There are several assistance programs available to help ex-offenders in their job search. The assistance officers at these programs interview the applicants and refer them to employers that are willing to hire them. The process also entails some screening of the applicant's criminal record to prevent possible temptations or situations that may lead to the repetition of the crime. The assistance officer will for instance not refer a person with a record for fraud to a position where he will be tempted to do the same crime again. These programs help ex-offenders to find suitable employment and become part of the community.

People with criminal records may find the job search in their preferred career field difficult since the majority of companies in the USA follow strict policies of thorough background investigations. People who come out of drug or alcohol rehabilitation find that companies are more lenient towards them. The human resources officers are willing to give a chance to the person with a minor violation of the law on his record.

Why do companies employ ex-offenders?

The main reason for employing people with criminal records is the creation of support. A second reason for this is to get valuable work skills back into the corporate and job environment. Rather than having ex-offenders turn back to crime, companies provide opportunities for these people to become part of the productive workforce.

One of the assistance programs is geared towards incentives for the employers. It is an insurance cover for employers that protect them against damages that may result from the employment of ex-offenders.

Another incentive for employers is tax credits for up to a maximum amount of just over $2 300 for every person with a criminal record, hired. The employer receives tax reductions when they hire ex-offenders in applicable categories. The USA Labor Department has full details for employers.

Disclosure rules and regulations

The law in the USA states that no employer may discriminate against ex-offenders. The law however is aimed at persons with minor offense records. Serious offences such as rape, murder and violent acts do not fall in the scope of protection.

Several types of criminal offences are pardoned after a certain period depending on the nature of the offence. Imprisonment of six months or less is seen as pardoned after seven years, while minor offences are excused after only five years. If you were imprisoned for more than 30 months, the record is never wiped or excused. If an offence took place before the age of 18 years, the period is halved.

You are under no obligation to disclose an offence that has been pardoned and the employer may not discriminate against you on the grounds of pardoned offences. Certain jobs such as senior positions in financial institutions, working with disabled people, children or senior citizens, law or protections services, military positions, pharmaceutical jobs and specific prison positions are exempt from this and you will have to disclose pardoned offenses.

When is it applicable to disclose offenses?

Whenever there is a question on the application form or when the employer asks you in an interview, you should disclose offences. The best way to disclose your offenses is to attach a separate page to the application form with a full explanation for the reasons and the type of offences, as well as the date and relevant rehabilitation steps taken.

The Criminal Records Bureau acts as a policing agent to protect innocent people against persons who get employment, where they work with children or older people while they have a record of offences, such as child molestation, rape, murder, or violent acts. Employers may make use of their services when they screen applicants for certain job types.

Correctness of your record

It is your responsibility to make sure that the information on your criminal record is correct. You can obtain a copy of your criminal record from the relevant authority in your state or country. The Police Records Office is a good starting place.

Other tips for the job search

Be honest about your past on your application form. If an employer finds out that you have lied, you will be disqualified as a candidate and if you are already employed you may be fired right away.

Make use of the functional CV, which focuses on all your skills. You can indicate what types of relevant experience or skills you gained while you were in prison.

Develop interview skills. Prepare for possible questions about your past. You need to show repentance and should be able to demonstrate that you have changed.

Emphasize your achievements and determination to enhance your job skills.

You can for instance mention your attendance of night classes to get certification in a certain career field.

Networking is essential in the job search process. Talk to your friends, former colleagues and family about your career interests, skills and expectations. They may able to refer you to a relevant employer and may serve as character witnesses.

When you list your job experience, also consider the jobs you did while in prison as well as any part time positions held, while you did the job search.

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I know of a couple who went through a divorce after their children married stunning everybody with their decision since they were thought to be one of the most exemplary husband-wife duos. While dissecting the matters to get at the root of such a drastic step after almost 27 years of marriage, the shocking truth was revealed. Marcela had resented bitterly that she had to sacrifice her identity and life to bring up the kids (all four of them), while Martin built a successful career. She was a first class micro-biologist and she had dreams of her own that she had to forgo to bring up the kids and make a comfortable home for her family. This would have definitely never built to such a climax, if Marcela could have found a way to feel economically productive and socially useful. And this is what this article is trying to deal with.

