Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Here's Hope
In February 2009 "Christopher" was released from prison after spending 5 yrs, 7 months incarcerated for attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. A pest control company was willing to hire him if he could get bonded. He received a $5,000 bond through ESC under the Federal Bonding Program. I spoke with the regional field manager for the pest control company and he told me that "Christopher" has been a wonderful employee. He is one of his best salesmen. He couldn't be more pleased with how things turned out. I especially like "Christopher's" story because he served a fairly long sentence for a violent crime, yet he was able to secure employment less than a month after his release and he is making around $15.00 per hour.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Networking for Ex-offender Job Seekers
Who makes the best networking contacts? Everyone you know! These individuals may not have immediate job leads for you. But they could have career development advice, or know-someone-who-knows-someone-who-knows-someone with a job lead.
Networking is a crucial element of job hunting because many jobs are never advertised. Employers prefer to interview and hire people referred to them by people they know.
Networking can be especially helpful for job seekers with criminal records because an employer is more likely interview and hire people referred to them by friends, family, or current employees. This includes referrals from job clubs and JobLink Centers.
What is Networking?
Networking is not something only executives do. It's not something only for outgoing, super-confident people either. And it's not just for cocktail parties anymore.
Networking is simply talking with people with similar interests or career goals in the hopes of helping each other with career goals. Family members network with each other when they pass along career advice. Friends network when they share job leads. Coworkers network when they talk about industry trends and company information.
If you have ever received a job lead from a friend or had a conversation with anyone about the job market, then you have networked. Congratulations!
Networking should not be limited to casual conversations, however. You should develop a plan to contact people for ideas, suggestions and information that will help you get job leads.
Steps to forming a job search network:
• Make a list of contacts
• Set goals
• Set up a meeting
• Meet with your contacts
• Follow up after the meeting
Form a Network
Your network is everyone you know — or should get to know — who can help with your job search.
Because many jobs are never advertised, networking is often the key to getting a job.
Professional networking is creating and nurturing professional acquaintances and friendships. Everyone networks — at school, church, social activities, work and online. Professional networking is using your abilities to make friends and to provide mutual support. You network because you want help with professional and personal goals (e.g., job search) and because you want to connect with and help others with shared interests.
With luck, persistence, and respectful communication, jobseekers that form and nurture strong networks learn insider information such as jobs that are being created or not advertised. And they can use their network for ongoing professional and personal development.
But how do you get started forming a network? Don't worry; even if you've never officially done it before, you can follow these simple tips to successful networking.
Be clear about your job search goals
To get started, think about what you want to say to others about yourself and what you want to know from them.
• What kind(s) of job(s) are you looking for?
• What are your skills and experience that prepare you for these jobs?
• Are you focused on a particular industry?
• Do you want to find a job at a particular company?
• Do you want to look for jobs within certain geography?
Prepare an Elevator Speech
An elevator speech is a clear, concise explanation of what you are looking for in a short amount of time (e.g., about the time you spend in an elevator with someone). It is a good way to communicate what you are hoping to learn from someone in a position to help you. Here's an example:
"Hi. My name is ____________. I'm looking for _________________ in _______. I really like __________________ . I'm good at ___________________."
When using your elevator speech, don't be afraid to ask for help. For example, "Do you have any advice for me? Do know anything about this company? Do you know anyone who does know about ______________? Can I use your name to contact them?"
Make a List of Contacts
Make a list of people who might be good contacts to help you address your job search questions. Find a way to organize the information about them. Start talking with them. These contacts might include:
• Friends, family, neighbors, and church members
• Former classmates, teachers, and professors
• Acquaintances and business contacts, including former managers, supervisors and coworkers
• Referrals from other contacts
Be Prepared and Organize your List of Contacts
Some jobseekers find it helpful to think about themselves as a business. Successful businesses have a business plan including how they intend to manage and market their products or services. In a job search, your skills, experience, and personal strengths are your products or services. Here are some ways to make sure you are creating a good first impression and demonstrating your ability to effectively manage your job search.
• You might create a simple business card that focuses on your target job search titles and promotes your skills and strengths. Make sure to put your preferred your contact information on it. Always have a few in your billfold or purse.
• Organize information about the people in your contacts list in a way that is meaningful to you. Then, track your ongoing communication with them. Some people organize job search contacts in a three-ring binder, tickler file, Excel spreadsheet, or email system.
• Research potential employers to know a bit about them and their organizations before you contact someone who can potentially be helpful to you.
• Set up information interviews in order to research a particular job, organization, or career field. Remember, informational interviews are not job interviews!
• Prepare your resume in case someone asks for it.
