Jobs that hire Sex Offenders…Just the thought of the term “Sex Offender” brings to mind the worst crimes imaginable. There are varying degrees of sex-offenses but they are all looked at by the average person as the worst case. For example, I had a student many years ago who was 15 at the time. He had gotten his fourteen year old girlfriend pregnant. The girl’s family decided to terminate the pregnancy. The boy’s DNA was tested against the fetal tissue and he was arrested, convicted and be came what is known as a sex offender. In my state, this kid has to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. By being registered, he has to report to the state police his address, place of employment and must be photographed every year for the state sex offender registry which includes him on a website for the world to see. For the rest of his life, he will be listed on this website as having sex with an underage female regardless of the circumstance.
Often the same reaction that the sex-offender gets from the public at large is the same reaction that the average employers have. So what a person with a sex offense do to earn a living? I have to admit, the students that post the biggest challenge in terms of getting hired are the convicted sex offenders. The very first suggestion I make is to begin to look for jobs that have limited contact with other people. Not that they are apt to harm others but employers may be more willing to hire someone with a sex offense who would be in no way be a liability.
I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and in my experience, sex offenders are more like likely to get hired in the following areas:
As I often suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, that smaller businesses are more likely to hire those with criminal records. Often you will get a chance to speak directly with the business owner or the person who makes hiring decisions.
When applying to small businesses, you will find that they use generic applications that you may find at your local office supply store. On these applications, you may find the standard question “Have you been convicted of a crime………….?” I commonly urge sex offenders to leave the question blank. Hopefully, the person who gets the application will overlook this and you can get an interview. If the question comes up on the interview, don’t spend a lot of time answering or explaining. Offer a brief explanation that may begin with something like this, “I’m glad you asked because I want you to feel comfortable about hiring me………..”
You may also want to go check with your local United Way office. The United Way works with many agencies that assists people with all types of situations. Your local office may have resources or contacts to resources that can assist someone in your situation.
Another option is to speak to your parole or probation officer. The PO may know of employers who have hired registered sex offenders.
Finding a job as a sex offender will not be easy but there are employers who are willing to give you a chance. Your challenge is to find them.
I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and in my experience, sex offenders are more like likely to get hired in the following areas:
Warehousing
Construction
Building Trades
Animal Shelters
Temporary Agencies
Janitorial Services
Automotive Services
Assembly/Manufacturing
Trucking
As I often suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, that smaller businesses are more likely to hire those with criminal records. Often you will get a chance to speak directly with the business owner or the person who makes hiring decisions.
When applying to small businesses, you will find that they use generic applications that you may find at your local office supply store. On these applications, you may find the standard question “Have you been convicted of a crime………….?” I commonly urge sex offenders to leave the question blank. Hopefully, the person who gets the application will overlook this and you can get an interview. If the question comes up on the interview, don’t spend a lot of time answering or explaining. Offer a brief explanation that may begin with something like this, “I’m glad you asked because I want you to feel comfortable about hiring me………..”
You may also want to go check with your local United Way office. The United Way works with many agencies that assists people with all types of situations. Your local office may have resources or contacts to resources that can assist someone in your situation.
Another option is to speak to your parole or probation officer. The PO may know of employers who have hired registered sex offenders.
Finding a job as a sex offender will not be easy but there are employers who are willing to give you a chance. Your challenge is to find them.
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Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons. Finding jobs for ex-offenders and felons is a very difficult task. I know, I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years. I wish there was one thing I can tell them that would make this job easier, but the fact is, it will take a plan and a lot of hard work. Unfortunately, too many felons consider themselves victims of society that are constantly discriminated against for things they have done in the past. When a felon is released, the sooner he or she finds gainful employment the lower the risk of re-offending.
As I tell my students, don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for you. Don’t look for any sort of favors. There are few to be found. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. You have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Jobs are not going to come to you. You will have to get out and compete for them. Anytime someone else wants the same thing you want, you have to compete for it. Unfortunately, the playing field is not level. You have a criminal record which will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs. This does not make things impossible, just a little more difficult. The only way to overcome this disadvantage is to work harder and smarter. My question is, do you have what it takes to get a job? Filling out a few applications a week and spending the rest of your time hanging out or playing video games won’t get you a job. You must plan to put in 40 hours per week, finding job openings, writing letters, making phone calls, filling out applications and working on your interviewing skills. There are ex-offenders and felons hired everyday. If you have the right skills and attitude you could be a big asset to the right company. Let’s look at some things you will need to increase you chances of getting a job.
