With persistent searching, an interview will eventually come up. This is a chance for felons to communicate trustworthiness and explain why they are serious about their futures. It is important to show confidence, be relaxed, and look the other person in the eyes. It is also important to present oneself professionally, as far as dressing appropriately, having a well written resume, and showing persistence and respect in communications besides the interview. Remember that job searches are number games, so sticking through the ups and downs is the key to finding a job as an Indiana felon.

Trucking Jobs for Felons

First of all, drivers will need to get a CDL license. There are many trucking schools offering classes for these licenses, so shop around to find the lowest price. Try to get as many endorsements as possible on your license, especially Hazmat. This opens up more job opportunities because you can drive many types of loads.

Once licensed, it is time to search for jobs. Smaller, local companies will usually have more trucking jobs for felons. Try them first, but also go to local truck stops and pick up trucking magazines to check the jobs sections. Many jobs there are not listed anywhere else, and you can talk to other drivers who might give you leads.

When talking to trucking companies, honesty is the best policy. Be open about your convictions and do not try to hide them, but be positive about your future. Many companies hiring felons will look at the type of felony, how old the offense is, and the previous driving experience you have. Some companies have training programs, where you go out with another driver and get road experience, which is very important. Do whatever you can to get on the road experience.

It always helps to focus on a specific type of job that is known to hire felons, and trucking is a great example of this. Take the proper steps and truck driving can be a very good opportunity for felons.

Apprenticeships For Felons

The process starts out with applying to a union office to become an apprentice. These are typically construction trades, like electricians, carpenters, sheet metal workers, plumbers and more. Most unions will not discriminate against people with felonies. Many times, it is a matter of being persistent and available to get a foot in the door.

A pre-apprenticeship can make the chances of getting an apprenticeship even better. The Indiana Plan is a pre-apprenticeship program that combines classroom hours and on the job training, and is partially funded by the state. It is targeted towards minorities, but in 2007, nearly half of the program’s graduates were ex-offenders. These felons were then qualified to become apprentices.

Depending on the field, apprenticeships take a few years, but are usually paid throughout. The pay increases as the program goes on, and with the help of the union, finding a job is much easier upon completing the program. Most apprenticeships will require a high school diploma or G.E.D. to apply.

In the end, this process gives felons an edge they did not have when looking for jobs. It is more valuable for an employer to hire someone with a proven skill, whether the person is a felon or not. Applying for apprenticeships or the Indiana Plan is a first step towards jobs for felons that can become long lasting careers.

The Indiana Department of Labor has a program to assist persons with criminal histories. First of all, unemployment compensation is given to individuals who cannot find a job even if they are willing and able to work. To submit an initial claim, you have to register for work at one of the Indiana Workforce Development offices. Secondly, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is given to employers who are willing to hire ex-felons, among other groups. Lastly, the Federal Bonding Program offers fidelity bonding insurance for those who cannot take advantage of regular commercial bonding.

If the felony is several years old, you may try to clean up your record at the Indiana State Police Central Repository. You can ask for a copy of your criminal record and learn the procedure for cleaning or sealing your record.

An ex-felon can also ask for job placement assistance from the Community Action Program (CAP), which helps individuals with criminal records by identifying companies that are willing to accept them. Meanwhile, the Next Step Programs of the Fletcher Place Ministry also offers job placement assistance after completion of a series of seminars. There are also community agencies that offer information on organizations and government agencies that help with vocational training and employment.

Minimum Wage Jobs in Indiana

People who have a felony record often face the problem of getting a job in various states such as Indiana. Many businesses are unwilling to take the risk of accepting an ex-felon into their workforce and those that do usually offer a minimum wage salary.

Nevertheless, there are certain high-profile companies like UPS and Safeway that have established a policy of hiring ex-felons. Persons with felony records that are several years old and have not violated the law since can also seal their criminal records at the Indiana State Police Central Repository as a way to increase their chances of being hired. They can also try getting assistance from the Indiana Department of Labor and other government agencies in improving their chances of becoming employed.

