Ex-Offender Job Fair
The Inquirer’s Andrew Maykuth reports on a Job Fair held at Kingsessing Recreation Center yesterday:
More than 250 applicants turned out yesterday at a job fair in which the one trait the job-seekers have in common is typically the last thing they would put on their resumes: All of them have criminal histories. About 30 employers, including grocers, auto-repair shops, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Army, attended the city-sponsored fair at the Kingsessing Recreation Center aimed specifically at ex-offenders.
“We’re here because we believe that people do need a second chance,” said Lashawna Reddy, the human-resources coordinator at the ShopRite on Island Avenue. She said the company has a history of hiring ex-offenders.
Such statements added to the generally positive atmosphere at the event, organized by the city Office of Community Services and the Mayor’s Office for the Reentry of Ex-Offenders.
“With ex-offenders, employers are still somewhat skeptical,” said Harriett T. Spencer, the executive director of the mayor’s reentry office, which was formed early this year. “We’ve found they need a middleman, someone to encourage the employer to hire them, someone to explain to employers that a lot of ex-offenders just need a second chance.”
According to the article, Michael Nutter’s PREP initiative, which passed City Council, is still awaiting the Mayor Street’s signature. It’s not clear whether ex-offenders hired at this job fair would qualify their employers for the $10,000 tax credit or not. Here’s Michael Nutter describing the PREP program at the West Philadelphia YMCA a few weeks ago:
Eric Mayo said,
November 18, 2007 @ 12:08 am
Did the applicants know how to dress, interview properly or list their marketable skills? Did they know how to talk about their past legal issues in a positive way?
Consider this:
I’ve done my time but I can’t get a job because of my record. I have heard this from countless former inmates that hope to put their pasts behind them. The key to staying free and enjoying an independent life is finding stable employment. Studies have shown that a former inmate with a full time job is less likely to go back to prison.
The fact for ex-offenders is a criminal record is there to stay. It is not going to change. What must change are their attitudes about their records. There are people in the world that will hold their records against them. There is nothing that can be done about that. There is a bright side. The economy is strong and there are new opportunities for growth. Along with that growth, comes a labor shortage. Because of this labor shortage, employers are willing to hire qualified people from any source. One of the growing untapped labor sources in the country are those who are classified as “ex-offenders.” More and more employers are finding that hiring ex-offenders makes good economic sense. People that have been to prison, that are committed to overcoming the past, make excellent employees. Most are disciplined, hard working, and honest.
The key to finding employment is to have a definite plan of action that will lead to a job. One thing that I tell job seekers is that they are about to begin a marketing plan designed to sell their product. What is the product? It is their set of skills and attitude. In order to get the job they want, they must be able to let a prospective employer know exactly what they can do and how it can work for them. Being able to identify and describe skills will give them a huge advantage. They must then identify employers that can use skills that they have.
Finding a job is a number game. The more job leads they find, the more interviews they will get. The more interviews they get, the more offers they will receive. The challenge for them is to get as many quality job leads as possible.
If all goes well, the interviews will come. The interview is the time where the product is matched to the employer’s needs. To get the job, one must effectively sell oneself. This is done by proper appearance, presentation of qualifications and poise. There must also be an attitude of trust and sincerity that will make the employer feel that they are right for the job. Preparation is the key. Get a friend or family member to help you practice for upcoming interviews. Anticipate questions and practice your answers so they sound genuine.
Getting a job is not an exact science but increasing your odds by being prepared will put in the best position to get hired. Good Luck!
Get more great advice on ex-offender job searching at http://www.Jailtojob.com
LASHA P said,
November 26, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
I AM A EX-OFFENDER AND I AM 26 YRS OF AGE AND I WANT TO WORK , PLEASE HELP ME FIND ME A JOB
Tonetta said,
December 3, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
hello i’m an ex-offender and i’m tryin to find employment in philadelphia please help me
Alexis Ahiagbe-McDowell said,
December 31, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Hello,
My name is Alexis and I am a 26 year old ex-offender. For the last two years I have been looking for a permanent job however, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining one. I have been to just about all of the programs that the city of Philadelphia offers to help ex-offenders get jobs. Every time I go to one it’s always the same thing. The programs start out telling you how to write a resume, how to dress for an interview and what to say at an interview. Although, I think that this information is valuable to some it is not very useful to me. Ex-offenders are often assumed to be uneducated and sometimes that is not always the case. I have never been incarcerated, even though I do have two felonies that I received probation for. I am currently a sopmore in a 4yr. university and I desperately would like to be given a chance. I have three children that I am trying to support. I want to become self sufficient and not have to depend on the government in order to make ends meet. If there is anyone who can offer me any help or suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Alexis Ahiagbe-McDowell
Liz said,
February 8, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Hello, I work with several employers to offer training and hands on apprenticeships within Phila. We have several openings for customized training, however, my employer does charge a fee for his time, in return, there are guaranteed employment opportunities. One career pays around $30/hr. We are looking to train and hire some ex-offenders,, can you help?