A Resume
Everyone looking for a job should have a resume. A resume is an individual summary of your background, experience, training and skills that helps you to present your best qualities to an employer. If you have a resume, have a professional person look at it to judge it’s quality. If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get some help putting one together.
Proper Interview Clothing
Do you have appropriate interview clothing? A well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be Ideal. That may not be possible for someone just getting back into society but I suggest that men at least have dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a coordinated tie. You should also have a pair of shoes that you can shine. No boots, no sneakers…shoes! Many of my students buy their interview clothing at thrift stores. They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to interview. No matter how you get them, the right clothes makes all the difference. You should also have a neat haircut be clean shaven. If you wear a beard, it should be neat and trimmed. How do you look? Do you look like an ex-offender or a businessman? Do you look like you are going to a business meeting? You should – an interview is a business meeting. You should always look like a professional who is there to conduct business! Always dress like you have an interview even to fill out applications. You also want to leave the employer with the impression that you have class. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Interviewing Skills
While your resume may get you an interview, it’s your performance on the interview that will get you the job. Remember you are going to a business meeting so be personable and friendly but keep it businesslike. Do not reveal too much information. give full responses to the interviewer’s questions but never volunteer information that is not asked for. If the question of your record comes up, briefly acknowledge it but do not spend too much time talking about it. Focus on what has happened since your conviction and what you have done to make yourself a better person. Develop a friendly smile and a good handshake. You have to make the interviewer forget that you are an ex-offender. Get a friend or family member to help you by playing the part of the interviewer. Practice will pay off.
Finding Job Leads
The most effective method of finding job leads is by networking. Networking is simply talking to people you
already know and asking if the know of any job openings. Believe it or not, this how most people get their jobs. Employers save time and energy by hiring people that are referred to them.
Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons. Another great source of good opportunities is to apply for temporary employment. A lot of employers need temporary help. Many temporary employees are hired permanently if they prove to be good workers.
Smaller independent agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies do not have the same hiring restrictions that may exclude ex-offenders are free to hire anyone they choose. They are more likely to hire a person with a criminal record. You may find some in your local telephone directory. Apply to them as you would any other employer.
I encourage everyone looking for jobs to go to their local One-stop Career Center. You will find a long list of services that can help you find work. You will also find lists of available jobs in your area. There are also counselors who can provide one-on-one assistance. Often the counselors have experience helping people with criminal records and know of employers who may hire them. The counselors can also help you find opportunities for vocational training that could lead to a new career.
You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center
Many companies hire ex-offenders and felons. There are also government programs that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs. The first is the Federal Bonding Program. Some employers are fearful of hiring ex-offenders or felons since they feel their criminal histories make them more likely to steal, commit fraud or be dishonest in other ways. A bond is an insurance policy that protects an employer against money or property loss due to employee dishonesty. Most felons cannot be bonded by private insurance companies. The Federal Bonding Program is sponsored by the government through the Department of Labor. This program was created to help high-risk, but otherwise qualified, job seekers who have offers of employment. The Federal Bonding Program offers insurance policies that protect employers against any possible losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to help ex-offenders and felons who need a second chance. These bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for any job at any employer in any state. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies.
You can find out more about the Federal Bonding Program here:
Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL
1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
1 (800) 233-2258
http://www.bonds4jobs.com/state-coordinators.html
Always remind interviewers that you can be bonded. Finally, a great incentive for employers to hire ex-offenders and felons is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit or WOTC. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal income tax benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Labor for private employers who hire individuals from specified target populations. One of the target populations are ex-offenders who have completed their sentences within the past year. The WOTC reduces a business’s federal tax liability, serving as an incentive to hire otherwise difficult to employ people. Eligible employers can receive a federal tax credit up to $4,800 for each qualified employee.
http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax
There are many opportunities for ex-offenders and felons to get jobs if they are willing to put in the time and effort. Hard work, dedication and a definite plan of action will lead to jobs.
Yes…many companies do hire ex-offenders and felons!”From Jail to a Job” By Eric Mayo who has helped thousands of felons get jobs!