Quick Job Search for Ex-Offenders

1. Quick Job Search for Ex-Offenders Seven Steps to Finding a Job Fast

2. The Seven Steps • Create a positive image and environment • Identify your skills • Identify job targets • Get your documents in order • Use the most effective job search methods • Improve your interviewing skills • Follow up on all job leads

3. Meet Your Basic Needs • Take advantage of government and community programs and resources. • Make sure you have proper interview attire. • Learn to manage your money. • Live with friends or family or consider low-income or subsidized housing.

4. Surround yourself with positive, successful people. Reestablish relationships with family and friends. Earn back trust by taking positive action. Take advantage of community and government assistance programs. Establish a Support Network

5. A Positive Self-Image • Earn back trust by taking positive action. • A positive attitude is key to convincing an employer to hire you. • A positive attitude helps you make a good first impression. • A positive attitude helps you to work even harder to meet your goals.

6. The Three Types of Skills • Self-Management • Transferable • Job-Related

7. Self-Management Skills Self-managementskills are the skills you use every day to survive and function. Some of them could even be considered part of your personality. Such skills include getting to work on time, honesty, enthusiasm, and getting along with others.

8. Transferable Skills Transferable skills are general skills that can be useful in a wide variety of jobs, like the ability to write clearly or to stay organized.

9. Job-Related Skills Most job-related skills are specific to an occupation, such as knowing how to fly an airplane. Job-related skills are most often gained through work experience, education and training, and hobbies.

10. The Skills Employers Want 1. Learning to learn 2. Basic skills in reading, writing, and computation 3. Good communication skills 4. Creative thinking and problem solving 5. Self-esteem, motivation, and goal setting 6. Personal and career development skills 7. Teamwork skills 8. Leadership skills

11. Factors to Consider in Identifying Job Targets • What skills do you want to use? • What type of special knowledge do you have? • What industries or employers are more likely to hire a person with your record? • Where do you want your next job to be located? • What benefits or income do you hope to have?

12. The Six Interest Categories • Realistic • Investigative • Artistic • Social • Enterprising • Conventional

13. Research the Jobs that Interest You • What skills does the job require? Do I have those skills? • What education and training do I need to have or get? • Are employers for this kind of job willing to hire ex-offenders? • Are there jobs of this kind available? • How much does this job pay?

14. Application Tips • Be honest. • Prepare a Summary Statement. • Include work experience while incarcerated. • Include all relevant education. • Read the application over carefully. • Make it neat and error-free. • Make personal contact with the person in charge of hiring.

15. Write it yourself Include your formal name, address, phone number, and e-mail Make it error-free Make it look professional Keep it brief Make it relevant Be honest Be specific Be positive Consider using a skills resume Use entire years to avoid showing gaps Resume Tips

16. Cover Letter Tips • Always write to someone in particular. • Personalize your content. • Mention the name of any mutual contacts. • Make it professional. • Proofread carefully.

17. Seven Tips for Thank-You Notes • Decide whether to use e-mail or regular mail. • Use quality paper and envelopes. • Decide whether to handwrite it or computer-print it. • Use a formal salutation. • Keep the note short and friendly. • Be sure to sign it. • Send it within 24 hours after the interview.

18. Sample JIST Card

19. The Two Most Effective Job Search Methods • Networking with people you know • Directly contacting employers

20. Using the Internet • Be specific in the job you seek. • Limit where you want to live and work. • Get your resume into databases. • Make direct contacts using the Web. • Check out career-specific Web sites first. • Use more than one job search method.

21. The New Definition of an Interview Any face-to-face contact with someone who has the authority to hire or supervise a person with your skills—even if no opening exists at the time you talk with them.

22. Improve Your Interviewing Skills • Make a good first impression. • Research the organization beforehand. • Dress and groom for success. • Arrive early. • Be friendly with the receptionist. • Follow the interviewer’s lead. • Be prepared to answer tough interview questions. • Be prepared to address your incarceration.

23. The Most Important Question of All “Why should I hire you?” Make sure you have an answer

24. The Three-Step Process for Answering Interview Questions • Understand what is really being asked. • Answer the question briefly in a non-damaging way. • Answer the real question by presenting your related skills.

25. Thank-You Note Tips • Send one to anyone who helps you in your job search. • Send one within 24 hours after an interview. • Handwrite or type on quality paper. • Enclose JIST Cards with thank-you notes. • Keep the notes neat and error-free.

26. Closing Tips • Make getting a job your full time job. • Plan ahead. • Be honest with yourself and with others. • Surround yourself with successful people. • Act professional. • Don’t get discouraged.