What jobs should people with felony convictions look for?

1. 95

   RGrafposted 15 years ago

   What jobs should people with felony convictions look for?
   
   When people get out of jail with a felony, it is almost impossible to find any job.  The word "felon" scares them and some policies are not to hire them.  Though what constitutes a felon does not mean that they embezzeled money or committed murder.  Many are looking to get their lives back, but society makes it almost impossible.

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2. 66

   RKHenryposted 15 years ago

   A lifeline for convicted felons released from prison and now needing a career.  List of website links provided, along with an informational video.  Help convicted felons find career opportunities. read more

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3. 58

   Great Aunt Roseposted 15 years ago

   Felon doesn't mean failer.. It could mean they are skillfully minded and chose to use their skill for the fast lane, this doesn't mean they are not to be trusted, on the contrary, these minds can be used for good things such as a Mechanic or Technician position (they can tweak a car or a computer and work alone and unsupervised).  Or a felon can get (in some rougher neighborhoods, a security job - sure not the normal, carry a gun security job, but the "secret shopper" security guy watching the isle or the monitor for "would be shoplifters".  Felons make great Bodyguards, maybe not for the rich and famous, but for the scared and insecure accountant on the lamb or under the witness protection program.  There are some felons who have dabbled in the criminal investigation portion of police work.  Kinda of a contractor if you will to give tips and tricks to help catch america's most wanted.

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4. 55

   coffee fanposted 15 years ago

   WHY looking for a JOB?
   
     There are many ways to start your own business and network marketing companies do not require a back ground check.  Sell Magic Power Coffee could be a new start into a new life......
   http://magic-power-coffee-business.magi … offee.com/

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5. 61

   macbeth25posted 15 years ago

   Look for programs similar to Jacksonville's Ready4Work.  Actually, I think this program may be nationwide.  Take a look at this news article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory … _id=48283.  One of the things potential employers need to realize is that these job seekers often prove to be more loyal and more productive than those without similar backgrounds.  Good luck to you all.

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6. 49

   E Books Inc.posted 15 years ago

   I'am also a felon and I find that construction companys usually dont mind if you do a good job.
   also, wal mart will hire a felon,keep putting  applications in, they will call. I know this from experience.

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7. 58

   jt_kirkposted 15 years ago

   Hi everyone...this is my first post on Hubpages, so I hope I'm not stepping on any toes.
   
   During the research phase of my latest book, Confessions of a Hiring Manager (which will be out in March 2010), someone asked me if I was going to include a chapter on how ex-convicts can get back into the job market beyond a minimum wage future. After doing the research on employment and ex-convicts, I discovered that the topic was a convoluted and intricate one that had no easy solution. I didn't find a lot of information that offered a bright overall picture (though there are some individual programs that are bright spots).
   
   Part of the problem lies with the penal system itself (releasing ex-convicts back into the same communities that got them in trouble in the first place; very few viable training programs beyond minimum-wage skills), financial/insurance liability associated with hiring ex-convicts, and as studies show, the pre-incarceration variables that lead a person to commit a crime.
   
   There's much more on this topic at my blog at http://jtkirk.wordpress.com, but I think to maximize your earning potential over your "new" lifetime, ex-offenders have several viable options from which to choose:
   
   1. If you have a high-school diploma, get an Associates Degree. Most are available online or from your local community college.
   2. Consider a trade school that offers solid training (consult the Better Business Bureau for leads or your local college/university for recommendations)
   3. Eliminate any bad habits that can tempt to back to your former life
   4. Become an avid reader. You don't have to have a college degree to be a capable problem solver that other people will notice.
   5. Network with people who work in the field in which you are interested in working--you never know who they know who just might be willing to give you a second chance.
   
   People who were convicted of non-violent crimes tend to get hired sooner than those convicted of violent crimes. Women convicted of non-violent crimes tend to get hired quicker than men convicted of non-violent crimes. So, there are opportunities, depending on the nature of your offense, but understand this: we can't blame society for being reluctant to hire ex-felons. Violating a trust (personal, financial, property) is something many people refuse to forgive and forget.
   