Thanks
andrew said,
February 8, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
Hi Liz,
Thanks for commenting. I can’t help you, but perhaps someone reading this post will see your comment. If you leave another comment with some contact information in it, I’m sure that would be useful.
Eric said,
February 11, 2008 @ 10:12 am
At times looking for a job as an ex-offender seems like one dead end after another. There are things that can be done until that dream job comes along.
Temporary Agencies
Consider working as a temporary as a way of getting a permanent job. Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world. Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them. Good workers are hard to find. If an employer sees that you are hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently. Some other advantages to using a temporary employment service:
? You can try different types of work and develop new skills which can be used later.
? You can make new contacts.
? Build a work history.
? Earn a wage until you can find permanent employment.
Make a list of temporary agencies in your area. Call each one to find out what types of jobs they have available. Apply just as you would any other employer.
One-Stop Career Centers
Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career. Some services available are:
Career planning and counseling
Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)
Computers with internet access and word processing
Daily access to thousands of job listings
Job-related magazines and local newspapers
Job postings and referrals
Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
You can find the nearest location of the One Stop Career Center in your local phone book or on the web at: http://www.servicelocator.org
Get more great advice on ex-offender job searching at http://www.Jailtojob.com
STEVEN said,
February 22, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
HI,
IM A EX OFFENDER AND I JUST CAME HOME 3 WEEKS AGO AND IM LOSING MY HAIR LOOKING FOR A JOB ITS STRESSFUL BECAUSE I HAVE 3 KIDS AND A HOUSE AND RENT IS DUE SO THINGS TEND TO GET EXTREMELY STRESSFUL BUT I KEEP IN MIND WHERE I JUST CAME FROM AND WHERE I DONT WANT TO GO BACK TO I WONT STOP UNTIL I FIND A JOB BUT IF THERE’S ANY BODY IN MY SHOES JUST STAY FOCUSED AND KEEP IN MIND ONE THING WE LEARNED FROM PRISON…PATIENCE!
JOZETTE BROWN said,
April 28, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
HI MY BOYFRIEND IS TRYING TO FIND A JOB JUST GOT OUT OF JAIL
Madesa Dickerson said,
May 16, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I am a State Counselor in Chicago Illinoisand Ineedtoknowwhat companieshave positionsforexoffenders. I also clerical positions, construction and other permaent full time and part time positions.
You can call me at 312-633-3570 extension 3566.
Eric said,
July 30, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
There is a lot of good information for ex-offenders looking for jobs at my blog:
http://helpforexoffenders.wordpress.com
Giovanna said,
August 3, 2008 @ 11:54 pm
I work at SCI Chester and would like to be involved in a re-entry program providing counseling and other services to assist ex-offenders in their transition back into the community. I would also like to be able to continue offering parenting classes at the prison which are being discontinued because of lack of funding. How could we apply for a grant? The inmates have really benefited from the parenting class and don’t want to see it end and neither do I . Is there a way we could access a grant to keep it going?
Sandra said,
August 12, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Hello,
I know how difficult it is and continues to be for all ex-offenders in finding a good job and that is why I have developed a great informational site offering assistance to those in search of a job, resources to help you find a job as well as apprenticeship program information as well as starting your own business advice. This is a new site and new information is added all the time but I urge you to check it out. Right now I am adding job fair info for specific areas of the US. If you know of any company will to consider hiring an ex-offender please let me know and I will contact them and if they say they will I will post their job on our site. Any other assistance would be greatly appreciated. Good Luck!!
http://www.Ifello.com
Bradley Davis said,
August 16, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Hello, my name is Bradley Davis. In 1991, I was plead guilty to a felony, and was sentenced to 2-4 years in prison. Since my release in 1995, I have worked as a dishwasher for a temporary job agency, a ticket collector at a carnival, and laborer mixing cement, and pointing brick for a handyman. I am 37 years old, with a 12th grade education, computer literate, able to type 20 wpm, and will be going to school for housekeeping in September. I am very hardworking, and punctual. I would really like the opportunity to work again, if you can help me with a job please feel free to contact me at the following email address. Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Bradley Davis
bdbradleydavis@gmail.com
malcolmxpark.org » Resources for ex-offenders said,
September 12, 2008 @ 8:31 am
[...] in November of last year, I did a post about an ex-offender job fair held at the Kingsessing Rec. Center. It has [...]
