Employment for Convicted Felons

During these days of economic recession, jobs are difficult to come by. Even if you are a highly qualified candidate with a clean record, you may still face difficulty while finding job and retaining one. You can thus imagine the plight of convicts when it comes to employment. Very few employers are willing to consider the job application of convicted felons. If you are an ex felon, do understand that you will really have tough time ahead of you. However, with resilience and hard work, you can indeed turn the tide and land a decent job. Jobs for convicted felons, though sparse, are indeed available.

Employment for Convicted Felons

Most government as well as private organizations demand an extensive criminal background check upon potential employees. Job applications of convicted felons are often rejected without a second thought. Most employers prefer to have employees with clean records on board. However, as an ex convict you sure deserve another chance, especially if you have given up your older ways of living. Government has started several initiatives that offer a fair chance of employment for ex convicts. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is one such initiative in which tax benefit is offered to organizations that employ people who have difficulty finding jobs elsewhere. Many restaurants or small businesses avail the benefits of this scheme by employing felons.

One can also approach the military wings which have numerous careers for convicted felons. The navy and army have been recruiting ex convicts since 2006. However, one must meet the strict eligibility criteria of armed forces. The type of your offense is often taken into account while offering employment to felons in armed forces. Felons must be aware of their right to employment in private organizations. The government has appointed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to prevent employers from rejecting employment to felons without a valid reason. Thus, employers must be able to prove that the nature and consequence of the crime committed by the convict was in conflict with the job requirement.

Job Opportunities for Felons

Thus, convicts can certainly enhance their chances of employment by applying at places that hire felons. Do take into account the nature of your felony before applying for jobs. People convicted for sexual offenses should never apply to education or child care facilities. Similarly, those convicted for robbery, frauds should consider the doors of financial institutions closed for them forever. Easy work opportunities for convicted felons may come through the following sectors.

Construction
The construction sector offers various jobs for felons. However, most of these jobs are that of laborers, workers, handymen etc. You can also work as a truck driver in this sector.

Newspaper Delivery
Newspaper agencies do not mind offering jobs for ex felons as long as they have their own vehicle and a valid driver's license. These jobs are mostly on contract basis and earn a decent salary.

Retail
Retail jobs are the best paying jobs for felons. However, you may have to struggle a little to get into this industry. Apply to small individual owned retail shops and prove your worth by working hard.

Charity Organizations
Voluntary work at charity or non profit organizations is likely to favor you in the long run. Contact any of the charitable societies in your locality and express a desire to work for them. These organizations are more sympathetic towards convicts and may hire you if they believe you are a changed man!

Internet
If you wish to be a self employed person, then the Internet is the best place to look for work. Many websites pay you for conducting online research, surveys etc. You can also get data entry jobs as well as online marketing jobs.

Besides, the above mentioned sectors, janitorial services, hospitality sector, salvation army are some other places to look for job opportunities.