help finding a *job* because I have a felony conviction.

I learned in life trying to get a job with a felony conviction is next to impossible. It's the equivalent of trying to get a job without a social security number. Forget what everyone else says; its true. Your in a world of hurt.

I am a convicted a felon and it is something I'm NOT proud of. I feel like companies 99.9% of them make it hard for convicted felons, to have a decent life in the state of FL and nation wide. I wish they could walk a mile in my shoes, and feel the effects of being a convicted felon. Not every one has the same chances in life and they do what they have to do to take care of thier families.


Before I had this conviction on my record I was always working (since 16 i'm 32 now) and had some great jobs (retails, sales) jobs in the IT field. Now no luck. On every application they ask that dreaded question "have you ever been convicted of a felony?

If so, please explain. I gringe when I see this. I am completely honest about it, turn in my application with my resume and they say thank you for your time and then they throw it away.


So now I answered *NO* to the question, I get the interview, pass the interview, but I always fail the background check. Which costs me the job. If I tell the truth on the application, my application goes right in the trash can. Last week I applied to McDonald's I'm desperate for work I filled out the application online 3 days later they called me in for an interview, passed the interview, I was honest on the application, but again failed the background check. I have lost a


Manager's job at Goodwill, UPS, UBS, SONY, HHGREG, BEST BUY GEEK SQUAD, VARIOUS RETAIL STORES AND GAS STATIONS, it's winter here so lawn care companies are not hiring and construction is slowed to a halt.


I tried day laborer but they are 30 miles from the house. I check careerbuilder, snagajob, monster.com swflworks.com craigslist.com etc...

If you were in my situation what would you do? Christmas is around the corner and I need money so my daughter can have a great Christmas. Any ideas suggestions is greatly appreciated.
:confused:

You could try finding work with a small company...Maybe some one man IT shop where the guy needs help... You could build up trust etc and prove yourself...

Quote:

---

Steve R Jones

You could try finding work with a small company...Maybe some one man IT shop where the guy needs help... You could build up trust etc and prove yourself...

---

Thanks for the reply Steve. I've been looking at smaller companies like mom and pops shops for computer repair/techs etc.(i don't think they do background checks like big companies do ).. My girlfriend keeps telling me I should go in business for myself (opening my own computer repair shop) but it seems so far fetched and I don't know the first thing about starting a business. Is anyone else in a situation like this? If so, what do you to get by? At this point I almost feel like giving up at times meaning, throwing in the towel, if I go back to being locked up then so be it.

I have returned from the abyss just to answer this question. Computernerd22, here are some pointers:

- DO NOT lie on your resume. Do not lie on online applications. Sure, it may land you the job, but it may also give your future employer a big fat case of suing your ass off if you do something wrong (PCI DSS, HIPAA stuff,...)

- DO follow Steve R Jones' advice: in most states, all it takes to start your own business is registering with the appropriate state agency (it'll probably cost you $50 or so). Set up a website to promote your services, start promoting it online, and you might be surprised how many reactions you get.


Negatif.

Thank you for the great information Negatif. I already have a site made for my business but i'm not sure how to promote it online. besides posting it on Facebook and various forums. Any suggestions?

I agree with Negatif. Do NOT lie on your application. If I were in charge of hiring, I might be a bit wary of hiring a felon... but I can tell you that if the person claimed no felonies on their application, and then the background check came back with one, there is no way I would give them a job. At that point, they are not only a [former] criminal, but also a liar. Be honest on your application, and then explain yourself during the interview, or in an enclosed letter. I have a friend that has an assault charge, but usually when he tells the prospective employer that he caught his girlfriend in bed with another guy, and didn't do much more than punch the guy and throw him out of the house, they usually understand.

The best form of advertising is word of mouth. Make business cards and flyers and pass them out. Use those to advertise your website as well. But I agree as well, those small mom and pop shops are your best bet, side from starting your own company. To be honest, I would first try landing a job there first. Get some clientele, make a name for yourself....Makes starting a business that much easier. Craigslist is probably going to be your friend in this scenario.

If you take care of the customer, the business will take care of itself. I have operated as a sole trader for a while and never had to advertise beyond my existing clients - the work comes in.

As for starting to find new customers; business cards work well and even stick some on the community notice boards or do some flyers. Ask some popular places if you can leave a stack of business cards on their counter (competing companies wont let you do this of course, but different industries, like a pet shop or local coffee shop).

Quote:

---

If you take care of the customer, the business will take care of itself. I have operated as a sole trader for a while and never had to advertise beyond my existing clients - the work comes in.

---

Thank you for the advice. I always go above and beyond while doing my job.

Quote:

---

Make business cards and flyers and pass them out.

---

Is there a website you guys use or recommend to make business cards and flyers with? And what software should I use to make the flyers? I greatly appreciate all the help from everyone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AaronMaxwell

America was built to be the world's penal colony.

---

I'm pretty sure Australia has that claim well in hand - that is exactly what our country started out as. And your post was a great deal more than unhelpful and lacking any compassion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Computernerd22

Is there a website you guys use or recommend to make business cards and flyers with? And what software should I use to make the flyers? I greatly appreciate all the help from everyone.

---

I've used Vista Print (Here) in the past, but im sure a quick google search will help you find business card services closer to you. The tools used to create the business material on Vista Print are quite useful in their own right.