Getting a job after a felony conviction can be challenging. It may seem like few companies are willing to give you a chance, making it harder to stay optimistic as you search for an opportunity.
Luckily, there are things you can do to increase your odds of finding a position. If you are looking for a job and have a felony conviction, here are some tips that can help.
Do Your Research
Before you apply for a position, spend some time researching the company. Find out about any conviction-related hiring rules they have in place, including whether certain convictions would disqualify a person from employment.
By figuring that out in advance, you can determine if applying is a smart move. You can focus your efforts on companies that are open to giving you a chance, increasing your odds of job search success.
Cultivate a Strong Skill Set
Many companies aren’t concerned about whether someone has a felony conviction. Instead, their main focus is on whether someone could excel in the position.
If you have a strong skill set, they may not see a felony conviction as being a dealbreaker. Consider what kind of work you’d like to do and research what it takes to excel in those positions. Then, take the time to boost your capabilities and add new relevant skills by taking advantage of training programs, free learning resources, or other pathways for skill cultivation.
Be Honest
While it may seem like being open about your felony conviction would work against you, honesty is a necessity. If you are asked about your background and don’t mention your history, that may be viewed as a sign of dishonesty. As a result, you may miss out on an opportunity.
If you want to increase your odds of landing a position, you do need to be honest about your conviction. While you don’t need to go into great detail, let prospective employers know what they’ll discover before they run a background check.
Additionally, make sure to share how you want to move forward in your life, discussing any efforts you’ve made to acquire new skills and prepare yourself to become an asset for an employer. Be open about your enthusiasm for an opportunity, ensuring the hiring manager can see that taking a chance on you is a good decision.
Partner with GSG Talent Solutions
At GSG Talent Solutions, our goal is to provide support to candidates, including those with felony convictions who are looking for job opportunities. Our team aims to open doors for all job seekers by giving them access to the support and solutions they need to take the next step in their careers.
Along with job search assistance, GSG Talent Solutions makes training opportunities available to all candidates. We can help you acquire new skills and hone the ones you have, making you a stronger candidate.
Plus, your recruiter acts as your employment advocate. They will help you navigate the job market more effectively, increasing the odds that you can find a job when you need it most.
If you have a felony conviction and are looking for work, the team at GSG Talent Solutions wants to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about our services and see how partnering with our team can make a difference.