Jobs for Felons: Top Five Ways for Ex-offenders and Felons to Find Jobs

In Search of the Felon-Friendly Workplace

When inmates are released, most hope they will never face incarceration again. One sure way to increase the odds of success is to find stable employment as soon as possible. I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and I have found some really good ways that people with criminal records can get hired. I am sharing the top five ways here:

Temporary Agencies - Temporary employment agencies are one the best ways for a felon to get a job. Many companies turn to temp agencies as a way to keep their businesses running. Often when an employer finds that a temporary employer has a good work ethic and fits well the job is offered permanently. The key for ex-offenders and felons applying for temporary work is to apply to local independent agencies rather than large corporate agencies. The larger companies often have policies that are set in their corporate offices that prohibit the hiring of those with criminal records. Local independent agencies can employ anyone they feel they can place regardless of whether they have a record or not. Grab you local telephone book and make of list of temp agencies to visit and fill out applications just like you would any other employer.

Moving Companies, Furniture and Appliance Retailers - Moving companies and stores that sell large appliances and furniture often are looking for strong capable people who can move large items. Often criminal records are of little importance if they can find a dependable person who can get the job done by delivering goods safe and sound to customers.

Large Retail Stores - When you think of large retail stores like Target, Wal-Mart or you local supermarket you think of cashiers and department salespeople. What few people think about are the unseen people who help to keep the store running. There are people who clean the floors, stock the shelves and unload trucks. The reason we rarely see these people is because they work overnight. Not everyone is cut out to work the overnight shift. Often it is hard for people to work that shift. Because of this, there are often openings for people who can do a good job on the overnight crew. Contact your local large retail store or supermarket to find out if there are any openings on the overnight shift.

Property Managers - Many apartment and condominium communities are manage by property mangers who keep everything looking nice for the residents. Every property manager has a staff at every property who does the work necessary to maintain these communities. There are often openings for people who can do minor repairs, painting and general cleaning. Many of these communities have the property manger's name on the signs at the entrances. Contact them to inquire about any open positions

Restaurants - Every restaurant is in need of people who are dependable and can do a variety of jobs. Dish washing, filling ice stations, and helping the kitchen, bar and wait staff are just a few of the duties of the kitchen utility person. If you can get to work on time and have a passion for serving guests, there are many jobs available. Make a list of restaurants in your area and call each one to see if there are positions available. You can cover a lot more ground on the telephone than you can on foot.

Ex-offenders and felons are hired everyday. There are jobs to be had if you are willing to put in the work to find them and prepare yourself to show employers that you will be a great employee. Best of luck!

Eric Mayo