• Reach out to others and enjoy yourself!
Nurture your Network
Networking is about conversation and building relationships. You listen and learn about the other person. You think about mutual interests and ways you can support them while they help you. As with any friend or acquaintance, respect their limits regarding the amount and type of interaction. Here are some ways to support contacts in your network.
• Take notes about your conversations and follow up via email, telephone, mail, or text message.
• Send them an article from a trade journal, online newspaper, industry newsletter, or website about something you know is important to them professionally.
• Show concern about their family or personal life. Remember the names and interests of important people in their lives.
• Think about a solution to a problem they discussed. For example, maybe someone you know used an effective service provider or vendor to solve a work issue.
• Stay in contact with people from your past.
• Include them in holiday greetings.
• Let them know about your job search — what's working and in what specific areas you could use help.
• Update them on your family or something newsworthy about a common interest.
• Let your contact know that you appreciate the time they take to spend with you, as well as their knowledge and professional opinion.
• If someone has been especially helpful to you, offer to take them out for coffee or a meal on your dime.
• Once you land a job, thank everyone who was helpful to you. Update your contact information with them.
• Don't lose touch! Professional networking is not just about getting a job, but about ongoing professional development and support.
Expand your network
Looking for additional ways to get your foot in the doors of potential employers?
• Join and get involved in a professional or business association. They are one of the best ways to learn about trends and hidden job markets, and to develop important contacts in your job search and career fields. Professional association and business listings can be found online or at your local library, like this 2008 list of professional associations.
• Research and join social networking websites such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a popular online network of professionals that allows you to connect with potential jobs, colleagues, and business opportunities.
• Contact your college alumni office. Sometimes fellow alumni offer to provide informational interviews for graduates of their institution.
Sources: www.iseek.org/guide/exoffenders/exoffendernetworking.html
http://www.iseek.org/jobs/network.html
iSeek Solutions
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Wells Fargo Place
30 7th St. E., Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101-7804
Used by The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina per
iSeek “Terms of Use” Policy
Networking is a crucial element of job hunting because many jobs are never advertised. Employers prefer to interview and hire people referred to them by people they know.
Networking can be especially helpful for job seekers with criminal records because an employer is more likely interview and hire people referred to them by friends, family, or current employees. This includes referrals from job clubs and JobLink Centers.
What is Networking?
Networking is not something only executives do. It's not something only for outgoing, super-confident people either. And it's not just for cocktail parties anymore.
Networking is simply talking with people with similar interests or career goals in the hopes of helping each other with career goals. Family members network with each other when they pass along career advice. Friends network when they share job leads. Coworkers network when they talk about industry trends and company information.
If you have ever received a job lead from a friend or had a conversation with anyone about the job market, then you have networked. Congratulations!
Networking should not be limited to casual conversations, however. You should develop a plan to contact people for ideas, suggestions and information that will help you get job leads.
Steps to forming a job search network:
• Make a list of contacts
• Set goals
• Set up a meeting
• Meet with your contacts
• Follow up after the meeting
Form a Network
Your network is everyone you know — or should get to know — who can help with your job search.
Because many jobs are never advertised, networking is often the key to getting a job.
Professional networking is creating and nurturing professional acquaintances and friendships. Everyone networks — at school, church, social activities, work and online. Professional networking is using your abilities to make friends and to provide mutual support. You network because you want help with professional and personal goals (e.g., job search) and because you want to connect with and help others with shared interests.
With luck, persistence, and respectful communication, jobseekers that form and nurture strong networks learn insider information such as jobs that are being created or not advertised. And they can use their network for ongoing professional and personal development.
But how do you get started forming a network? Don't worry; even if you've never officially done it before, you can follow these simple tips to successful networking.
Be clear about your job search goals
To get started, think about what you want to say to others about yourself and what you want to know from them.
• What kind(s) of job(s) are you looking for?
• What are your skills and experience that prepare you for these jobs?
• Are you focused on a particular industry?
• Do you want to find a job at a particular company?
• Do you want to look for jobs within certain geography?
Prepare an Elevator Speech
An elevator speech is a clear, concise explanation of what you are looking for in a short amount of time (e.g., about the time you spend in an elevator with someone). It is a good way to communicate what you are hoping to learn from someone in a position to help you. Here's an example:
"Hi. My name is ____________. I'm looking for _________________ in _______. I really like __________________ . I'm good at ___________________."
When using your elevator speech, don't be afraid to ask for help. For example, "Do you have any advice for me? Do know anything about this company? Do you know anyone who does know about ______________? Can I use your name to contact them?"
