A criminal record can be a barrier to employment, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t real opportunities out there for you. We want you to have what you need to achieve a successful fresh start. Below is some helpful information to support your job search.
Be well prepared for your job search
During an interview, prospective employers can ask if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. Participating in a New Leaf workshop can help you get ready for a successful job search. Consider the following advice for a more successful job interview.
- Don’t provide too many details about your offense
- Use simple terms to describe your offense
- Clearly point out the soft skills and technical skills you’ve learned during your rehabilitation
- Emphasize how you’ve stayed out of trouble and are making good decisions for yourself and your family
- Practice your responses in advance so you’re prepared with the right language and can stay on message during the interview
- Remind the interviewer why your skills are a good match for the position
- End the interview on a positive and enthusiastic note
Understand what’s available to employers
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with incentives available to employers who hire justice-involved individuals, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Federal Bonding. A CareerForce specialist can guide you through this information and show you how these resources might improve your chances of getting hired.
For personal assistance
Please contact Jeremiah Carter at 651-539-4121 or email jeremiah.carter@state.mn.us.
