This resource also provides information to get a Commercial Driver's License CDL to get hired as a truck driver, as long as you have a clean driving record. A database of resources for post-conviction relief such as pardons, expungement and the sealing of your record.
This database helps you locate attorneys near you to help you begin these processes. This database includes locations nation-wide that will remove tattoos at low-cost or for free. Although many businesses no longer discriminate against people with tattoos, it may help felons find a job quicker if they remove tattoos, especially ones located in visible areas such as the face, neck and hands. In addition to these resources, Second Chance Jobs for Felons offers a free resume builder that creates professional resumes for individuals with no experience writing one.
Once you create your resume on the website, it will automatically be submitted to hundreds of employers looking to hire applicants as part of a second chance program. In addition to job placement programs, there are many initiatives working to create more opportunities for ex-offenders and felons and end the stigma associated with a criminal background. Two widely known movements include the following:.
The Ban the Box is a movement started by ex-offender advocates encouraging employers to eliminate criminal record questions from job applications to give candidates with a criminal past an improved chance of getting hired. By removing the checkbox asking if applicants have a criminal record, ex-offenders have the opportunity to show their experience and skills without automatic disqualification. The movement also minimizes accessibility for employers to criminal records until further along in the hiring process, helping reduce application discrimination.
Ban the Box places restrictions on what types of questions employers can ask, how far back in criminal history they can inquire about and at what point in the hiring process they can discuss criminal records. Roughly half of the nation's states have already moved this initiative into legislation and Congress is working to get more federal agencies and contractors on board.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge is a call-to-action urging employers to give felons and ex-convicts an equal chance to get hired regardless of their criminal record, by signing a pledge to determine a candidate's eligibility only based on their skills.
It also asks companies to commit to other business practices to ensure felons receive the same treatment as employees without a criminal record, including Ban the Box. Other practices it promotes are:.
Offering the same internships and on-the-job training as non-convicts. Attending or hosting job fairs for fair chance employment. Providing ex-offenders with business-appropriate clothing, bus passes and other tools for career success. By promoting fair chance hiring practices, companies help give individuals reentering the workforce a greater chance at a successful life. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. You may get to help set up and control large drills that remove oil, gas, or core samples from deep under ground.
Do you have any artistic abilities? Many ex-cons do. If you're one of them, you may be able to transform your talents into a fun career that offers extensive possibilities.
Graphic design is used by almost every organization that needs to market its products or services. And today's designers now have the chance to create graphics for print, online, and multimedia projects. This type of occupation even lends itself perfectly to being self-employed, which makes it one of the best careers for felons who have creative talents.
Heating, air conditioning, and good ventilation are often essential for the health and comfort of people who work and reside indoors. That's why most buildings in America need effective climate-control systems. And many companies rely on commercial refrigeration systems to keep their perishable products at the right temperature.
However, like with other skilled trades, becoming a licensed technician may depend on your particular felony convictions.
The carpentry trade is often a good source of opportunities for ex-offenders. With proper vocational training, you can work your way up to becoming a journeyman carpenter. Just be sure to research the licensing requirements in your state in order to see if your particular felony convictions will be a problem. Many carpentry jobs that hire convicted felons are offered by ex-cons who have built successful businesses in the trade and want to give back.
Clean energy technologies will probably be the dominant sources of power in the coming decades, but oil and gas still supply most of America's energy right now.
In fact, some of the best jobs for felons are within this industry since oil and gas companies need hard workers and ex-cons are often among the hardest workers around. Derrick operators get to set up and control the framework and equipment that fits over oil or gas wells.
As someone who has made life-altering mistakes and paid a heavy price for them, you may have great insights to share with other people who need help making better life choices. In fact, many social agencies have discovered that ex-cons and former addicts are sometimes very good at such jobs. Hiring convicted felons who've had behavioral or substance abuse issues of their own allows those agencies to offer help from people who can truly empathize with the challenges of addiction.
Commercial trucking jobs for felons often become available when transportation companies experience a shortage of workers due to a period of strong economic growth. You will need a commercial driver's license CDL , and you might want to approach smaller transportation companies first. CDL jobs for felons are sometimes easier to get with small trucking companies since they may be less likely to run background checks or screen out qualified ex-cons.
However, keep in mind that the long-haul trucking industry doesn't usually provide jobs for parolees since their positions tend to require traveling out of state which is typically forbidden when you're on parole. Like wind energy, the growing field of solar energy offers the possibility of providing good second-chance jobs for convicted felons. As the prices of solar panels and similar technologies continue to drop, the demand for them keeps rising.
It often takes skilled technicians in order to properly install them on rooftops or in other locations where they can be most effective. Like carpentry, the welding trade sometimes offers good employment for convicted felons. Plus, welders are needed across multiple industries such as construction and manufacturing. And the training that is required for getting started often takes less than a year. Fixing cars and trucks obviously requires special skills, but you may only need a year or less of training at an automotive trade school in order to begin this type of career.