There are many such couples in this world where the husband is a high-flying executive and the wife has to compromise to a large extent on her dreams in order to keep things smooth in the marriage. For some women this turns out to be their calling and they revel in home-making; while for some others it becomes very frustrating to find that they have to see their lives passing them by. For this category of wives this article gives a few tips on how to find productive jobs.

Identify your strengths:

When the husband is a highly paid executive, he might be getting such lucrative offers that the wife automatically takes the second place on her career matters. This need not be so. You need to identify your strengths and then pursue a career that capitalizes on those strengths, while at the same leaves you enough scope to look after your home and children. For example, if you are a great secretary, you may like to take up part-time office management assignment where you either spend 2-3 days per week in the office full-time or spend everyday a few hours for secretarial work.

Put aside a definite amount of recurring time:

It is important that you are serious about pursuing a career, even if in the beginning it starts with part-time work (and payment). For this purpose you will need to allot and plan for the time that the job will ask of you, and stick to the plan conscientiously.

Keep the communication open with your husband:

The worst mistake women do when they are upset about something (such as moving away or not getting a job, or not being able to take up a job, etc) is to shut everyone else out - including the husband. You need to communicate openly and constantly with your husband to see what avenues are open for you and the career you choose and how much involvement you would need from him in this regard. If you are serious about taking up a job, it is important to have each other's support; your husband's support and understanding will go a very long way in this regard.

Check all available avenues diligently:

When you make up your mind to start working, you may first start in the company your husband works in - unless he is really an ill-adjusted member of the company, you will definitely get a good welcome and possibly a reasonable offer. Many work places offer good package to couples to join as they save on medical facilities and housing expenses.

Update your skills and knowledge base:

The technology being what it is today, things change with every day that passes. You need to keep yourself abreast not only with the economical and political scenario but also skill wise. In case you have taken a 3-4 years break to give your full attention to your children and family and decided that time is ripe to take up a job, then you would do good to check out certain short/crash courses in your line of interest which would put you back in touch with the latest development and trends. Your CV will also look much better if it has the latest job jargons and terms included.

Write a good CV:

It is normal to have the problem of less experience when you write your CV. In order to make your CV attractive, you will need to attract the attention of the reader to your skills, qualifications and aptitude for the job you are applying so your experience (or lack of it) takes a back seat.

Network heavily good time before you want to start your job:

The best way for a housewife to land a job is through networking. Six months before you plan to start your job, let people around you know that you are ready to start-kick your career. Tell it to your husband, his friends, neighbors, your grocery storekeeper, your friends, your family and so on. You will be surprised to see how many leads can come up through this way.

Enroll in job-oriented training programs:

There are a number of job-specific training programs which on completion will offer employment openings such as computer training in Tally (accounts & finance), medical transcription and call center operations; others will include travel and hospitality industry as well as secretarial courses. Identify courses that best describe and enhance your basic aptitude and skills for best results.

Volunteer work: Be open initially to start working anywhere even if it means working without pay. For example you could volunteer to teach in the local school, work for the women's association, volunteer as a health worker in slums, etc. Once you are in the field you will find a myriad of opportunities unfolding right before your eyes. The exposure will also put you into contact with many like-minded people for better networking.

Entrepreneurship:

Wherever you are the best way to get a job is to create one. This is why entrepreneurship is always the best choice. Identify your best features, look at the market around you and then apply it into making it a commercial venture. Some ideas could be:

• Are you good with children - you could open a play school or crèche or baby-sitting centre
• Do you have green fingers - you could start a nursery
• Are you obsessed with cleanliness - you could start a residential cleaning service
• Are you good in teaching - you could open you coaching center
• Are you good in baking/ cooking - you could open your catering center/ bakery/ fast food counter
• Are you good with clothes tailoring - you could open your own modest boutique or offer tailoring classes/ tailoring services (not only clothes, but also patch quilts, embroidery, etc)

There are is no stopping you if you really want to get employed and entrepreneurship will always offer you a bit extra satisfaction since it has the power to create employment for others as well.

