Job Opportunities for Ex-Offenders.Parts 1

 

   *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job

 

 

 

By Chris Blank, eHow Contributor

Ex-offenders face an uphill battle after release from incarceration. However, their best hope of avoiding recidivism is to obtain steady employment that pays a living wage and can serve as a foundation for putting their lives back together. However, many employers are hesitant to hire ex-offenders. An ailing economy makes matters even more challenging. Nonetheless, there are resources available for ex-offenders who are willing to take advantage of them. Ex-offenders who are willing to put forth the effort don't have to resign themselves to a revolving door of periodic imprisonment.

Realities of the Job Market for Ex-Offenders

1. Especially in an ailing economy, ex-offenders face a daunting challenge in seeking employment. Those ex-offenders who have marketable skills that they obtained either before or during incarceration stand a much better chance of finding a job. However, it may be necessary to accept pay cuts and lower-level jobs in order to get a foot in the door. The reality is that the ex-offender must reassure the employer that making a job offer was a wise decision. Some industries and career paths are closed forever for ex-offenders, depending on the nature of the infraction and the job involved. The financial sector is a significant example.
   
   The military is a significant exception to the general bleak employment prospects for ex-offenders (see Resources). For ex-offenders with less serious criminal records, obtaining what is known as a "moral waiver" can make it possible to make a fresh start in a military career. For those ex-offenders with the right temperament and discipline, the military can present a significant opportunity.

Skills Assessment and Available Resources

2. Along with determination to maintain a job search in adverse conditions, ex-offenders should be especially diligent in assessing the skill sets they bring to the job market. Especially with a long period of incarceration, it is possible or even likely that their skills have become outdated, although this can be countered by work and training received while imprisoned.
   
   Many programs on a national, state or local level are geared especially to assisting ex-offenders. Programs like Goodwill (see Resources) or the Safer Foundation (see Resources) often offer wrap-around services such as housing assistance, medical care and transportation to address obstacles that might prevent the ex-offender from obtaining and holding a job.
   
   These programs frequently act as advocates for ex-offenders in approaching potential employers. They often have databases of employers who hire ex-offenders and actively work to make placements within those companies. Working with such agencies provides ex-offenders with the advantage of knowing that their criminal histories will not stand in the way of employment.
   
   Day-labor offices literally employ people off the street for short-term manual labor. Ex-offenders frequently find work through such offices, and in some instances day labor leads to full-time employment. Cities in some states such as Illinois and California sponsor formal day-labor sites where employers and employers can hire laborers.

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