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Fresh Start!. This workshop will help jobseekers develop effective responses to both typical and difficult job interview questions; project a professional image that always makes a good first impression; speak more confidently about themselves and about their past. Labels. Discussion:
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Fresh Start! • This workshop will help jobseekers develop effective responses to both typical and difficult job interview questions; project a professional image that always makes a good first impression; speak more confidently about themselves and about their past.
Labels • Discussion: • Perceptions, judgements, and attitudes. • How the “public” view ex-offenders.
SKILLS • “Who am I What am I” Handout • List your attributes/natural abilities • List skills
Explaining Your Conviction • Application – Under the felony section write “I will explain my conviction in a personal interview.” • Write it out – state the facts, take responsibility for your actions, and emphasize desire to make a Fresh Start
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d… 1.) Introduction Statement: Thanks for the opportunity to explain: • I am not proud of what I did • I am nervous talking about it, but I want to be honest. • I am glad you asked, because I want to be up front.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d… 2.) Take accountability! What is accountability? • I was young and made a mistake. • I made a poor choice. • I made a mistake.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d… 3.) Conviction: Talk about it • I got into an altercation where someone got hurt and I was wrong. • I took something that did not belong to me and I was wrong. • I was somewhere I should not have been and I was wrong. Note: Don’t use hostile words (assault, armed robbery, terrorist threats)
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d… 4.) Learn: What did you learn? (Talk about what they learned while incarcerated) During my rehabilitation I: • Attended AA/NA • Used my time wisely to… • Got my GED • Worked as a janitor, on the yard crew, as a clerk etc • Took a vocational education class.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d… 5.) Here and now: (Talk about what you are doing positively, now) • I am here today to bring my skills… • 1-Minute Commercial
Conviction Explanation Example #1: “I am glad you asked me, because I want to be up front with you. When I was younger I got involved with some people who were transporting drugs. I made some bad decisions in the past. During my incarceration I was chosen to work in the optical department where I got my certificate and I found I really enjoyed it. Now I am ready to get to work and prove that I can do a good job. That’s why I am applying with you. In fact, you qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and you may receive subsidized wages.”List skills & attributes
Conviction Explanation Example #2: “I’m a little nervous talking about it, but, I want to be honest with you. Three years ago I was involved in an altercation in which the person was hurt. I am sorry it happened and I am paying restitution for it. While I was incarcerated, I attended anger management, took an education course to get my GED and worked as a clerk. I am a hard worker and have skills in (list skills) In fact, you may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and you can receive subsidized wages.”
More Interview Tips • Grooming • Attire for an Interview • Body Language • Researching Companies • Follow up with a Thank You Letter
Available/Additional Resources • Expunging criminal records Handout • Limited experience: Draw from skills you gained from classes, volunteering, extracurricular activities, internships, and other experiences to highlight skills identified in the job posting.
Available/Additional Resources Cont’d... • Criminal record: Include work experience you had while incarcerated to close employment gaps. Highlight any experience or training you received that's related to your career goal. A functional resume style may work best. • Gaps in Employment: Highlight your qualifications in the top portion of your resume and de-emphasize employment dates.
ANY QUESTIONS?Comments? Career Counselor(559) 713-5001www.employmentconnect.org