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By matching your requirements with the jobs available in the job market, you will have a clearer idea of your options. Some of the job profiles will seem more interesting and you will be drawn to them. These are the things you envision yourself doing. Now is the time to decide the direction you want to take.

• Remember to consult the lists you made. Your chosen industry should come as close to those lists as possible.
• Be practical. It is quite possible that none of the options match your needs perfectly. That is why you need to prioritize. Be aware of the factors you do not wish to compromise and be prepared to let go of some things.
Consult a career counselor if you have any problems deciding for yourself. They can help you find out more about your chosen field and even give you an aptitude test.
• Explore the financial aspects and other practicalities of the chosen field. If your highest priority is to have a high paying job, you will have to let go of fields where you cannot hope to earn much.
• While you are at it, learn who the biggest employers in that field are. Try to gather information about their recruitment process.

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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.

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Now that you know what you want, you should look at what is available. Knowing the job market is essential to a successful job search. There are a number of ways to explore the job market.

• Job Search Engines: Search engines and online sources allow you to match your location, requirements, interests and skills to the jobs available in the market. Reading through the results will also give you a clear idea of various job profiles and the responsibilities and duties involved.
• Magazines, newspapers and periodicals: Besides the classifieds, you can read a number of articles about how to conduct effective job searches, finding the right job, writing a good resume or preparing for an interview. You can also keep abreast of changes and trends in the job market.
• Keep up with the latest news: Learn about the industry that you hope to enter. You may find useful contact information or learn about an opening that could translate into the right job for you.
• Job Fairs: These are places where you can meet and interact with prospective employers directly. You can learn a lot about their expectations and requirements. Watch other job hunters and you might pick up a few pointers on preparing for an interview. You will discover many unknown career profiles. Once you have a good idea about what kinds of job options are available for you, you can move on to the next level.

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As always, fore-warned is fore-armed. Knowing before hand what the employer expects from you will reduce a considerable amount of frustration which may arise if you plunge into Project Job Hunt without any preparation.

The Hiring Process

Hiring processes are like snowflakes each one is different from the other. But some basic guidelines that companies follow are rather common. These are Recruitment, Screening and Selection.

Recruitment

A recruitment ad does not necessarily mean that the company is hiring. Sometimes they just need to enroll applicants to have a database ready for future vacancies.

The different ways in which companies organize such enrollments are:

• Advertising: Using every possible medium
• Internal Posting: Only existing employees get to see this kind.
• Referral: Employees can refer candidates whom they know.
• Placement Service Providers: These are agencies that can carry out the task of recruitment on behalf of the company.
• Personnel Staffing Services: They provide employees on contract.
• Job Fairs: A great place to fill the company database.
• Internet: Where the company can find all kinds of people and still maintain anonymity.
• Other Recruitment Sources: Like educational institutions.

Screening

The hundreds of resumes received in the recruitment process have to be screened for prospective candidates to be interviewed.
As a first step the company discards all those that do not have the right qualifications, experience and skills. Then they may conduct a screening interview either in person or over the phone. Make sure you use all the keywords that they may have mentioned in their ad or else your resume may be discarded by screening software.

Selection

This is the final part of the process and a wrong decision can cost the company dearly. Hence they painstakingly interview the candidate not only for technical skills but also other important aspects like personality and how much he will cost.

The Hiring Structure

Most companies have a hierarchy in place for people involved in the hiring process.