   Good luck all.

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8. 51

   casinocashloverposted 15 years ago

   I SAY A MECHANIC OR FAST FOOD OR COOKING, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO HAVE THAT ISSUE. ITS NOT RIGHT CUZ PEEPS DO TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND. BUT SOME DNT AND THATS WHAT RUINS IT FOR THE REST OF THEM. i WISH U ALL THE LUCK! ITS HARD OUT THERE GETTING A JOB FOR ANYONE. STAY STRONG!

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9. 69

   Jason R. Manningposted 14 years ago

   First off, convicted felon’s should not be let out until they have located work.  With all of the money we waste on prison systems, with all of the technology at our finger tips, why is it that we do not have labor case workers within the prison system who can identify inmate skills and place them in jobs the day after they leave prison walls?  We should have temp agencies who take on the our prison society, this way the lazy citizens cannot complain about illegal hiring of day laborers, instead they can place born again good citizens into entry level positions to establish a trust factor with society.  Everyone needs to be mature on this issue, convicts need to understand that “doing time” doesn’t mean you instantly come back to the public a refreshed respectable individual, you couldnt play by the rules so you have to start over.  Society needs to understand that released convicts need to be kept busy, really busy.  It is emperative that they find honest work.  I say create an agency.

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10. 72

    nifty@50posted 14 years ago

    Many former convicts work in road construction and bridge construction companies. Often times the county's public works departments uses inmates to do various jobs concerning roads and bridge construction and this experience can be used to gain employment on the outside. There are even government programs that pay employers incentives for hiring former convicts.

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11. 70

    DonDWestposted 14 years ago

    Probably best to avoid jobs that deal with people or their money (almost impossible in year 2011). Definately avoid jobs that deal with children. Suggestions: Construction, Mechanic, Electrician, I.T (non customer service or financial roles), Retail in a more technical nature.

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12. 67

    miakounaposted 13 years ago

    Great question!  It depends on what type of felony was committed and what type of job you want.  I do believe that a person deserves a chance to reform their life if they want to, but I do think that there are many individuals that did not take the opportunity to become reformed while serving time in prison. 
    
    Many people do not take the opportunity to actually reflect on the crime committed and actually edto make that change in their life.  Many felons serve long prison sentences, only to go back to what they knew.  They do not take advantage of the counseling, therapy, or any type of programs that are offered to them.  If they did, and changed their life in a positive manner, then this should make it easier for an employer to want to hire them.  Honesty will get you a job, or at least an opportunity to explain your circumstance. 
    
    If the person thinks they will be given a job that pays six figures, that most likely will not happen at first.  Everyone has to start out somewhere, and a person that committed a crime will have to most likely prove to an employer that they have changed.  Prove that they can be responsible and reliable, and not end up back in prison.

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13. 48

    lesstraveledposted 12 years ago

    It's not impossible if you look for a job in the right location. For example you need to look for a job at http://felonyhire.com/ .  They specialize in helping people with a felony find employment.

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14. 55

    M F Hughesposted 12 years ago

    2ND CHANCES 4 FELONS (2C4F)
    
    SPECIALIZING IN ASSISTING FELONS WITH OVERCOMING DAILY OBSTACLES THAT THEY FACE DUE TO THEIR CONVICTIONS.
    
    Offering FREE assistance to felons in all 50 states.
    
    TWITTER @FELONSNEEDHELP2
    
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15. 76

    Thief12posted 11 years ago

    They should be able to get any job they are qualified for. If they served their sentence, why punish them further by not giving them the opportunity to work? and if the argument is that they weren't really reformed, then blame the system that failed, not the felon who already served his time.

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16. 60

    RobinBullposted 11 years ago

    Depends on the felony conviction.  Most states are huge second chance employers.

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17. 60

    Penny Gposted 10 years ago

    There are many employers today who work with Prisons and parol and probation. kMany good work ethics are learned in prison, responsibility and promptness also. I have worked in a minimum security Prison with concentration on treatment. Our Offenders have started out as max even super max Offenders and are on their last year. We concentrate and help them prepare for work. Your comments do not reflect the area I come from.

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