Make a List of Contacts
Make a list of people who might be good contacts to help you address your job search questions. Find a way to organize the information about them. Start talking with them. These contacts might include:
• Friends, family, neighbors, and church members
• Former classmates, teachers, and professors
• Acquaintances and business contacts, including former managers, supervisors and coworkers
• Referrals from other contacts
Be Prepared and Organize your List of Contacts
Some jobseekers find it helpful to think about themselves as a business. Successful businesses have a business plan including how they intend to manage and market their products or services. In a job search, your skills, experience, and personal strengths are your products or services. Here are some ways to make sure you are creating a good first impression and demonstrating your ability to effectively manage your job search.
• You might create a simple business card that focuses on your target job search titles and promotes your skills and strengths. Make sure to put your preferred your contact information on it. Always have a few in your billfold or purse.
• Organize information about the people in your contacts list in a way that is meaningful to you. Then, track your ongoing communication with them. Some people organize job search contacts in a three-ring binder, tickler file, Excel spreadsheet, or email system.
• Research potential employers to know a bit about them and their organizations before you contact someone who can potentially be helpful to you.
• Set up information interviews in order to research a particular job, organization, or career field. Remember, informational interviews are not job interviews!
• Prepare your resume in case someone asks for it.
• Reach out to others and enjoy yourself!
Nurture your Network
Networking is about conversation and building relationships. You listen and learn about the other person. You think about mutual interests and ways you can support them while they help you. As with any friend or acquaintance, respect their limits regarding the amount and type of interaction. Here are some ways to support contacts in your network.
• Take notes about your conversations and follow up via email, telephone, mail, or text message.
• Send them an article from a trade journal, online newspaper, industry newsletter, or website about something you know is important to them professionally.
• Show concern about their family or personal life. Remember the names and interests of important people in their lives.
• Think about a solution to a problem they discussed. For example, maybe someone you know used an effective service provider or vendor to solve a work issue.
• Stay in contact with people from your past.
• Include them in holiday greetings.
• Let them know about your job search — what's working and in what specific areas you could use help.
• Update them on your family or something newsworthy about a common interest.
• Let your contact know that you appreciate the time they take to spend with you, as well as their knowledge and professional opinion.
• If someone has been especially helpful to you, offer to take them out for coffee or a meal on your dime.
• Once you land a job, thank everyone who was helpful to you. Update your contact information with them.
• Don't lose touch! Professional networking is not just about getting a job, but about ongoing professional development and support.
Expand your network
Looking for additional ways to get your foot in the doors of potential employers?
• Join and get involved in a professional or business association. They are one of the best ways to learn about trends and hidden job markets, and to develop important contacts in your job search and career fields. Professional association and business listings can be found online or at your local library, like this 2008 list of professional associations.
• Research and join social networking websites such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a popular online network of professionals that allows you to connect with potential jobs, colleagues, and business opportunities.
• Contact your college alumni office. Sometimes fellow alumni offer to provide informational interviews for graduates of their institution.
Sources: www.iseek.org/guide/exoffenders/exoffendernetworking.html
http://www.iseek.org/jobs/network.html
iSeek Solutions
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Wells Fargo Place
30 7th St. E., Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101-7804
Used by The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina per
iSeek “Terms of Use” Policy
The Letter of Explanation
For former offenders looking for employment, a well worded letter of explanation, submitted with an application, may open some opportunities.
A letter of explanation explains any gaps in your work history and addresses your criminal record.
Your letter should honestly state your record and time served. You need to take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge the effect it had on others. Talk about the way things have changed as well as what you have done since then. Close by mentioning incentive programs available to the employer if he or she chooses to hire you.
Here is a sample of a letter for someone recently released:
In May 2007 I was convicted of ______________________. I served 18 months at _________________ for my crime. I know that what I did was wrong. It was a result of poor decision making on my part and it hurt a lot of people. I’ve learned a great lesson and won’t repeat those past mistakes.
While incarcerated I worked as a ___________________ and I completed certifications in ___________________. Since my release I have done some part time work as ___________________ and volunteered my time at __________________. I am looking forward to getting back to work full-time so I can further demonstrate the changes in my life and be a responsible member of society.
I can understand why you may be hesitant to hire someone with my background. However, I am eligible for The Federal Bonding Program which can insure you against any act of dishonesty on my part. Additionally, if you hire me, you will be eligible for Work Opportunity Tax Credits to save you some money this year. I will be happy to provide you more information about those programs when we meet.
If your criminal record goes back several years and you have worked since your release, replace that second paragraph with one highlighting your newly established work history. Also, remove mention of the Tax Credits from the last paragraph as this only applies for ex-felons within a year of release.