The auto service industry has a fairly long history of providing jobs for people with felony convictions. Your own opportunities may just depend on exactly why you have a criminal record and how much you've grown as a person since serving your time. The locksmithing trade offers good potential for self-employment. Just be aware that many ex-cons don't qualify for locksmithing licenses if their felony convictions are for crimes related to endangering the safety or security of people or property.
So check with your state's vocational licensing department before pursuing this trade. If you get approved, this occupation can provide an enjoyable way to earn a living and re-establish trust within your community.
And you can probably learn locksmithing through an online or distance-learning course. The walls of nearly every building require paint as part of their structural integrity and visual appeal. And many other structures and pieces of large equipment need paint for the same reasons.
So painting is often a good job for convicted felons who can demonstrate trustworthiness and who need to start making money in something that can be learned fairly quickly.
Many of the lower-skilled jobs in the construction industry are good for ex-cons who may not be able to pass strict background checks. Since you don't need a vocational license for basic laborer jobs, some employers in this sector may be willing to overlook your convictions if they feel that you'll work hard and not cause any problems.
Your role may include assignments like digging trenches, cleaning work sites, erecting scaffolding, and using basic tools for other routine tasks. You don't necessarily have to develop a lot of mechanical skills in order to work in the oil, gas, or mining industries.
Instead, you may be able to provide assistance to the skilled workers who operate the big machines. Your job may involve cleaning up work sites, carrying equipment, or performing other random tasks that help keep things moving along. Most vehicle owners eventually have to get their windshields fixed or replaced. So the demand for auto glass services tends to stay strong. One way to learn the required skills is to take an auto body program at a trade school, which may qualify you for additional kinds of positions in the industry.
Being a good driver can be very valuable in the job market. As long as you haven't committed theft or any serious traffic infractions such as driving while intoxicated , you might be able to land a job that involves picking up and delivering packages or merchandise. Many companies don't want to hire felons for positions that require face-to-face contact with customers.
But they are sometimes willing to hire ex-cons for telephone-based positions since there isn't as much potential risk to their businesses. Plus, phone-based customer service jobs are often difficult to fill with people who will stick around for more than a few months.
So some employers may recognize that your felony background makes it more likely that you'll stay with their companies for a while since securing a job is probably more difficult for you than other people. Every large warehouse and big-box store requires clerks for handling and preparing incoming and outgoing merchandise or other materials.
They tend to verify records, double-check items being delivered, and arrange shipments. It's a good job for certain kinds of ex-offenders who can be trusted with a lot of important details. What jobs can a felon get in the construction trades without becoming a licensed journeyman? Become a helper. Many skilled tradespeople need assistants who are willing to perform basic tasks such as carrying materials, holding tools, cleaning equipment and work sites, and helping with simple projects.
For example, many carpenters, electricians, roofers, and stonemasons hire helpers. The bonus is that being a helper can provide a good introduction to a specific trade, which can help you decide whether or not to pursue it further yourself. Knowing how to cut and style men's hair, give clean shaves, and trim beards is a good set of skills to have.
You might even be able to offer a mobile barbering service and go to your clients' homes or workplaces in order to make things more convenient for them. First, however, you should find out whether or not you'll be able to qualify for a barbering license in your state. Certain kinds of felonies might disqualify you. Do you mind doing work that is physically intensive?
A lot of gardening and landscaping companies hire people to help trim, water, fertilize, and plant lawns and other vegetation for their clients. Many of them also need people to help dig small trenches for sprinkler systems. And, in some cases, they are willing to give certain types of ex-cons an opportunity to prove that they are honest and reliable workers.
Being around domesticated animals can be good for your mental health, especially if you've had to spend time in prison. Dogs are particularly worthy companions, which is why they are incredibly popular with many pet owners. A lot of dog owners will pay good money for help with training their canine companions to follow commands, stay well behaved, or even perform basic tricks.
That's why this industry sometimes offers enjoyable jobs for felony offenders who don't have violent backgrounds and want a chance at self-employment. A lot of temp agencies have clients that need short-term workers for odd jobs requiring manual labor. Among other tasks, you might be asked to help move heavy materials or carry various items from one place to another.
Taking on this kind of work can help you establish trust with potential employers and gain references for future jobs. The culinary industry has a strong track record of being a good source of jobs for ex-cons. In fact, a lot of restaurants don't perform background checks.
And if you prove that you can be counted upon, then this industry often provides a lot of opportunity for moving into higher, better-paying positions. Plus, in addition to restaurants, you might be able to find employment opportunities at institutional cafeterias. Just be aware that places like schools and hospitals will probably have stricter requirements and want to check your background for certain types of felonies.
Large stores, warehouses, and distribution centers employ many people to do things like help unload trucks, stock shelves, fill customers' orders, set up displays of merchandise, and organize stock inventories. You may have to work early in the morning or late at night, but this kind of job can be fun in its own way. A felony conviction for theft, violence, or drug use may cause employers to not want to hire you. But if you can show good references and prove that you've matured as a person, you may have a chance at landing a position.