Advertised Jobs

There'll be hundreds of jobs advertised using all the possible media. But remember you are not the only one who will see them. There will be countless applicants for such jobs. And not all of these jobs are worth applying to, so don't raise your hope too high. Apply immediately even if the address is only a post box number, but don't pin your hopes only on advertised jobs. If possible, address your application to a person and not to 'whomsoever this may concern'. Follow up.

Today's Job Market

The job market today is an extremely changed world from what it used to be. The employers today don't even bother expecting people to stay with the same company for too long as used to be in the past. Job hunting is now an inherent part of everyone's career.

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The early bird catches the worm or that is the way the saying goes. In reality if you want to procure that summer internship you better start to apply while the other students are still enjoying their winter hibernation. If you leave it till the last minute you can be sure that only the crumbs will be left and you will end up with the job in the mail room or mopping floors. Getting started always seems to be the hardest part, but look at the guidelines set out below and hop on it.

Internship

All the prominent companies offer their summer internship in early spring and if you don’t apply early the internships will be snapped up right in front of your nose. Internship means you will work in a company without receiving any remuneration.

In exchange for your hard work you will receive a letter of recommendation or a reference for your resume.

You shouldn’t frown on summer internship. Students who got a grand internship will have an edge on students who didn’t. Companies recruiting, usually look at their summer interns first before advertising the vacant positions. Like everything else in life a summer internship doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the job, but it will be an opportunity you might not have had otherwise.

A job in the real world

Finding a job in the final year of college might turn out to be a permanent job in itself. You will have to get your CV out there and market yourself. You need to find out whose advertising and which job offers are available. You should make time to do this, because in June all the good jobs might be gone and you will end up waiting an entire year before you will be able to apply for any good jobs. Companies tend to give students applying early preference and you might be left out in the winter cold. Seeing that you will have to start job hunting sooner or later, why not start now?

The strategy

First – list your top ten companies. These are the companies that you would prefer to work for. Some companies will have an application form with all the criteria you need to comply with on their website. Some companies will not. These companies will have to be approached through the human resources officer. Send your CV accompanied by a cover letter to the officer requesting a summer internship.

You might not be successful the first time around and the odds are that the first few CVs you send out will not be successful. Also remember to network – your parents have friends and they have friends.

Now is the time to make use of the friendships. Get your mom on your side and let her help with the job hunt. Use your friends and their parents as well and give them a copy of your CV.

The career centre

Before you start sending out CVs and cover letters, take it to the career centre on your campus. They have trained professionals that will assist you with your cover letter and CV before you send it out. A proper CV and cover letter could mean the difference between a great summer internship and being a bottom feeder in the mail room. Remember you will not have free access to the career centre for the rest of your life. Once you leave college you enter the real world where you will have to fend for yourself and make it on your own. Now is the time to use the resources at hand and make sure that you start you career with a bang.

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Jobseekers are often faced with situations where they are not selected because they have no job experience. In the course of your search for a job of your choice, you might be faced with a similar situation. It is very important therefore to work towards gaining relevant experience. There are a variety of ways in which you can go about this. You can take up part time or temporary jobs or take up small projects or internships.

LEVEL 1: Part Time Jobs and Temporary Jobs

Organizations look out for temporary workers or part time workers, who can match their staffing requirements on short term projects. A quick research on job related websites will give you a listing of a variety of temporary jobs that might be of interest to you. Alternatively, you could approach agencies, who employ people for short periods of time and depute them to organizations. Working on such jobs will establish the following:

• You can be a responsible employee
• You can interact with customers
• You are aware of corporate work culture

This can also lead to the part time employer offering you a permanent job if they are impressed with the quality of your work. Part time jobs in which you have worked during your summer break as a sales representative or a waiter is also of considerable value as those also establish your credibility as a prospective employee.

