1. Watauga County JobLink Career Center
207 Winkler’s Creek Rd., Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828)265-5385 Fax: (828)265-5385
Work Search Strategies for Former Offenders
While the overall work searches process is the same for all job seekers, applicants with criminal
records face unique challenges in finding sustainable employment. While the challenges faced
by ex-offenders are not insignificant, they can be overcome with careful planning and
perseverance.
Planning Your Search
Define Your Objectives: What type of work are you looking for?
In five years what kind of job do you want to have? Make a
list of long term goals and the skill that go with it. Then make
a list of short term objectives and these objectives reinforce
your long term plan.
Inventory Your Skills: Whether you have a wall full of degrees
from colleges or universities, a high school diploma or GED,
or credentials from the school of hard knocks, you have skills
and abilities that many employers are looking for. Think back
to any job you had during your incarceration. Make a list of
the skills required for each job and determine what industries
you will target in your search.
Prepare Your Resume: Think of your resume as a one page sales
pitch. This is your opportunity to sell yourself to employers.
It should include an objective statement and applicable work
experience. Attempt to explain any gaps in employment and
target your resume to jobs you are interested in.
Target Employers: Once you know what industry you want to
work in, it is time to hit the bricks and find your future
employer. While most people think that the local newspaper is
the best source for finding job leads, there are man other, and
better, sources. Ask family and friends for referrals, monitor
the Employment Security Commission’s website and contact
employers directly. Get a notebook and make a list of all
potential employers you want to contact.
Call Potential Employers: Many employers have jobs available,
but have not advertised or they may keep applications on file
in case a vacancy becomes available. Call employers in your
field and tell them who you are what you can do for their
company. If positions are not available, ask if they expect
vacancies in the near future or if they know other employers
who may be hiring.
Take Care of Yourself: You probably know better than anyone
that too much free time can leave you feeling hopeless and
depressed. Set a schedule for yourself. Wake up at the same
time every day, exercise and eat right. Try to find activities in
the community that foster the things you want for yourself. If
you are well adjusted you will appear happy.
5 Things Not To Leave
Home Without
1. Identifying Documents:
In order to be employed you must
have a social security card, Driver’s
License or State ID and your birth
certificate. Most of these are
available online or by a simple visit
to the appropriate agency.
2. Academic Diplomas and
Transcripts:
Most employers require a high
School Diploma or GED.
Additionally, any training you have
completed either at an educational
institution or during your
incarceration prove that you have
applicable skills.
3. A pocket resume:
Employers want to know where you
have worked in the past, for how
long and how to contact your former
employers. Write this information
down in a format that is easy for you
to access and transfer
4. An explanation of your record:
In most cases your employers will
request information about your
conviction. This is your opportunity
to make the case that your record
should not impact their decision to
hire you. Write a brief statement to
attach to applications. (See reverse
side for a detailed explanation.)
5. A positive Attitude:
It’s often said that attitudes are
infectious. You have applicable job
skills, valuable experience and
would be an asset to any company
that gives you a job. If you act like
it, the employer will see it too.

2. Presenting Your Criminal Background
Most employers ask about criminal records on their company applications and provide a few lines for you
to explain a “yes” answer. While simply answering “yes” does not disqualify you from working with that
company, you must be careful how you explain your record. It may be tempting to leave the question
blank or to write “will explain at interview.” Doing this will likely hinder or eliminate your chances of
getting an interview. Likewise, answering the question “no” will be grounds for termination if hired and
can limit your chances of finding another job in the same area because many employers share information
about their applicant pool.
It is Imperative that you explain your situation. Employers are not interested in excuses or justifications
of your record. Rather, they are interested in how you can fit into the company and how you can advance
their company mission. Using the two or three lines provided on the application does not give you the
opportunity to present yourself in an optimal way.
Write a one page statement that explains your conviction. In the first paragraph, you should explain your
conviction. Admit past mistakes and show remorse. In the next paragraph, describe positive things you
learned from paying your debt to society and describe how you have changed since your conviction. This
paragraph should include skills you learned during your incarceration and how you have bettered
yourself. In the final paragraph you should describe how your conviction and incarceration relates to
your work ethic and how you can be an asset to the company. If possible, you should target your
statement to specific companies and jobs rather than making a “boilerplate” statement.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Many people feel that interviewing is the most stressful part of the job search. For people with a criminal
record, the interview is crucial to landing the job. However, try to calm your nerves and relax. The
following guidelines will help you to present yourself in a positive light:
 Dress slightly better than the company’s current employees. I.e. if they wear jeans and T-shirts,
you should wear a collared shirt and slacks. If they wear collared shirts, you should wear a tie.
 Have a strategic plan for the interview. Think of three main points that you want the employer to
understand about you at the end of the interview. Think of three different ways to make each
point. Come back to these whenever possible.
 Try to appear relaxed. The employer was clearly impressed with your application or resume and
wants to know you better. If you appear stiff, jittery or arrogant it will turn the employer off.
Worse, nervousness can make you appear insincere.
 When discussing your conviction, reiterate the statement you attached to the application, admit
your mistakes and describe why your record is no longer an issue.
Summary
As an ex-offender, you face barriers to attaining employment. However, through planning, perseverance
and a positive attitude, you can overcome these barriers. It is important to keep a positive attitude and
work hard in your search. Most importantly, you don’t have to struggle alone. The Employment Security
Commission and other organizations in the community are there to give you a hand and help you get back
on your feet. More information on supportive services is available at the Employment Security
Commission’s website: www.ncesc.com or at the Department of Corrections website at:
www.doc.nc.state.us/transition.
Pre-Judge Not thy Employer…
Don’t fall into the stereotype that every employer is prejudiced against ex-offenders. Some are.
However, other employers have criminal records themselves and others feel that everyone deserves a
second chance. You don’t know until you make contact.