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Ex-Offender Application Preparation. Some Thoughts On Application Preparation. One of the most common questions I receive about ex-offenders is “ How do we deal with a conviction on an application form? ”. Ex-Offender Application Preparation.
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Ex-Offender Application Preparation Some Thoughts On Application Preparation One of the most common questions I receive about ex-offenders is “How do we deal with a conviction on an application form?”
Ex-Offender Application Preparation Everyone seems to be looking for a “slick trick” or a “magical answer” that will turn back time and shield the former inmate from having to address their conviction. The problem is that there isn’t any way to really hide the conviction and there is no magical way to address the conviction in the application form that will guarantee the person isn’t rejected because of a felony conviction. What I can offer are some observations of how people have dealt with this issue, some advice from employers and options about how and when to divulge information about a felony conviction. Rejection Conviction
KEY FACT TO REMEMBER Ex-Offender Application Preparation #1 The Application Form Isn’t Ex-Offender Friendly The odds of getting an interview with an application form are 300:1 against any job seeker. Throw in a felony conviction and the odds are even higher. Whenever possible, try not to use an application form as your “primary entry” tool. It is designed to screen applicants out. Use more networking referrals, resumes, phone contacts and the web. Try to get the interview before you have to fill out the application form.
Details Details Details!! Ex-Offender Application Preparation #2 Pay Attention To Detail And Do Sweat The Small Stuff Read the entire application form before completing it to insure you follow the directions. b. Be complete and accurate. Lack of attention to detail is a major reason for rejection. c. Be neat. If they can’t read it, they won’t. d. Don’t forget to sign and date the application. If you don’t, it gives the employers a rejection red flag. e. Never write “see resume.” It shows laziness.
Promote Yourself!! Ex-Offender Application Preparation #3 Stroke Yourself When Able Some application forms give you a place to “specify other skills and traits that make you suitable for this job.” If they give you a chance to promote yourself, do it. Don’t even begin putting your application together until you’ve done a thorough skills and work history analysis and can define some of your work/education/life successes and achievements. If you can say you’ve done something in the application, be ready to back it up with examples during the interview. If you can’t, don’t write it down.
Show Up Prepared!! Ex-Offender Application Preparation #4 Show Up Like You Mean Business… Come Prepared Bring your DataTrapper booklet with you so you have all the necessary application information at your fingertips. Bring a black pen, pencil, paper clips and a notebook. If a portfolio is appropriate, bring it with you. Even if you’re just filling out an application, come dressed for the interview… you may end up with one.
Remember: 3 Job Titles! Ex-Offender Application Preparation #5 Have A Realistic Career Objective In the section POSITION DESIRED: ANYTHING isn’t an acceptable answer. This answer shows the employer that: - You’ve not researched the company - You don’t know where you fit into the labor market or company - You have no real career direction - You’re indecisive and let other people (the interviewer) dictate your career path b. Have at least three (3) job titles you’re willing to accept, can do and reasons for your choices.
You want to be just like Goldilocks and The Three Bears… just right. Ex-Offender Application Preparation #6 Know What You’re Worth In The Local Labor Market Don’t even begin looking for work until you’ve researched the average pay scale for the type of work sought, with your level of experience and education, within your geographical area. In the SALARY DESIRED section, you can: - Use a $5,000 range (e.g. $20K - $25K / year)… but only if you’ve researched the labor market value - indicate “based on proven capabilities and job requirements” - Indicate “based on skills and abilities required” - Negotiate or willing to discuss The trick is not to lock yourself into a situation where you’re too high or too low…
Do Your Research! Ex-Offender Application Preparation #7 Know As Much As You Can About The Company, Its Products/Services And The Field In General Complete a company & cultural research activity before applying for the job b. Perform a job task analysis research activity before applying for the job c. Talk with people on the job and do a peer research activity d. Find out what the newest trends are in the field by doing a trends research activity e. Find out what the biggest employer problems are with employees doing your line of work
Bring A Perfect Application With You Ex-Offender Application Preparation #8 Be Ahead Of The Curve Try to get a sample application from the company before you have to fill it out. Asking if you can take it home may or may not bring up a red flag… be careful. Bring a perfect application with you and transfer the information. Get a job description before you have to complete the application… and use their words.
