How do you answer questions like “if you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?”  Much of answering these questions involves assessing your ability to think on your feet.  Be prepared to answer that without much thought.

You should choose your hero and explain why they are your hero.  It does not necessarily have to relate to the position, it will give an interviewer insight into your personality.  There is no wrong answer to that question.

One of the toughest and most common questions is “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  You must always answer that question with respect to the company you’re interviewing with.  Be specific if possible.  Be careful not to threaten the person interviewing you.  Read that as “where do you want to be?”  Your answer may help you move through the ranks.

You must be honest.  Many people are comfortable in their role and don’t want more than that.  Employers also like that answer as they don’t want to have to fill a position every year or two.  There are lots of great resources available, check some out and be prepared.

Felon Job Search

How to find a job if you’re a felon is a tough question.  There are many things you can and cannot do.  You’re at a new beginning.  So if you are still under court supervision, you must be working in an atmosphere where your employer will understand your parole or work release requirements.

You will be restricted from positions working around firearms and explosives as well as Government jobs and jobs that require licensure.  That does not mean you will not be able to work.

Working for a small business employer may be a great option for you.  Many small employers need people who are willing to work hard and improve not only their own situation but that of the company.  They typically work with a small staff and with close supervision.  This is a perfect situation for a felon willing to work hard.  You can work in skilled and unskilled labor positions.

Temporary services may be a good option to check into for day labor, construction and manufacturing jobs.  The most important thing to remember when wondering “how to find a job if you’re a felon”  is that honesty will serve you well.  You must be prepared to discuss your conviction at length and assure potential employers that you know crime doesn’t pay.

Also, education is important.  If you need to get your GED, do it.  Or if you can attend community college this will help you build the skill set you need to find employment.

Business Interview

So you have the interview of your life set up and you’re freaking out.  What are the best tips for a smooth interview?  An employer will make a decision about you in 60 seconds and either you will be called back, hired or never hear from them again.

Your appearance is the first thing a potential employer will assess.  Show up properly dressed, men in a clean and pressed suit and women in a solid color suit with coordinating blouse, jewelry and shoes.  Not the comfy, well worn heels used so often in your previous job, buy new ones if you need to.

Next they’re going to want to talk to you.  The best tips for a smooth interview, especially the talking part, are research, research and research.  Search the company, gain information, and be prepared to ask smart questions.  You care about this opportunity so you need to care about the company.  Be intelligent and thoughtful.  Most importantly be honest.

Be prepared to explain any extended absences from the workforce and how you can add value to their firm.  Be confident and poised.  If they offer to take you out for a meal, order a healthy meal, a salad or chicken dish.

Be sure to avoid an alcoholic beverage, even if your interviewer orders one.  Pay attention when they tell you about the company and the position, then paraphrase the information and repeat it to them.  This will show you have active listening skills.  First impressions are key, be prepared!

First, review and update your resume.  It’s always a good idea to keep your resume up to date because opportunities present themselves all the time.  Make sure your resume has no spelling or grammar errors, is neat and concise and clearly and honestly describes your experience.  Nothing will hinder your successful job search more than “padding” your resume.  Employers currently have a wealth of candidates to choose from, so lying will rule you out immediately.

Second, utilize social networking sites like LinkedIn and facebook.  This is a growing trend for job seekers and employers.  LinkedIn has job boards for various industries and many positions listed are exclusive to that site.  When searching for a job smartly, something to remember is people will hire people they like and who others like.  This is important when using social networking sites for your job search.

Make sure you don’t put anything on your facebook page that you wouldn’t want your mother to see.  If using LinkedIn, make sure you invite people to your network that will be willing to write you recommendations.  You never know who is hiring.  The best jobs are those not found on job sites.  Be smart, network.

The Indiana Department of Labor leads the government agencies in this state in helping individuals with felony records get back on their feet again by getting decent jobs to help them become self-sufficient. Tax credits are provided to companies hiring ex-felons and fidelity bonding insurance is offered to persons who cannot get the usual commercial bonding. Job placement assistance is also provided by the government through the Community Action Program.

Organizations that offer help to ex-felons in getting a job include the Fletcher Place Ministry and the Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana. The ministry offers the Next Step Programs that help an ex-felon become employed after he has attended a series of seminars. On the other hand, Goodwill Industries offer various services to ex-felons, including general assistance in looking for a job and transitional employment.

The Resource Centers of Goodwill Industries provide general assistance such as providing tips on how to look for job leads, writing resumes, filling up application forms and other requirements, going for the job interview, and job retention. Meanwhile, in the transitional employment service, Goodwill Industries provide temporary jobs to ex-felons to help them get the work experience that they may need when applying for other jobs.

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.

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?

The projected increase in job creation has been in the lower level job arena.  These include retail sales, customer service representatives, fast food, cashiers, and custodians.  These jobs require few or no skills at the time of application and are well suited for those who are just getting out of high school and don’t intend to go on to college.

For those who do plan to attend college, these stepping stone jobs are a good way to make additional income during the college years, but focus should be on receiving a doctoral degree.  The fastest growing jobs available are as postsecondary teachers, which is at the top of 30 other positions that will require the same degree.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the 10 fastest growing jobs available that require a bachelor degree are:

• Network Systems and Data Communications,
  
• Analyst
• Computer Applications Software Engineer
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
• Financial Analyst
• Forensic Science Technician
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Computer Systems Software Engineer
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator.

Indiana is going digital and the best jobs available are reflecting this.  Even in this arena the best jobs include starting out at entry level, going to school part time and receiving an associates or bachelor degree and moving up within the company. Many companies are willing to pay for this additional education, especially if you prove to be valued employee at the entry level.

Entry level jobs are actually easier to find than you might think.  As a rule the positions pay less to the employees than those offered to the skilled who have already been in the positions previously.  While job employment is down and profits are not as high, employers need these positions filled at a pay rate they can afford.

Many entry level jobs can be found using the temporary placement agencies.  Temp jobs are on the rise right now, and it would be in the interest of both job seekers and employers to use this venue.  If you are placed at a job by a temp agency, you will be able to show the potential long term employer your job skills, willingness to learn, etc.  These are things that an employer would be watching during a 90 day probation period.

You can find entry level jobs in Indiana in a variety of areas, Accounting, Medical, Construction, Computer, Administrative, even State and Federal agencies are looking for entry level applicants. Though with the government positions, there will be a small window of opportunity to apply for the job.  A daily check on their site under Human Resources or Job listings is suggested. The dates for application often vary from a couple of days to a week.