By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
Let’s say you’ve already done all the grueling work that finding your next job entails: ample research, making connections, preparing for an informational interview, filling out an application, drafting a cover letter and listing references. While each one of these steps remains invaluable, the next step is monumental. Now it’s time for the interview. Interviews are stressful for everyone, but even more so for those with criminal records. Everyone brings his or her own style to any conversation, though there are a few modifications you will have to make to the process of speaking to employers if you’re justice involved.
It may be hard to stay motivated while preparing for an interview if you believe that you will have to address your past incarceration. This, coupled with the expectation you may not get hired as a result, can put a damper on any attempt to stay positive. It is easy to fall into this mode of thinking if you’ve had experiences that reinforce this idea. But to progress and build confidence, the ability to adapt and craft a strong message can grant you leverage that may improve the likelihood your potential new employer will understand the story you must tell, as well as give you the consideration you deserve.
One of the primary purposes of a job interview is to determine if the applicant is qualified. As a justice-involved citizen, you must confront your legal status in addition to calling attention to your skills. To do this in a way that does not hurt your chances of being hired, one must have a ready response to questions like “have you ever been convicted of a felony,” or “tell me about your time in prison.” Some great ways to finesse this line of questioning include having an “incarceration speech” rehearsed.
When contemplating what to include in this message, remember to be sincere. Conversations with employers are not unlike speaking before a jury, prosecutor, or judge. It is well known these audiences appreciate some sort of contrition. Whatever the case, you made mistakes that society deems punishable. However misinformed an expectation, expressing some type of positive reformation during your time away from regular life is anticipated. If you can redefine in a positive way how that period in your life made an impact on your personal and professional development, those listening may be better positioned to understand your history. It is also beneficial to draw attention to any education, training or work opportunities you took part in while away.
When speaking about your former incarceration, avoid using slang or jargon like “joint,” “prison,” “slammer,” “felon,” “lockup,” “can,” etc. As always, try and utilize more universal interview guidance and ask informed questions, make good eye contact and keep answers relatively brief and on message. It is wise to remember that although someone in your position has the burden of facing extra challenges and hurdles during this process, there is still no substitute for practicing.
By implementing these strategies, my hope is not only that you find fulfilling work, but that you’re also able to feel more comfortable thinking about and explaining a dark era in your life.
References:
Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) Training Curriculum, Third Edition by Harris-Bowlsbey, J., Reile, D., Suddarth, B., Russell, M., Rakis, J. Broken Arrow, OK: National Career Development Association. Copyright 2015.