antoinette said,
September 22, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
I am looking for a job. I was convicted of simple assault in july and am currently on 2yrs probation ., This was my first offense. I am 35 yrs old. How hard do you think it will be for me to find a job now? I am in pa
Eric said,
December 13, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
Hello everyone. My Blog “help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs” has moved. You can find it here:
http://www.jailtojob.com/wordpress
Leror sidbury said,
December 24, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
I am an ex-offender that live in Baltimore city and I am in need of a job bad. It`s like the cycle is falling back to having to resort to dumb things in order to just servive trying to find a job here as an ex-offender, plus I am in College to become a master electrician but it`s funny that I am good enough to school for the trade and they will take the grant money and the loans from me but I am not good enough to help find a job.I can`t quite now even the more i need to find a job. Help someone!!
Leroy Sidbury said,
December 31, 2008 @ 7:32 am
I know that when I found this web site and wrote my first comments, that i wrote it in my anger against the discrimination of ex-offenders like myself. I am still in need of job badly and the old cycle seem to be slowly sneaking it`s way back into my life and I am fighting just to keep it away from me with what seems to be no way out and no relief in my path. I use the true illustration about the school that I am attending now, how when I came to enroll and fill for the loans and financial Aid to pay the school I was treated equal as thee other students, but as soon as I went in search of a job threw student asistance in the school it was a problem then I found out that I mite not be getting a license in electrical because of my record,but when I was first in talking to the intake counselor I told him that I was an ex-offender and I also stated to him that I was trying to obtain my electrical license that was my soul reason for coming to that school and know one said to me that iI mite note be able to get my license because of my record but they let me go on so they could get the money and knowing after a certain amount of time in school that i would be stuck with the bill even if I decided to leave the school.Just adding more problem to my life because of there greed.I want to make you laugh. They show you these shows on T.V. like cops have you ever asked yourself why they don`t have a T.V. show that show how the crooked adminstration people, lawyers, police offier, prison guards, judges get caught on tape or anyting else and show it over and over again because they don`t want the world to know the total truth about the real world that we live in. Some folk are just that brainwashed to the reality of life and choose to stay that way its easier that way.I am not Marther Steward or one of them folks where i can go to jail and come out with a cooking show and make more money for being locked up than most people make on the 9 to 5. This is the world that we live in. I have been doing electrical work for 20 years and I am better than a hold lot of them that don`t have a record. When will we stop paying for our past we already paid for it! If anyone can help me please don`t hessitate to call me or e-mail me
I live in Baltimore city where you can get lock up for sitting on your own property
but you can`t find out who`s stealing millions of dollars from the school system or something of that manner.my number 410-752-4645 e-mail quitewinds@verizon.net
Paul C said,
January 9, 2009 @ 11:38 am
Try midsized factories. I can’t tell you how prevelant it is, but 10 years ago I worked in a plating factory. I know that they used work-release people as line operators, so I assume they would not rule out someone with a conviction. Pay is likely to be lousy but might include insurance.
My partner’s son is dealing with this, currently. He was able to get a sales job from a sympathetic neighbor. If you know someone in a company, ask them -not to get you a job – but to see if they can get you at least considered.
Latonya Dickerson said,
April 22, 2009 @ 10:02 am
Good Morning,
I have a brother that is on home monitor in Baltimore City desperately seeking employment to become responsible. I am writing to seek employers in baltimore city willing to interview and hire an ex-offender.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide
var brown said,
June 16, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
I have been home for 1month and 2 days, this is my first offense and my attorney advised me to a plea of conspiracy to robbery, I need to seek legal advice on filing a pcra and in the mean time find traing/work. I reside in the delco area, open for philly as well. Email all info to this email jade361967@gmail.com. thank you.
Eric said,
October 12, 2009 @ 7:43 am
check out my videos fie ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/adogzheart
Eric said,
October 31, 2009 @ 4:56 am
I answer questions for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs at my blog:
http://jailtojob.com/wordpress
Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs » Blog Archive » I have a Felony and want to Work in the Nursing Field said,
November 28, 2009 @ 8:45 am
[...] I want to get into the nursing field as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide. I have a conviction for shoplifting and few other minor offenses. I don’t want take this course and then find out [...]
