Jobs for convicted felons aren’t easy to find, especially during these tough economic times. Even people who are highly qualified and have an excellent work history are unemployed right now. Nonetheless, there are still many excellent jobs for convicted felons available. You just have to be able to compete with others who also want those jobs for convicted felons.

Jobs for Felons: How to Get Ready for Your Job Search

Background checks – prior to searching for jobs for convicted felons, take some time to consult your lawyer to see if you can get your record expunged. If not, you should find out exactly what information will turn up when a potential employer does a background check. That information is what you will need to explain to the job interviewer when you look for jobs for felons.

Resume – when preparing your resume, highlight your skills and strengths. You don’t need to mention your felony in your resume. If you are asked specifically regarding your record, we strongly encourage to you answer truthfully but make sure you convey that you are rehabilitated and moving on to the next part of your life.

Dress the part – when you go for an interview, felony jobs are quite competitive so you should dress to impress. Any corporate felony friendly jobs or high-level, managerial jobs will require a good suit. Most other jobs will probably call for business casual clothes. This refers to a collared shirt and slacks or khakis for men and for women, a blouse or sweater with a skirt may be appropriate.

Jobs for felons interview preparation – before you go to a job interview, prepare your answers to tough questions first. Felony friendly jobs are hard to get because ex-felons have to compete with a lot of people who probably have clean records.

So what should you say about your record? Explain what happened calmly and briefly. Do not go into a lot of detail. Instead, explain that what happened was a mistake. Highlight your strengths. You won’t get hired if you can’t explain why you should be given a second chance and how you can be an asset to the company that hires you.

Tip and Advice for Finding Felony Jobs

Non-profit organizations – there may be some organizations that help ex-felons. Try asking your parole officer or call the state employment office for information about what programs or organizations might be able to help you find jobs for convicted felons.

Networking – friends, family and former co-workers can help you in your search for jobs for convicted felons. Make a list of people whom you think may be of help. Call them up, inform them that you are currently looking for a job and that you would be grateful for their assistance, advice, referrals or recommendations. Send them your resume along with a cover letter thanking them for their efforts through fax or email if they agree to help.

Most people will probably not be able to give any real assistance in your search for jobs for felons but don’t give up because all you hard work calling everyone up will not be wasted if you can get even just a few good job recommendations.

In the end, don’t be too picky when you apply to jobs for convicted felons. What matters is that you get a job during these tough times. When you have built up a good, solid work history then you will find it easier to get the top jobs for convicted felons. Do your best to stay positive. Think of what you would enjoy doing and we hope these tips will help you find the best jobs for convicted felons that fit you.