I am seeking a career, however I have criminal background. Every which way I go, i seem to hit a road block, from universities for graduate programs to employers telling me a whole line of bs. I went to an employment agency the other day she told me she could help me find a job at IHOP. I have a degree in Neuro-science from a great university. Does any one have any advice?
Thanks

twinkiedooter

How long ago was your felony conviction for starters. If it was recent and you served time, then that's your biggest drawback - too recent. If it's 5+ years ago, then you aren't trying hard enough.

Adoe

I got out about 4 months ago. I served a little over 18months. I am interning at a small law firm. However, my internship is up in a week. I have went on interviews to no avail. I am just trying to figure out if any career is "felon friendly".
Thanks

twinkiedooter

None that I know of that are specifically felon friendly. Well, for now you'll basically have to take what is offered to you until you put a bit more time between you and the release. Are you still on probation? If so, then you'll have to wait a bit longer to go for the really good jobs. Some employment applications have the lovely box that you can check that asks if you were convicted of a felony within the last 5, 7 or 10 years. If you want to try your luck, just check no and see how far you get. BUT there always is the case of having your background check being done if it's a bigger company and they end up finding out about the conviction. If it is not drug related you should be okay. If it is drug related or any sort of theft related, then you should worry a lot about this aspect. Again, I don't recommend checking the no box, but if push comes to shove and you feel lucky and really want the job and think you'll do a good job, then by all means go for it. If it's a government job, then don't check no, but check yes and have a good reason to present to the HR person and hope they like you.

If you were doing work for the law firm, howcome you can't stay with them for a bit longer?

Adoe

Thanks for the info twinkiedooter. I can stay longer at the firm, however, its an unpaid internship and I am getting hungry. I really want to go back to school to put some space in between my charges, but i am having trouble even with that. I have a neuro-science degree and my charges are drug charges. Many of the degrees are health related and they tend to frown on past drug use. I know i just got to be patient. I have checked the no box before and I was found out. I rather just tell the truth and not have to look over my shoulder.
Thanks again

excon

Hello A:

Have you tried para-legal... That's a generic term. Lots of lawyers are looking for somebody to help them out. If you can do the work, most of 'em wouldn't care about your record.

I only said that because you're working at a law firm... As what??? You could also try sales. If you can sell, you can find a job. What about entrepreneurship? Nobody cares about your record if they're gonna make money with you. I'll bet you can invent all sorts of neuro scientific devices.

Whatever kind of work you're looking for, try to apply at mom and pop shops. With those kind of business's, you can probably interview with the guy right then and there. If you can impress him, he'll care a lot less about your record.

Those places where you need to fill out an application or leave your resume and they'll call you...... Forget about 'em.

excon

Fr_Chuck

yes, many of the jobs, the real issue today is that there are dozens of applications for any one application, for some positions even more.
So it is not that many are felon unfriendly but if you have people with simular educations and training. So one has to keep at it.

chazzz

All I can say is when I got out I applied at 40 different jobs and was avoided because I told the truth on the app. I have 2 2nd degree felonies from 14 years ago. I do really well now and this is how I did it. After the 40 apps, I made a mistake and lied on my app and they fired me because someone ratted on me I thought I could trust. BIG MISTAKE don't lie about it. There is a loop hole. Whenever applying never answer the question. Go to the interview dressed to impress. Go through the complete interview till you get an offer. Then tell them by the way there is something I have to explain to you on my app. If this doesn't go well ask if this would have made a difference before we talked about money. Some places simply won't work depending on the Offenses , Example: A pharmacist with a drug offense) People are quick to stereotype you because of whats on paper. So use it toward your advantage. A shirt and tie will get you along way as long as you cover the tats and play it cool.

ka5pjw123

Mine were 16 years ago, a single 4th degree felony and I went from the board room to selling on ebay for the last 4 years.

Nothing not a soul, no one will hire me for anything, it is self employment of starve to death and its been like that for 16 years

When your arrested they fingerprint you, now finance and insurance have laws against hiring felons, any job requiring you to be fingerprinted is gonna get you.

I made it to executive VP and COO of a company and was doing well at it until they needed us fingerprinted, and I was out in less than 24 hours later.

Its a brand you have for life. Its small companies who never check or self employment.

jermarley

My god, I am reading this on a day in which I have decided that even though I have a felony from 2000 and have been through the whole thing of NOT finding decent work.....I am having a bit of success in possible work outside the U.S. for teaching English in other countries. It is not the best solution and I have been dragged through the coals and come out VERY humbled and depressed at times! I hope someday to be able to start a solution for MOST felons to be treated as a normal citizen again. It breaks my heart that my mistake from all most ten years ago, as little as it was (drug game) that my adulthood and others adulthood will be effected negatively for ever. If anyone wants to slowly work on a Govt funded program to effectively find great jobs for ex felons...i am in!
PS....IF YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON OVERSEAS WORK...LET ME KNOW ALSO!!