How to find a job if you’re a convicted felon was originally published on College Recruiter.
Especially in today’s market, it’s not easy to find a job. For a convicted felon, it might even seem impossible; in fact, just trying to figure out how transparent to be about your felony during the hiring process might feel like an overwhelming task.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to keep in mind while job hunting when you have a felony conviction is that there are jobs out there. It’s just a matter of finding them, and that takes a bit of strategy and understanding of what you’re up against. The first thing you should try to prioritize is employers and industries that are known for or more likely to hire felons.
What that really means is this: Don’t waste time looking for jobs in industries that realistically just wouldn’t be likely to hire someone with a felony. Some of the well-paying jobs that hire felons include welder, electrician, carpenter, HVAC tech, truck driver, and even military positions (depending on the conviction). There are also a lot of opportunities in technology industries, which generally focus more on knowledge than factors like your background or criminal history.
That brings up a key point when it comes to finding a job as a felon – education. If you’re looking to enter a field that’s technology-related, or any field or industry for that matter, prioritizing education to advance your skill set might be a good idea. Whether it’s a college degree or a training program, education goes a long way with employment. And while the idea of pursuing a college degree while navigating the workforce might seem like a lot, know that you’re not alone: About 6.4% of the workforce in 2020 was also enrolled in college either full or part time, according to a recent study from Eduref.
Ultimately, when it comes to finding employment, it’s always going to be in your best interest to try and make as many connections as possible in your desired field. And don’t be afraid to seek help, either – there are plenty of organizations around that are set up to help people with felony convictions find employment.
It might also be a good idea to explore a path toward entrepreneurship, especially if you’ve got a great idea or a passion that you would ultimately want to pursue. Starting your own business eliminates the anxiety that can come with navigating the job market if you have a conviction and allows you to put your success firmly in your own hands. And despite the state of the business world during the pandemic, which has of course been impacted severely, there’s always room for more great ideas.
Having a felony on your record can often feel like punishment in itself, especially when you’ve already paid your debt to society and are just trying to get yourself back on track. And though it can be discouraging, with some dedication and drive, your felony conviction doesn’t have to hold you back from finding an incredible opportunity that helps you move forward with your life.
— Article by Sean Kelly, an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter
