🔎 Practical Job Search Strategies for Individuals with a Criminal Record

💡

 Here’s a set of practical, empowering job search strategies specifically designed for individuals with a criminal record. This guide blends mindset, preparation, and street-smart approaches — Download link at the bottom 

Affirm: “My past does not define my future. I have skills, value, and potential.”

Reframe rejection: Not every "no" is personal — it's redirection.

Focus on progress over perfection. One step at a time.

 

🔎 Practical Job Search Strategies for

Individuals with a Criminal Record

💡 1. Mindset First: Shift the Narrative

  • Affirm: “My past does not define my future. I have skills, value, and potential.”

  • Reframe rejection: Not every "no" is personal — it's redirection.

  • Focus on progress over perfection. One step at a time.

📄 2. Build a Job-Ready Resume (Even with Gaps)

Tips for Your Resume:

  • Highlight transferable skills: teamwork, leadership, communication, reliability.

  • Use volunteer work, prison work programs, trades, and certifications.

  • Use a functional resume format to focus on skills, not timeline.

Example: Instead of:
“Inmate, State Correctional”
Use:
Vocational Training | Industrial Maintenance Program
Operated machinery, maintained safety protocols, collaborated with team on daily operations.

🎯 3. Target Second-Chance Employers

  • Google and Contact:

    • Local reentry-friendly employers

    • Staffing agencies that work with justice-involved individuals

    • Workforce boards or temp agencies with reentry programs

  • Examples of Second-Chance Employers (General):

    • Goodwill

    • Salvation Army

    • MOD Pizza, Dave’s Killer Bread, Koch Industries, Walmart Distribution

    • Local construction, landscaping, or warehouse companies

💬 4. Practice the “Record Conversation”

Prepare Your Disclosure Strategy:

  • Be honest, but keep it brief and confident.

  • Focus on growth, what you've learned, and what you're doing now.

Example Script: "I made some mistakes in the past, but I've used that time to grow. I completed training, developed work skills, and now I’m focused on building a stable future. I'm ready to show my dedication and dependability to the right employer."

🔁 Roleplay this with a coach or peer to reduce anxiety.

🧠 5. Work Smart: Use Every Resource

Tap into Local Help:

  • CareerOneStop centers

  • Reentry nonprofits or ministries

  • Legal aid for expungement help

  • Trade schools offering job placement

Digital Tools:

  • Indeed “fair chance” filter

  • HonestJobs.com (built for felons)

  • 70millionjobs.com (second-chance job board)

🧰 6. Build a Basic Job Toolkit

  • Valid ID & Social Security Card

  • Reliable transportation plan (bus pass, ride support, or Butterfly Transport!)

  • Clean interview outfit (ask Goodwill or shelters for support)

  • Small notebook with job leads and follow-up contacts

📆 7. Structure Your Search Like a Job

  • Apply to 3–5 places daily.

  • Follow up every 3–5 days after applying.

  • Track all job leads (in spreadsheet or notebook).

  • Set weekly check-in goals with your coach or accountability partner.

🌱 8. Explore Alternative Paths

  • Gig work: Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash), yard work, or cleaning.

  • Side hustle: Create and sell (art, poetry, bracelets, t-shirts).

  • Apprenticeships: Get paid while learning a trade.

  • Start a business: Use your story and skills to build something new.

🎓 9. Keep Growing While Job Searching

  • Free certifications: Coursera, Google Certificates, OSHA, forklift training, etc.

  • Personal growth: Mindset, discipline, emotional control.

  • Financial prep: Budget basics and smart spending habits.

🏁 10. Celebrate Every Win

  • Got a call back? Win.

  • Nailed your resume? Win.

  • Showed up to apply in person? Major win.

  • Keep stacking wins until you land the right opportunity.

🔁 BONUS: Coming Soon!!!! 

Job Readiness Coaching Session Idea for You

You could offer a “Hire Me Anyway” workshop covering:

  • Resume building with a record

  • Role-playing interviews

  • Creating a job search plan

  • Empowerment affirmations and mindset work

Download Here