People can change.
I'm living proof of it.

Answer 3

Can you do construction work? I work with people to help them obtain employment and the easiest place to get a job with a criminal history is in construction.

You prove yourself in this job (just as the person before me said) and you will eventually be fine. Also, if you don't have an dui convictions, you might want to consider obtaining your CDL and driving a truck. These are both professions that pay decently and will get you back on track.

Most of all, don't give up. There is something out there for you.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult for you to get a job with almost any large company. We do background checks on each potential employee where I work. I don't know of anyone nowadays who doesn't do this. If you have a record, then they simply aren't going to hire you. Period. Nobody is willing to take a chance on the probability that you have become an honest person.

You will need to look at local places run by families or by private owners. Even some of them do records checks because now you can pay about $50 to these Internet services and get a record check on anyone. Your record of anything you've been convicted of since you turned 18 is a matter of public record. But the private sector is your best bet to get started.

Fast food is not the best job, but I don't think that McDonald's and Burger King types of restaurants do background checks except for management candidates.

Answer 5

you can get a job as a theatrical stagehand. Just about everyone that does that has a criminal background. They have the IATSE local union in every city and they accept literally everyone. No joke, there are so many cons and tweekers that work with me it's ridiculous... You can do one of those work from home jobs on the side, but most are scams-- ie don't pay attention to the posts here, because they just want your money!!

Answer 6

Start a small service business. Develop skills, go to school then offer your services. We don't do criminal background checks but hire mostly union journeymen we even hire work release. We don't have applications so nobody asks. I got an accounting job without even a credit check.
Start with day labor or maybe temp work I don't think they do background checks either, I worked at account temps about 6 years ago and don't remember one.

Answer 7

hi! I believe that with todays technology, work at home and work online opportunities, everybody can have a very fair chance of generating income.

I believe, working at home will be convenient for you. If you visit these sites and read through it, and actually start working with it, you will know what I mean.

http://www.the-write-stuff.info/resources.php

and

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In 500 in 10 green machine, I invested only $17 and in 2 weeks, I have $500. That is when I was allotting only an hour to work in it.

Today, I still work with both. I suggest that you too should experience the work at home convenience that I have ;)

Good Luck

Answer 8

Ask for help ! ask to the right people , to your Pastor or to your Priest , they can help a lot , they know the right people , the ones that will be willing to hep you , maybe some ex-con reformed , who knows?
Ask your family , your friends ( The straight ones) Make commitments , Tell them that you want to go straight , do not be afraid to beg , YOU NEED HELP!! but be careful , You really have to go straight and keep your word because when you get and if you get It's maybe your last chance to have a normal, Happy life , a life that will make, you and your family and the ones that will help you,..... PROUD !!!! It is worth ed , Do it Friend and good luck , be prepare to a few Bull , but you do it for you , be strong .and good luck...............

Answer 9

Work at Taco Bell, McDonald's or Burger King. Work hard and prove yourself. Stay out of trouble.

Answer 10

All I can say is be honest and upfront with your potential employers about yourself and history. Don't give up.