When performing the job search, an ex-felon needs to keep in mind that he or she will need to work in a place where they can prove that they are reformed.  This is accomplished most often when working side by side with the owner or general manager of the business.  Thus it would make sense to seek out small companies.

You will also want to look for employment in jobs where your felony conviction has no bearing on the type of work involved.  For instance, if you were convicted of neglect of a dependent, you should not apply for  work in a daycare, nursing home, or school.  Likewise, you will be hard pressed to find work in a convenience store, or retail establishment if you were convicted of robbery.

One of the best bets for the male felon, and many females as well, are jobs that involve construction.  Not only will the ex-felon be able to prove that they are worthy of the job, they can and will progressively gain skills in the field that may assist them in future jobs.  Perhaps eventually the ex-felon will then be in a position to start and run their own company using the skills they have acquired.

• 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.