LEVEL 2: Small Projects and Internships

If you are a student, you could take up internships and small projects that organizations offer as they can free up their resources for more strategic work. Some educational institutions have clients which offer such work to students on a regular basis. Some of these projects are very strategic in nature and can be included as relevant experience in your resume. Working on such projects will establish that:

• You have an idea of delivering projects as per specifications
• You have a few valuable contacts within few organizations
• You have the experience of doing industry relevant work

Working on short term jobs goes a long way in boosting your confidence, while providing you with the credibility of being a valuable prospective employee.

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You have just graduated out of college; it is your first job and your employer asks if you have had any work experience before. Yes, today most organizations, expect their employees to have the primary knowledge about the industry and some hands-on experience on the field.

The only thing that would come to your rescue at this crossroad will be the internship that you had taken up during those mid-term breaks.

Now, internship would not approach you, it is you who must find an internship for yourself.

It is not as difficult as landing in a job of your choice; however an internship can definitely make it easier for you to land in a job of your choice.

So, here is how you could go about finding an internship for yourself.

Alma-mater caters - Check up with your university or college if they have been approached by companies with summer projects or a short stint for the students with their company during the fall.

Teacher's pet, is that you? - Professors can be of great help in finding the right internship. Why, you could probably even assist your professor during your mid-term break. Your faculty, coupled with advising you right, can also put you through the right source.

Acquaintance Assists - No more than six degrees is what separates or should I say bonds people. Approach your family, friends, relatives, et al for contacts and sources. It always helps a little more when an acquaintance refers you to someone.

Career Canopies - Career fairs have become a frequent event. Keep vigil for such similar events on newspapers and magazines where they are widely advertised.

World Wide Web - Each one of us has a direct access to the Internet. There are numerable sites that provide information about companies and their profiles. Internet gives us the freedom to roughly have a glimpse of the companies before choosing which one would be ideal for an internship.

And last, but not the least is to plan your internship well in advance, so that you can find the internship of your choice.

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Your resume is like your representative - it tells a prospective employer all about you. Writing a good resume will make the best possible first impression on your behalf. Your resume should show the prospective employer clearly, why their job and your skills are a perfect match. Here are a few things to keep in mind while writing a good resume:

• Be relevant: Don't list information that has nothing to do with the position or your qualifications for it.
• Create an Internet-ready version: When you apply for a job online, the formatting in your resume may not translate properly and may render it difficult to read. Prepare a text-only version with no formatting for such purposes.
• Use design to your advantage: The layout of your resume will determine its value, and yours. Use highlighting, bold face and bullets to attract attention to key achievements. Choose a font that is easy to read. Make use of the white space on the paper to draw the eye where you want.
• Be correct: Make sure there are no typos or spelling mistakes. Proofread your resume ten times before even thinking of sending it. If possible, have someone else read it for you.
• Clear and Concise: Be specific and use short sentences or phrases. Employers usually scan through resumes and only read those that make the best impressions.

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An interesting summer job is not too hard to find so long as you know where to look. Follow a few simple steps and you could soon be laughing all the way to the bank.

The right place to start looking out for summer jobs would be at the local Human Resource Development Center. It's possible that you may find a summer job that matches your interests and needs. Another source to look for summer jobs is on the Internet. Make use of the technology available to land you a good summer job. Various companies do place advertisements on different sites for job openings. It could very well turn out to be a one-stop shop for your summer job needs.

Try and take up work you are passionate about. If you are an art buff, see if you can work on jobs that are even remotely connected with art. You will soon find that work does not seem like work anymore. It will also add strength to your resume.

Another great way to look for jobs is at job fairs. Schools, universities and colleges also receive a lot of job advertisements. Find out if there have been any job postings. If you have a particular place in mind you'd love to work in, don't hesitate to jump right in. Sport a nice professional look; arm yourself with a good resume and references. Package yourself well and create a good first impression and you may be one step closer to your dream summer job.

A work abroad program is another option. It may seem expensive, but the experience gained could be immense. You would be exposed to interesting cultures and a new way of life. It may give you an interesting life experience that could be of great help.

So first find out what you want from a summer job and then go get it. It could be yours if you try hard enough.

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