Common Application Traps Good Applications Are: - Neat - Complete - Accurate - Honest - Able To Promote Value Good Applications Minimize: - Health Problems - School Problems - Marital Problems - Legal Problems - Financial Problems Good Applications Link: - Life Experiences To The Job - Education & Training To The Job - Military Experiences To The Job - Volunteer Experiences To The Job - Prior Work Experiences To The Job Good Application Forms: - Specify Job Titles Sought - Power Up Salary Desired Section - Define Long Term Career Goals - Explain Gaps, Terminations, Etc. - Present Marketable Skills Ex-Offender Application Preparation #9 Don’t Get Caught In Any Of The Application Traps
Ex-Offender Application Preparation Divulging A Felony Conviction On Application Forms… Tips, Tricks, Techniques & Some Common Wisdom If the case arises when you “have to divulge” a criminal history on the application form, the ex-offender has some options to consider… and some serious decisions to make. It’s the former inmates job to evaluate their options and decide for themselves which approach is best for them… at this time in their lives.
Lying Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #1: Lie Like A Dog Upside: You may slide by and get the interview. Downside: They might do a background check before hiring If you get promoted, they might have to do a background check Friend & cellmate #456312 may show up at your worksite A probation officer may contact your employer. If the employer didn’t know… they will now. Employers don’t like liars.
No Explanation Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #2:Blurt Out The Unfettered Truth & Just Put Down “Yes” Without Any Other Type Of Explanation Upside: a. Can’t think of any Downside: Even though discrimination against offenders can be illegal, at least 1/3 of companies refuse to hire someone with a felony conviction… Allows employers to evaluate you based only on your past… without actually talking with you to give you a chance to explain the situation or persuade the interviewer you’ve changed.
Blank Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #3:Leave It Blank… Don’t Answer The Question At All Upside: They may not spot it and you may slide by and get an interview. Downside: Run the risk of being in non-compliance with instruction. Poses a red flag to employer. Creates the impression you’re slick and trying to get over on the employer Requires a perfectly completed application form to work at all
Penal Code Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: California Statute CA 165578 Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #4: Use The Penal Code Upside: a. None Downside: Brings up a red flag. Creates the impression you’re slick and trying to get over on the employer.
Tricks Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #5:Use A Trick Or Gimmick To Get Your Foot In The Door Upside: a. None Downside: Brings up a red flag. Not something an employer understands Creates the impression you’re slick and trying to get over on the employer.
Have you ever been convicted on a felony? None relevant to the job being sought If Yes, Please Explain: ___________________________ Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: You won’t believe this story! Ex-Offender Application Preparation The following are examples of tricky ways I’ve seen a felony presented on application forms: Trick #1 Trick #2
Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: Wouldn’t you like to help change a life? Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: But for the grace of God… Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: Looking for opportunity to change my life Ex-Offender Application Preparation Trick #3 Trick #4 Trick #5
Dash -- Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #6:Use A Dash -- To Respond To Question (sort of a gimmick) Upside: If the rest is perfect, the interviewer may pass over the dash May be able to explain it during the interview You did comply, but in an unconventional way Downside: Brings up a red flag. Not something an employer understands Creates the impression you’re slick and trying to get over on the employer
Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #6:Use A Dash -- To Respond To Question (sort of a gimmick) CAUTION:If you do decide to use a dash --, you have to prepare to respond to it during the interview. The following is an example of how to present the dash -- to the interviewer. “I didn’t know exactly how to handle this application question…and didn’t want to lie… but I really wanted an interview and the opportunity to explain myself and prove that I’d make a good employee. I did make a mistake resulting in a felony conviction. I’m embarrassed about my history and unsure about the confidentiality of this information, so I put a dash in that section. I have no trouble talking to you about my past, but until I get a job offer, I’d like to keep this information between me and my interviewers. I hope you can understand my position. What would you like to know about my situation?”
Considered Best Approach By Most Employers! Truth Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #7:Tell The Truth And Ask To Explain During The Interview Upside: Shows honesty Pulls at the “fairness’ of most employers Some employers want to help Don’t have to live a lie and look over your shoulder for the rest of your life e. Gives you a chance to explain Downside: 1/3 of employers will still screen you out
Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #8:Attach A Confidential Letter To The Application Form Upside: Letter will probably be ready by the employer. Reduces secretarial bias since no one else will know whatʼs in the letter. Unique approach so employers may want to talk to the applicant. Applicant doesnʼt have to live a lie and worry about being found out later. Downside: 1/3 of employers will still screen you out. Very little research has been done on this approach so youʼre shooting in the dark. Attachment
Have you ever been convicted on a felony? Yes If Yes, Please Explain: Larceny Ex-Offender Application Preparation Option #9:Specify “Yes” and include a one word descriptor of your offense Upside: Descriptor limits the severity of the crime. If you do get an interview, employer already is willing to accept crime. Downside: 1/3 of employers will still screen you out. Confidential and embarrassing information is visible to everyone. One Word
