I understand the concern when it comes to companies hiring convicted felons however what most companies do not understand is that a majority of the convicted felons that want to work...will work and give you more in a work day than a non felon.

Anonymous

September 24,2021 at 5:51AM UTC

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I understand the concern when it comes to companies hiring convicted felons however what most companies do not understand is that a majority of the convicted felons that want to work...will work and give you more in a work day than a non felon. They know how hard it is to get the job you have given them and are going to do their best to keep it. I am one of those people and i have done everything that was asked of me, i have even gotten my cival rights restored and i am very proud of myself however i will never be able to get a job that continues to make me proud of myself. Everytime i apply to a job to better myself and proceed to tell the place about my background that is generally it or i get some nice lady calling to tell me they need someone with more experience or blah blah. Then i get down on myself and take a job that i am miserable at. I wish more companies could see me and not my record.

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SkyyySeptember 24,2021 at 6:12AM UTC
I struggle with the same turmoil inside, however I feel like these ppl who aren't hiring felons should know they get a tax break just because they hired a felon and more breaks the more felons that are hired! So it's like getting rewarded for "taking a chance" on us felons. Calm down those of you who proudly hold your noses high and say your judgmental remarks because it's not that hard to become a felon. I know felons that were accused, and convicted because they could afford a lawyer to prove their innocence. Not me, I just messed up alot and I'm not perfect, but I guarantee not ok ne person can honestly say they have never done one thing that, if they had been caught, would have landed them in that prison hell.. I mean cell....
Sorry Anonymous writer, I feel for ya and so I had to have a rant of my own. But dont give up, bc you are stronger then anyone who hasn't had to deal with that label on their forehead. So much for paying your dues to society because obviously that's not enough....
LaurenSeptember 24,2021 at 7:57AM UTC
Don’t give up! There are felon-friendly companies out there as well as leaders that believe in giving people a chance. I don’t know if this is something you’re doing already but perhaps consider putting a brief explanation in your cover letter so employers have a chance to get that info up front. Wishing you all the best!
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 10:04AM UTC
I hope that you can find an opportunity!
I do think it's a bit unfair to call non-felons judgemental and imply we are snobby. Yes, anything can happen any day in life, but it takes a mindful decision to become a felon just the same it takes a mindful decision not to be one.
We all have one struggle or another- felony, health, discrimination, or whatever. No one is immune and no one is as entitled as they think.
AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 1:58AM UTC
Yes society is not very compassionate when it comes to 2nd chances for those who have a felony.
Just like any other person who is accepted for who they are it should be the same for those who have felonies in earlier years.
And you are right, those who are given 2nd chances are definitely out to prove who they are and change the perception of who they were...
Depending upon the field your in there are companies who specifically hire felons to help them be productive citizens again
Keep trying! I know it's frustrating I've seen those who have been where you are....1 break is all you need and it will come soon!! You've got this!!
NataliaSeptember 29,2021 at 2:34AM UTC
Hi, I know some companies such as NBC & LinkedIn have the fair chance ordinance in place where they will consider candidates with arrest & convictions. It did specify the cities though Los Angeles and San Francisco so not sure if it's regarding those cities or CA or what. But anyways some companies to consider. And one of them was a remote role in case you're in another state. Point being the job market is changing. Don't give up, you will eventually get an opportunity you like. Sending you positive vibes ✨
Allix Stewart | MASJHR, RYT200September 30,2021 at 4:36PM UTC
Part of my job is building resumes for people who have a felony record and/or are moving into the workforce after being incarcerated and it is hard! Our society makes it very difficult to reintegrate into society by finding work and so often it just results in people being incarcerated again because they can't find work - that they genuinely WANT. I hope you find something soon with a good employer. Have you considered looking at whether there are any nonprofits or programs in your area that specifically help people with similar backgrounds overcome this issue? If there are any near you, they may have partnerships or agreements with local businesses who have a vested interest in hiring you!