Leatrice Haynes said,
January 3, 2010 @ 9:43 am
You Know it was quite interesting reading all of the different comments. I too am an ex- offender my Last conviction was in 1999 and my first conviction is an Aggravated Battery charge in 1991. I lived a life of crime to support a drug habbit, and since 2003 has maintained a totally drug free life. I’ve faced similar thoughts and situations while trying to reconstruct my life, but has found that I cannot blame my bad decisions on the government, or the employers that choose to decline my applications. I did exactly what one writer suggest; I went through temp. agencies and gained certifications in welding and soldering. and with both agencies I was hired full time w/the compinies, low paying but like he said you gain insurance,sick time, vacation time,etc… we must crawl before we walk! period. I’m not saying that things are easy, I’m just saying if we take full responsibility for our actions then maybe we wont be as bitter as one of the comments I read. It will surley be okay we shall overcome. I will also suggest to change are way of thinking in the process. “we are what we thinkith” you know!, and another suggestion I have is to go back to school it will help with some barriers you have, such as my self that’s what I did and am still doing. maybe you can be a mentior to younger children to not follow the path that some of has chosen, become an advocate for ex- offenders, volunteer at local jails, prisons etc.. one thing is for sure if you have a earnest desire to help other people such as your self you can probably get a lot further. I know work for a local Shelter, giving back to the communiity in which I once help tear down, I’m enrolled in a Human Services Program at the local community college to become an addictions counselor, again helping others just like me! trust me I find such careers are willing to give “us” a chance, because we’ve “been there and done that”. your background is not such a henderence but a stepping stone. Now last but not least. spiritual Mantience has to be in the Process. I no longer believe I’m unemployable. I trust that God is always preparing a door to open for me.
Gurnee IL.
nikki said,
February 7, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
I am a 29 year old young that has had the unfortunate opportunity of being tied up in the criminal justice system do to some bad choices. Despite the fact that I am an exoffender, I am so determined to be a responsible contributing citizen that I started my own business due to the fact that no one else would hire me. GOD has a plan for all of us and we have to be willing to make the proper changes to move in the right direction. My goal is to hire other exoffenders to provide them with employment. I have me work cut out but I’m ready GOD!
denise said,
February 9, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
I am a 40 year old exoffender. 20yrs ago I was convicted of a felony drug charge and was given a sentence of 3 to 6yrs. In 1993 I was released from prison and began to rebuild my life, desperately wanting to become a productive citizen in society. I successfully completed a Certified Nursing Assistant training program and received my certification. In 1994 I was hired as a CNA. I was very happy that my conviction hadn’t prevented me from doing a job I enjoyed doing.For 2 yrs. I worked for the company that had given me a second chance. In 1996 the company was brought out by a large corporation whose policy was to not hire people with felonies. I was terminated because of their policy, nothing else was taken into consideration. For a long time I was angry and discouraged. Then finally I got the courage to try again. At the time I had 2 young children and didn’t want to depend on welfare to support my family. I applied for several CNA positions and pretty much had the job until the interviewer read my answer to the question (Have you ever been convicted of a felony?). After being turned down for CNA jobs over and over and over again my CNA license expired and I was unable to find a training program who would give me the chance to get it back. Determined to be self sufficient, I put my desire to be a nurse aside and
began looking for employment in other fields. Again I was turned down for lots of entry level jobs because of my felony. Then finally I was hired as a mail/file clerk by a temp agency, I worked hard to prove I was a good worker and i was hired permanently by the company, as a Foreclosure Specialist. I worked for that company for 4years. In Oct. 2004 the company closed down and I was back to looking for a job with my felony still lingering. I posted my resume on Monster.com and received a call from an employer in New Jersey offering me a collections position. I accepted the job and started working in January 2005. I was surprised how well I did. I won several budget acheivement awards, I was often among the top 10 collectors of the month and in 2008 I was inducted into the Million Dollar Gold Club. Unfortunately in December 2009 I lost my job. I am now back at square one but with more responsibilities. I’m a homeowner with 4 children desperately trying to get back to the nursing field and fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse. I am becoming very frustrated and discouraged because my 20yr. old felony still haunts me. I don’t know what to do or where to begin. If there is anyone out there who can help me, it would be greatly appreciated.
NATASHA KAMARA said,
May 5, 2010 @ 10:39 am
im 33 years old and am just disgusted with the way the Government has treated ex-offender as myself. ive turned my life around and decided to go to college to do an access to nursing programme. i will be finished in 8 weeks time but what felt like an achievement has turned into sorrow as i was offered a place at University but two weeks later they wrote to me saying that the offer has been withdrawn as my criminal record had my conviction on it. why cant the Government give people a second chance? im sure if it was a supermodel or a movie star they would have bypassed that and continued as if all is well.
Green Jobs Philly NEWS #22 | Green Jobs Philly News said,
August 25, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
[...] it —Community College has special green jobs training programs —There are occasional job fairs here specifically for ex-offenders: —Ray of Hope (Ray Gant) hires ex-offenders —Kevin Brooks Salvage —Philadelphia [...]