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.

Before The Interview

Create a plan about how you want to approach the issue of your felony. One important decision is whether to volunteer the information on your own, or wait until asked by the employer. It is probably better to volunteer the information, because it shows confidence, honesty, and lets you control the message more and put a positive spin on things.

In addition to planning your approach to the felony question, practice talking about it as much as you can. Ask friends to talk to play the role of interviewer and ask tough questions about your past. You will become more comfortable with each one. Also, research the employer and the industry of the job, and be able to show that you know and care about the field.

During The Interview

Take care to not give any physical red flags that might combine with your felony. Dress as well as you can, and groom yourself as clean-cut as possible. When speaking to the interviewer, especially when discussing your felony, maintain strong eye contact along with a confident attitude and body language.

Bring the conversation to points that show responsibility. When talking about your felony, include any jobs you maintained in prison or courses and other reading you completed. Mention volunteer work you might have recently done. Also, explain how hiring a felon can help the employer with things like the Federal Bonding program that insures the employer, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

After The Interview

For felons, it is especially important to follow up within a few days after the interview. A quick thank you message the same day is effective, but also follow up after a few days by mail, email, or phone to check the status of your application.

These follow ups show a responsible person who is ready for honest work. With attention to certain details like this, the interviewer will get the message that you plan ahead and follow through on things, and those are characteristics any employer wants.

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.

Interview Based Questions for Felons

Interview based questions for felons are quite similar to those that are often used for all kinds of applicants. However, felons may be at a disadvantage when competing for a particular job against applicants who have not served a jail term. Nevertheless, felons can enhance their chances of getting hired by determining the specific requirements of the employer.

They should keep in mind during the job interview that interviewers usually look for certain traits. These include honesty and integrity, good communication skills, teamwork skills, strong work ethic, self-motivation or initiative, interpersonal skills, positive attitude, dependability, and adaptability.

A common interview question requests you to tell something about yourself. The best way to answer this is to take note of your positive traits and strengths, work experience and skills that make you qualified for the job. Make sure that you practice answering this question until your response appears to be natural and spontaneous.

Another usual interview question is why you left your previous job. The important rule to follow here is to never say anything negative about your former employer or company even if it is true. If you do this, your prospective employer will know that you will also be bad mouthing him when you leave him. Simply indicate that you wanted a job that is more challenging and that would provide you with a better chance for advancement.

Of course, a very important question in the “why you were convicted and sent to prison?” one! It is vital to prepare for this question. The technique is to explain that you now regret your previous errors and that you have already learned your lesson. You can also add those things that you have done to counter your weaknesses and to improve yourself to make sure that you will not commit the same mistake again.

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.

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.

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.

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.