Do not send this letter with every résumé submission. Provide the letter when you complete an application and check the box asking about your criminal record history. Bring it with you to review when you get invited in to an interview.
If you apply online there is usually an option to include any additional comments or attach a cover letter. Copy and paste your letter of explanation
A letter of explanation explains any gaps in your work history and addresses your criminal record.
Your letter should honestly state your record and time served. You need to take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge the effect it had on others. Talk about the way things have changed as well as what you have done since then. Close by mentioning incentive programs available to the employer if he or she chooses to hire you.
Here is a sample of a letter for someone recently released:
In May 2007 I was convicted of ______________________. I served 18 months at _________________ for my crime. I know that what I did was wrong. It was a result of poor decision making on my part and it hurt a lot of people. I’ve learned a great lesson and won’t repeat those past mistakes.
While incarcerated I worked as a ___________________ and I completed certifications in ___________________. Since my release I have done some part time work as ___________________ and volunteered my time at __________________. I am looking forward to getting back to work full-time so I can further demonstrate the changes in my life and be a responsible member of society.
I can understand why you may be hesitant to hire someone with my background. However, I am eligible for The Federal Bonding Program which can insure you against any act of dishonesty on my part. Additionally, if you hire me, you will be eligible for Work Opportunity Tax Credits to save you some money this year. I will be happy to provide you more information about those programs when we meet.
If your criminal record goes back several years and you have worked since your release, replace that second paragraph with one highlighting your newly established work history. Also, remove mention of the Tax Credits from the last paragraph as this only applies for ex-felons within a year of release.
Do not send this letter with every résumé submission. Provide the letter when you complete an application and check the box asking about your criminal record history. Bring it with you to review when you get invited in to an interview.
If you apply online there is usually an option to include any additional comments or attach a cover letter. Copy and paste your letter of explanation
Resume Tips for Job Seekers with a Criminal Record
Summary
A person with a criminal record will most often benefit from a functional résumé which emphasizes what you can offer an employer more than what you have done in the past.
Your résumé should open with a strong objective statement that focuses on what you can bring to the employer.
Your résumé should include a skills summary that lists your five or six best skills that will be useful on the job for which you are applying.
You will provide a work history and education list, and may need to add a letter to account for any gaps in employment as a result of your incarceration.
Specifics
An employer will look at a resume for 2.5 to 10 seconds before making a decision. As a result, you need to get the hiring manager’s attention right away.
Have a clear header that includes your name, address, and contact information. Be sure to include a phone number and email address.
The objective statement should not be about you. It should be about the company and what you have to offer. Think about what you bring to the job and how it will result in helping the business make money, save money, save time, increase efficiency, increase accuracy, improve processes, reduce loss, gain customers, keep customers, etc. Then put it into words. For example:
For a Customer Service position:
Seeking a position where I can use my communication skills to provide excellent customer service to resulting in greater customer satisfaction, retention, and increase company profits.
In a Warehouse:
Certified fork-lift operator looking to use my warehouse experience and careful attention to detail to assist a business in handling inventory in a safe, efficient, and accurate manner.
Food Service:
Seeking a position where my training and experience as a cook may be utilized to prepare foods according to customer and restaurant orders that will satisfy the customer and keep them coming back for more.
When an employer sees an objective statement that is more about the “bottom line” than about you they know you “get it.” This is what many are looking for today.
Follow your strong objective statement with a skills summary that backs up your claims. Think of the skills you possess that will be useful to the company. Think of how you have used those skills to accomplish things in past work. Employers are going to want to see things in that skills summary that match the qualifications they are looking for on the job. As a result, you may need to modify that skills summary for each job.
Next, provide a brief work history that features where you worked, what you did, and when you did it. You do not need to outline all of your “duties” on the job. You should include any work you did while incarcerated. Your work history should only go back about 10 years. You can also include any volunteer work which may add to your value for the company. Here is a sample format:
Food Server
NC Dept. of Corrections
Alexander, NC
November 2007 to January 2009
Housekeeper
Good Night’s Sleep Inn
Durham, NC
August 2005 to October 2007
Customer Service Representative
ABC Company
Raleigh, NC
October 2003 to May 2005
Conclude with your education and training. Don’t include dates if they go back more than ten years. Include your High School / GED information, college degrees, diplomas or certificates, and any continuing education that may relate to the job for which you are applying. NOTE: If you have recent training or certification that relates to the job you may want to show that earlier in your resume.
You do not need to provide any personal information, such as marital or family status, age, height, weight, health, etc. on the resume. You also do not need to furnish references unless they are requested in the ad. You don’t even need to say “references available on request.” You should prepare a separate page of references to bring with you on any interviews and make available when requested.
