After incarceration, finding employment is possible with the right strategy, support, and understanding of which industries are most open to hiring individuals with a criminal record.
Finding work after being incarcerated can be difficult.
Unfortunately, some businesses are resistant to hiring people who have a record, and this can make a job hunt more challenging. But you still have options.
PA CareerLink® Delaware County helps people find work they love, and that includes people who have been in prison.
Here’s some of our best advice for former inmates who are looking for a job.
Know Your Options
The first step to finding the right job is knowing which jobs are right for you in the first place.
In some states, your conviction may prevent you from working in certain positions.
For example, if you’ve been convicted of a crime that involved money, you may not be allowed to work in a bank.
Once you’ve determined which jobs you’re not eligible for, it’s an excellent time to consider professions that typically are open to hiring people who have been incarcerated.
Here are some popular options:
- Welder
- Electrician
- Construction worker
- Truck driver
- Locksmith
- HVAC tech
- Mechanic
- Food service worker
- Sales rep
- Carpenter
- Temporary worker
As you may notice, many promising jobs are in the trades or require certification of some kind.
If you’re willing to put in the effort to get the training you need, you may find a career that is even better than you had before.
Make the Most of Your Options
You do have options if you’re trying to find work after being in prison.
To help you find the best match for you, approach your job hunt thoughtfully, keeping a few things in mind.
First, it’s important to cast a wide net in your search. This process will be more challenging than it was before, so keep an open mind about the jobs you’ll consider. It’s a good idea for everyone to think about the future of their career regularly, and this is a great time to consider all your options.
You may discover rewarding work that you’d never thought about before.
As you move forward in your job hunt, the next vital thing to remember is not to lose hope. This isn’t an easy process for anyone, and having served time in prison will make your search more difficult.
You deserve to find a job that fits your life, and if you keep trying, you will eventually get there.
Keep in mind that your first job may not be your final destination.
Taking an interim job is a useful way to show employers that you can be trusted and are interested in working. It’s another step toward your future, even if that first job is different from where you want to end up.
There’s Help for Getting a Job After Prison
For people who live in Delaware County, there is help available if your goal is to return to work after prison.
At PA CareerLink® Delaware County, we offer services to support your return to the workforce. This includes assistance to get you to your interview and the clothing you need to make a great impression.
Our representatives can take a look at the jobs you’re interested in and match you with potential employers.
We can guide you to craft an effective resume and help you practice for interviews, including how to explain your incarceration to employers.
You can find a good job, and a prison record shouldn’t stand in your way.
We’re Here to Help if You’re Looking for a Job After Prison
PA CareerLink® Delaware County is on your side as you try to find meaningful work. Rebuilding your life after prison isn’t easy, but we’re here to support you in your journey. For more information about the programs we offer, please get in touch with us today!
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