Dave's Killer Bread , based in Oregon, is one of the few companies that openly and intentionally seeks to hire talented people regardless of their criminal past. The company believes so much in the practice of providing second chance employment that it created a foundation to help other companies follow its lead.
Dave's Killer Bread Foundation DKBF aims to educate and support businesses that want to recruit and employ qualified ex-convicts who might otherwise be overlooked. Putting aside the extraordinary examples set by organizations that work with DKBF, it's a good idea to view any list of companies that hire convicted felons with an open mind but also a skeptical eye. After all, very few companies actively seek out ex-cons.
And company policies change. So a company that might have offered jobs to felons in the past may not do so anymore. Plus, most companies don't want to be branded as being felon-friendly since it can hurt their image in the marketplace.
That's why it's rare to find job ads that explicitly say felons are welcome to apply. Most of the time, you'll find the exact opposite even though some companies are willing to give certain kinds of felons a chance. It just means that it can sometimes be impossible to know whether or not a company will consider you until you actually apply.
All of that said, looking at a list of companies that have reportedly hired felons in the past might give you a little more optimism. It can remind you that many good employers provide opportunities to ex-cons from time to time.
The following well-known companies are just a few examples of employers that have been reported to offer jobs to some types of felons in the past. Just keep in mind that they may or may not currently be felon-friendly.
Even if they are felon-friendly, they won't hire just any felon for any position. It always depends on the specific job and individual. There are no guarantees. Companies want to offer jobs to the best people available. First, let's start with a few of the employers that are often at the top of people's minds when thinking about this issue.
Yes, FedEx will hire people with a felony conviction but not just anyone. UPS also hires some convicted felons. And Walmart sometimes hires people with felonies. In each case, the decision is made on an individual-by-individual basis. Multiple factors are considered, including the particular position being applied for, the types of offenses on your record, and how long it's been since your punishment. Companies like the following examples may have similar approaches:.
Yes, you can get a government job with a felony on your record. In general, you won't be automatically rejected just because you have a criminal history. However, certain types of convictions may prevent you from being hired for particular jobs. It all depends on exactly what you want to do, what you were convicted for, how long it's been since your offense s , and how well you've reintegrated back into society or reformed your behavior.
The government considers all applicants with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Federally, the only automatic rejections are for rare offenses like treason, campaigning for the overthrow of the government, willfully and unlawfully destroying public records, or inciting direct rebellion against the United States.
If you're truly serious about finding stable employment, then it might pay to explore your region's public or charitable programs. For felons to get jobs, they often need the support of organizations that have a track record of helping ex-offenders with their career search. Besides, there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance. Some of the most successful ex-cons in America were able to get their fresh starts because they were willing to ask for help.
Most large communities in the U. Such programs are often run by faith-based organizations such as Catholic charities , social service agencies, non-profit organizations such as Goodwill Industries , or government agencies.
And, thanks to the Second Chance Act SCA , many second-chance programs for felons receive federal grant money to help ex-offenders find jobs, get housing, and reenter society. So don't hesitate to contact any of the organizations in your area that may be able to offer support.
As a partnership between various social service agencies and the City of Chicago, the program offers full-time work and apprenticeship opportunities to ex-cons who are willing to take on positions that involve servicing buses or rail cars for the Chicago Transit Authority. Within any given year, the program can employ up to ex-offenders.
Another form of job help for felons that you may not know about is the Federal Bonding Program. A federal bond acts as an insurance policy for your employer against the perceived risk that you might steal money or property within the first six months of your employment. It is completely free of charge to both you and your employer. And it is available for any type of wage-paying job, in any U.
Plus, you can get bonded on the same day that you receive a job offer from an employer. In addition, some cities are starting to offer litter-removal jobs to panhandlers and homeless people, including to those who may have criminal records with past felony convictions.
Through the shelter, the city provides paying, confidence-boosting jobs for homeless people that involve picking up trash on the streets. After all, when you're homeless, employment can be extremely hard to come by. And it's even tougher if you're a homeless felon. So programs like UpSpire offer the chance to develop a reputable record of employment, which can lead to better, more permanent opportunities.
Having a post-secondary education can open a lot of new doors. Many colleges, universities, and trade schools will accept people with felony convictions. Some of them will ask if you have a criminal record as part of your application for admission; some won't. According to an article in Criminology , about seven in 10 U. But don't let that fact discourage you. In reality, most colleges consider each person's application on an individual basis and weigh several different factors before making a final decision.
Automatic bans for felony convictions are rare. Generally speaking, colleges will review your particular felony conviction s and make a judgement based on factors like the program you've applied for, how long it's been since your release from prison, and whether your past behavior represents a threat to other students on campus. If your criminal history consists of serious violence or sexual offenses, then it's less likely you'll be admitted to an on-campus program.
Whichever school you apply to, always be honest. Own your past. A lot of colleges believe in the idea that people deserve second chances and shouldn't be considered a threat once they've paid their debts to society.
But it's also important to be honest since you don't want to go through a program only to discover later on that felons with your particular offenses aren't allowed to have the kind of career you've been studying for.
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