A person with a criminal record will most often benefit from a functional résumé which emphasizes what you can offer an employer more than what you have done in the past.
Your résumé should open with a strong objective statement that focuses on what you can bring to the employer.
Your résumé should include a skills summary that lists your five or six best skills that will be useful on the job for which you are applying.
You will provide a work history and education list, and may need to add a letter to account for any gaps in employment as a result of your incarceration.
Specifics
An employer will look at a resume for 2.5 to 10 seconds before making a decision. As a result, you need to get the hiring manager’s attention right away.
Have a clear header that includes your name, address, and contact information. Be sure to include a phone number and email address.
The objective statement should not be about you. It should be about the company and what you have to offer. Think about what you bring to the job and how it will result in helping the business make money, save money, save time, increase efficiency, increase accuracy, improve processes, reduce loss, gain customers, keep customers, etc. Then put it into words. For example:
For a Customer Service position:
Seeking a position where I can use my communication skills to provide excellent customer service to resulting in greater customer satisfaction, retention, and increase company profits.
In a Warehouse:
Certified fork-lift operator looking to use my warehouse experience and careful attention to detail to assist a business in handling inventory in a safe, efficient, and accurate manner.
Food Service:
Seeking a position where my training and experience as a cook may be utilized to prepare foods according to customer and restaurant orders that will satisfy the customer and keep them coming back for more.
When an employer sees an objective statement that is more about the “bottom line” than about you they know you “get it.” This is what many are looking for today.
Follow your strong objective statement with a skills summary that backs up your claims. Think of the skills you possess that will be useful to the company. Think of how you have used those skills to accomplish things in past work. Employers are going to want to see things in that skills summary that match the qualifications they are looking for on the job. As a result, you may need to modify that skills summary for each job.
Next, provide a brief work history that features where you worked, what you did, and when you did it. You do not need to outline all of your “duties” on the job. You should include any work you did while incarcerated. Your work history should only go back about 10 years. You can also include any volunteer work which may add to your value for the company. Here is a sample format:
Food Server
NC Dept. of Corrections
Alexander, NC
November 2007 to January 2009
Housekeeper
Good Night’s Sleep Inn
Durham, NC
August 2005 to October 2007
Customer Service Representative
ABC Company
Raleigh, NC
October 2003 to May 2005
Conclude with your education and training. Don’t include dates if they go back more than ten years. Include your High School / GED information, college degrees, diplomas or certificates, and any continuing education that may relate to the job for which you are applying. NOTE: If you have recent training or certification that relates to the job you may want to show that earlier in your resume.
You do not need to provide any personal information, such as marital or family status, age, height, weight, health, etc. on the resume. You also do not need to furnish references unless they are requested in the ad. You don’t even need to say “references available on request.” You should prepare a separate page of references to bring with you on any interviews and make available when requested.
Job Seeking 101 for Ex-Offenders
1. Make sure you have removed all the barriers you can control when it comes to your work search
• Know how to complete an application, set up the right resume, and conduct yourself in an interview
2.Know yourself, and what you have to offer, making sure you keep in mind the bottom line
• All businesses exist to make money
• Market yourself by showing what you can do for them
3. Focus attention on businesses where the hiring decisions are made locally
• The Fortune 500 companies have policies dictated by the corporate office
• Locally based small to mid-size companies will be best
4. Tell the truth about your record
• Don’t lie or play semantic game when it comes to the question
• Sometimes it’s best to tell them even more than they want to know
5. Prepare an explanation that will address the past but focus on the future.
•Develop a felony letter of explanation to submit with applications
6. Understand the incentive programs available to employers who hire ex-offenders
• Federal Bonding
• Work Opportunity Tax Credits
7. Network, Network, Network!
• Still the most effective way for anyone to find work
• Know how to complete an application, set up the right resume, and conduct yourself in an interview
2.Know yourself, and what you have to offer, making sure you keep in mind the bottom line
• All businesses exist to make money
• Market yourself by showing what you can do for them
3. Focus attention on businesses where the hiring decisions are made locally
• The Fortune 500 companies have policies dictated by the corporate office
• Locally based small to mid-size companies will be best
4. Tell the truth about your record
• Don’t lie or play semantic game when it comes to the question
• Sometimes it’s best to tell them even more than they want to know
5. Prepare an explanation that will address the past but focus on the future.
•Develop a felony letter of explanation to submit with applications
6. Understand the incentive programs available to employers who hire ex-offenders
• Federal Bonding
• Work Opportunity Tax Credits
7. Network, Network, Network!
• Still the most effective way for anyone to find work
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