Once you’re out of prison, reentering the workforce is extremely difficult. You’ll find that most employers refuse anyone with a criminal record, leaving you with very few options. But using these useful tips for getting hired after prison may increase your chances when applying for a job.
Find Assistance
The first thing you should do is use any organizations or programs that help people who were in prison find and get jobs. These places—such as Goodwill Industries—focus on helping former inmates reenter the workforce using trainings, lessons, and job placement assistance.
Clear Your Records
Although this isn’t an option for everyone, sometimes you can clear your criminal record of some crimes and incarcerations (if not all of them.) This can help you greatly as you apply for jobs and talk to potential employers.
Background Check
Anyone applying for a job can benefit from knowing what’s on a background check. This information can help you prepare for interviews as you know what a potential employer might see. Think about running a background check on yourself so you know exactly what to expect and can fix anything that may be incorrect.
Learn New Skills
If you don’t already know a trade skill, learning a new one can open new potential job opportunities. Even if you don’t learn a new trade skill, you can still go through education to prove to your employers that you’re attempting to better yourself.
Tax Credit and Bonding Program
The government knows that finding a job is difficult for former inmates, which is why they have certain benefits and programs for employers as incentives. Employers can use tax credits when they hire you and protect themselves with bonding programs. These tools can help you when you’re in an interview.
Now, these useful tips for getting hired after prison aren’t guarantees of success. They can help you put your best foot forward when trying to find a good job. It’ll still take a lot of hard effort and time before you find one.