Tips for Job Interviews for Ex-Offenders

[fiat_nox]

click and it'll download to your device

[ca$$]

the first thing listed on your guide is

Have you ever
been convicted
of a felony?


In my state at least, that is not asked during the interview process it self.
I may be legally wrong, but I think that is a violation to ask out right in an interview.

However on the guide, as you make good points.

[fiat_nox]

Originally Posted by ca$$

the first thing listed on your guide is

Have you ever
been convicted
of a felony?


In my state at least, that is not asked during the interview process it self.
I may be legally wrong, but I think that is a violation to ask out right in an interview.

However on the guide, as you make good points.

Could depend on the state. In Iowa, it's legal to ask that on applications for an apartment/duplex/house.

[sr3131]

Originally Posted by ca$$

the first thing listed on your guide is

Have you ever
been convicted
of a felony?


In my state at least, that is not asked during the interview process it self.
I may be legally wrong, but I think that is a violation to ask out right in an interview.

However on the guide, as you make good points.

That's state by state, in Alaska, they are able to ask, and often do.

[Employer]

In Minnesota Ban the Box was approved on January 1, 2018; however, that DOES NOT MEAN that during the interview the question can't be asked... Ban the Box just eliminates or bans the box on the application. Irrespective of whether the box is there or not if you have a felony be prepared to speak on it, in a precise and eloquent manner.

I am a Hiring Authority in the State of Minnesota, NOT, for the state. I have heard many stories begin with.... When I was younger I made a lot of bad choices...... I stop the person right there, who, when young did not make bad choices, now I understand some choices were worse than others, yet, I am not a Counselor, I am a person charged with hiring people.

If during an interview with me, I ask - Have you ever been convicted of a crime or spent time in prison, DO NOT take me down memory lane, take me to a clear and concise answer with a message about the future as your last words... such as; "I was in prison for X amount of year for drugs, no need to get the specific charge, during that time I was involved in several programs and obtained my XYZ Certification, this is where I perfected X and I am here today in hopes of getting the opportunity to show you what a great employee I would be. I could tell you what I am going to do and how great of a person I am, but, I would rather have the opportunity to show you. Given what I've shared about my past, is there an opportunity here for me?

If you provide a clear message of why you were in prison and then end it on a more positive, futuristic note, you're giving information, yet, you're also looking forward. This may not work for every employer; however, in a professional interview, your personal life is not where you go all Oprah!

I hope this helps!

[Chuck.Finley]

Ban the box only means that the question cannot be asked during the initial application. The employer still can ask during interviews, subsequent applications, or background checks. You should always have a strategy to address this question or how to address your employment gap in your resume or any particular way this topic of conversation may come up. Never lie about it. If asked during a job interview minimize the impact of it by quickly turning it around and emphasize on how the experience has made you a better candidate for the position. Always turn your potential weaknesses into strengths.

[GaReform]

Until we ban the bias, the box doesn't matter. It's still a NO when the background issue comes up. We need to realize that the face of those incarcerated has changed & the person next to you at church, in the grocery, or at the bank could have something in their past. To judge the rest of someone's life by what they did at the worst time in their life is a waste of potential.

[Jimdc49]

My advise, don't get tattoos while in prison. I did 12 years and have 0 tattoos. Prison tattoos stand out.

[AnieLove56]

Oh my godddd yes. I'm sending this to him cuz he'll be getting out soon.