Apply for a job as ex-offender: UK and general

You may get disgruntled at society when you try to apply for a job as ex-offender because of discrimination policies. It is also true that ex-offenders are for the most part unemployed for the first few weeks after rehabilitation. Many are unemployed for longer periods. If people stay unemployed for long periods they are likely to return to crime to get an income. It is for this reason that programs have been established around the world to assist you when you apply for a job as ex-offender.

Although many employers are not willing to hire ex-offenders, a number of companies see it as part of their social responsibility to provide ex-prisoners a second chance. It is thus not all lost for you if you have a criminal record. You are however required to disclose information about your past for most job applications. These guidelines have been prepared to assist you in the application process.

Basics

• Start by examining your mind-set. If you need to get a positive outlook, then start right away.
• Don't delay the job search. Start with any available and legal job. Volunteer to work without pay for the first two weeks so that the employer can evaluate you.
• Get the assistance of a career guide and write your CV.
• Get in contact with friends, former colleagues, family members, acquaintances and support groups. Let them know that you are looking for a job. They may know about openings and can help you to get a reference.
• Practice your job interview ability. You will have to answer questions with regard to the offenses and the possibility that you may do the same crime again.
• State a strong goal. Show that you are determined to work hard and succeed.
• Inquire about support groups, programs and financial aid at government labor offices.
• Get additional training to get a job.

Assistance

Program Assistance Offices are operated on behalf of the UK government employment office. It includes employers from the private sector, state employers and volunteer associations. These job centers will assist you in the search for work and when you apply for a job as ex-offender. Most countries have employment programs for ex-offenders. Contact a job club or program center in your country. They will be able to help you in the preparation of your CV and help you to prepare for interviews. The centers in the UK for instance, help with particular job searches for people who are older than 25. If you want to participate in the program you are required to:

Search for a job, and not be training for a job.

To be present at the program centre on a regular basis where you will receive training to enhance your job skills and build your self-esteem.

The centers normally have the facilities for effective job searching such as telephones, paper and newspapers. Your job search is monitored throughout the period that you participate in the program.

Disclosing information

People with minor offenses on their records are protected by the Rehabilitation of Offenders law in the UK. Although not all countries have this type of protection, the general terms can be applied at most European countries. According to the Act you don't have to disclose your record if the felony has been excused. Another term for it is that the record is wiped clean or the felony is spent. It means that you cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of the offense. You don't need to disclose your record when you if your offense is spent:

• minor records become forgotten after a period of five years
• imprisonment of less than six months are forgotten after a period of seven years
• imprisonment of less than 31 months are forgotten after 10 years
• imprisonment of more than 30 months are never forgotten

Most employers will ignore your record if the offense is not applicable to the job. Use the guidelines for disclosing information when you apply for a job as ex-offender. If the recruiters or employers want information about your criminal offenses, they will indicate it on the application form. You should then attach a document to explain the circumstances surrounding the offense and indicate how you have been rehabilitated.

When you reach the interview, you should however disclose your record. Prepare for possible questions and how to show that you have repented.

Your record is kept for at least ten years. Before you apply for a job as ex-offender contact your parole officer or the police records office about your record. You should know exactly what it states.