Individuals with felony records can also focus on the kinds of jobs where the criminal record does not matter. Examples are telephone customer service and truck driving. Temp agencies may also be willing to provide work although it usually requires physical labor. The Army can also accept persons with criminal records although this will depend on the crime. It would be advisable to contact your local recruiter to see if you are qualified.

Another possibility is to work as an independent contractor because many people may still be willing to hire you to do a certain job as long as you do it well. You may also want to focus on small businesses because they are more willing to accept someone with a record.

Jobs for Felons, Indianapolis, Indiana

Individuals with felony records discover the harsh reality that many companies are not willing to hire them the moment they get out of jail and try to find a job. It is a hard fact that many businesses even conduct investigations on the backgrounds of job applicants and refuse to accept those with criminal records. And even if they do find work, the pay is usually low.

The situation is no different in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, but there are organizations and government agencies that can offer assistance. One such organization is the Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, which provides various kinds of services to different groups, including ex-felons. Its central office is located at Michigan Street in Indianapolis. For ex-offenders, some of the services offered are English as a Second Language classes, Adult Basic Education and General Equivalency Diploma preparation, transitional employment, general assistance in looking for a job, and youth services for those who are 14 to 25 years old.

The transitional employment program of Goodwill allows individuals to get the necessary work experience that they need to qualify for jobs that will make them self-sufficient. Meanwhile, Goodwill’s Resource Centers can help ex-felons by providing all of the materials that are required for the task of looking for a job. Workshops are also offered to provide advice on important job hunting activities such as looking for job leads, writing a resume, completing applications, the job interview, and job retention strategies. Assistance is also provided with regards to aptitude testing, career exploration, and in the actual writing of job applications and resumes.

You see where I’m going with the idea? Someone has to step forward first, and offer their voice. Together, we may be able to help find employment for people who are serious about getting not only a good job, but a good job, one that pays the bills and allows you to save money.

Jobs are scarce … for everyone … but felons sometimes have a little more trouble finding employment. Banding together and helping each other is something that could be successful. At Indiana Jobs Info, I’m offering to host a place for people to share ideas and tips on finding a job in Indiana if you’re a felon.

Anyone out there interested? I know you’re passing by … anyone want to stop by and start up a conversation about how to get you a job so you can start building your future?

Anyone?

People don’t know that there are actually companies that are paid an incentive by the government to hire convicted felons. Work One, the state employment agency, hires employment specialists who work to find or persuade companies to hire felons in Indiana. WorkOne’s program for ex-offenders, for example, helped 150 felons secure employment during 2005.

When looking for a job you should look for one that has a tax credit that can be used to pay for skill development and training for felons. Employers consider the development of communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills as a first priority.

Places to avoid looking applying for a job are long term temporary employment agencies. You will have better luck at a Labor Ready employment service for short term or daily employment until you are hired at one of the companies or businesses which you have applied to.

Keep in mind that small companies are more likely to hire a felon as the owners are more involved in the day to day business, and can see firsthand the ability of their hires to perform the tasks involved in the job.

• Be Honest – If you try to lie on your application, you may get caught. Even if you don’t, you will always wonder if it will come up. If you are honest about your felony upfront you lessen your chances of losing the job once the employer finds out you lied on the application.
• Petition – If you think it’s unfair for felons trying to get a job in Indiana, there is a Petition for Indiana Felons looking for work. Will it be successful? Who knows. If nothing else, you can hear stories about looking for work in Indiana from other felons. You might pick up some good tips for finding a job.
• Goodwill Placement Programs – As can be expected, your local Goodwill Industries may have something in place to help felons locate and keep good jobs.

• http://www.goodwillindy.org/jobs/default…
• http://www.fwgoodwill.org/JobPlacement.h…
• http://www.goodwill-ni.org/job_seekers.p…
• http://www.evvgoodwill.org/

Do you have tips for a felon looking for work in Indiana? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about felons trying to find work – anywhere in Indiana. Whether you’ve had trouble or not, sharing your story with others can help … more than you could ever know.