Everybody makes mistakes in life. But, when you learn from your mistakes, you should get a second chance.
Luckily, most people see it this way, too, but there are times when a mistake is a felony that will follow you the rest of your life. And it can affect when you are looking for a job.
Will that felony keep you from getting that dream job you so desperately want? It shouldn’t but it definitely could. Whether it is a drunk driving case, or something less serious it can haunt you even though you’ve turned your life around.
You’ll need some help, so in this article, I will go over several of the ways you can still get that job even when you have a felony.
Do your research
Before you apply to a job, check out the requirements and everything you will need to disclose upfront. Find out if there will be a background check as some places don’t do this. It all depends on the job.
For most jobs that will give you responsibility over money, then you’re likely to go through a background check. If you know ahead of time that they will be looking, then you’ll either want to be clear about what they will find before they check or be ready to tell them about it in an interview.
Get some help
Sites like Felonies.org can help you in the research process to understand many of your rights, but it also helps to have somebody in your corner.
Look for workforce development centers in your area that can help ex felons navigate the job search process and will help you understand your rights. In some cases they may even help you find a job with a company that hires ex felons.
Get a degree
If you don’t already have a degree then this is a good time to go back to school and get one. In many states, there are even financial aid programs to help people with a felony on their record afford tuition.
Look into industries that don’t care if you have a conviction as long as you have a degree and can do the work. Jobs in IT are always in demand and there is usually a shortage of workers so getting a job is not difficult.
If your degree comes after the conviction then it shows that you have made an effort to turn your life around. And if you excel at your studies then it also makes a good case for your character since the incident.
If you got your degree before you got into trouble, then you may want to consider getting your masters degree.
Start your own business
If you have a good idea and are willing to work long hours, then starting your own business is probably the easiest way to make sure you are working after a felony conviction.
Take whatever experience you have and turn it into a business and it needn’t ever come up that you have a conviction on your record.
