Job Opportunities for Ex-Offenders.Parts 1

Thursday, 11 November 2010



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.
  2. Skills Assessment and Available Resources

  3. 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 Especially with a long period of incarceration, it is possible or even likely that their skills have become outdated, although this can be countered by work and training received while imprisoned.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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How to File for Unemployment in New Mexico




If you live in the state of New Mexico and have recently become unemployed, there are only two ways to file for unemployment benefits: by telephone and online. If you are uncertain of whether or not you are eligible for unemployment benefits, contact the state unemployment office and find out the facts. In many cases, if you were fired or laid off, you may eligible to receive benefits.


Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Social Security number
  • Mailing address and phone number(s) of employer(s) you worked for in last 18 months
  • Start and end dates of last job (or jobs if more than one employer in last 18 months)
  • Alien registration number and expiration date (for non-citizen residents only)
  • Gross income (for that year until termination of employment)
  • Pencil and paper to write down questions and instructions
  1. 1
    Go online to New Mexico Workforce Solutions home page and click on “How to Apply for UI Benefits."
  2. 2
    You will be given a choice whether to file online or by telephone. If you decide to apply by telephone, dial 505-841-4000 and tell the representative you are applying for a new claim.
  3. 3
    Register online by clicking on “Claimant Login.”
  4. 4
    Enter your Social Security number and create a four-digit personal identification number (PIN). You will enter your mother’s maiden name to verify your identity. After you have registered, click “Continue” in order to file your claim.
  5. 5
    Fill in all the information requested and you will then be given a confirmation page. Print this page and keep it for future reference.


Read more: How to File for Unemployment in New Mexico | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/how_4475118_file-unemployment-new-mexico.html#ixzz14waiNuFc

Teen Job Employment Programs



 
  *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job
 
 
 
 
 
By Timothy Bodamer , eHow Contributor
 
Teen employment programs provide a variety of support to youth looking for part-time or seasonal work. Often, the teenager is searching for a a job for the first time, which is a potentially overwhelming process. Youth job organizations help by providing interview tips, what to wear to an interview, and job resources to help find a job. 

Job Corps

  • Job Corps is a national initiative to support potential employees and maximize the potential of job seekers. Job Corps have offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The Job Corps is part of the federal government's Department of Labor. It provides educational training and job training for youths 16 to 24. The Job Corps provides job placement to youth who participate in the program. The Job Corps training can last up to one year.

  • USAJobs

  • USAJobs is a program to assist students with part-time or seasonal employment. The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and Student Career Experience Program helps students secure internships and summer work. The job portal is used to apply for youth jobs but also for all federal jobs for qualified adults. These jobs may include clerical, landscaping, maintenance and computer positions.

  • Youth Employment Strategy

  • The Canadian government created the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) for Canadian youth and adults ages 15 to 30. The goal of the program is to help youth obtain career information, hone their job skills and find work. Occasionally, the Canadian government funds companies and organizations to support the hiring of youth for work experience and to hone their skills. The government also offers work experience in specialized fields such as science and technology. Resume writing and interview preparation are also provided to youth.




  • Read more: Teen Job Employment Programs | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/list_6931799_teen-job-employment-programs.html#ixzz14wXc5QMQ

    How to Negotiate a Job Offer That Requires Relocation



      *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job
     
     
     
     
    By an eHow Contributor
     
    Many companies, particularly larger, national corporations, offer a relocation package in one form or other. Whether or not the package contains certain perks or incentives will completely depend on you and the way you negotiate with the employer. Handled correctly, it can have significant benefits in your favor. Read on to learn how to negotiate a job offer that requires relocation.

    Instructions

    1. 1
      Request a copy of your prospective employer's corporate policy on relocation. Carefully review it, paying particular attention to the way they define the difference between newly hired employees and transferees. Look up the way they define the difference between renters and homeowners, too.
    2. 2
      Make a list of your own requirements that need to be met in order to make the relocation a favorable proposition for you. This may include everything from moving expenses to support for your spouse's job search at the new location. Next, list all the topics and questions you need to cover in the interview to determine whether your requirements will be met. Other things to inquire about include a cost of living allowance, a pre-move trip prior to your accepting the job and payment of initial utilities.
    3. 3
      Visit the relocation location and interact with employees. You may get some of your best information from this "in-house" source, along with a more realistic perspective on how this employer actually handles its transferees and new recruits. Remember that in-house transferees will more likely receive a better relocation package and, as such, it will take strong, informed negotiation to get an equivalent or better package for yourself.
    4. 4
      Collect information on all of the expenses associated with your relocation move, making sure that it covers at least the first month of your stay at the location. This will enable you to validate any of the figures you use to back up your relocation requirements, and further strengthens your negotiating position. Be professional but assertive.
    5. 5
      Survey the locale to which you may relocate. Pay attention to public facilities, living arrangements, government offices and local stores. Your comfort and lifestyle should not be sacrificed by relocation–at least not without ample compensation in pay or other benefits.
    6. 6
      Remember, knowledge and diligent research will give you a negotiating edge. It literally pays to learn as much as you can on the company, its policies and the new location. Never accept a relocation offer before you fully learn, investigate and discuss all aspects of the move.




    Read more: How to Negotiate a Job Offer That Requires Relocation | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/how_4421688_negotiate-job-offer-that-requires.html#ixzz14wW7gvUg

    How to Get a Job When You Have No Experience or Skills



     
      *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job
     
     
     
     
     
    By waters, eHow Member
     
    Today it is difficult to get a good job with good money and benefits. Many people are on unemployment because of companies down sizing or closing the doors. The truth is you can't live on unemployment forever. For some of you that have filled out applications and called and called; only to find out the job or position has already been filled. Now it's time to try a different tactic. Look in your local paper and also on the internet. Look at all jobs that are available. Some of the jobs will say you need to have a degree or three to five years experience; don't let this stop you. Call and apply for the job any way. Than your next step is to go to the location and try to get an interview. That's right; you need to go there. Let the company know you are willing to learn and will even take the job on as a trial bases to prove yourself. You have to start somewhere. You need to be able to speak to a human and not a machine. Persistence will give you success.

    Read more: How to Get a Job When You Have No Experience or Skills | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5466230_job-experience-skills.html#ixzz14wVcyRUb

    How to File for Extended Unemployment



      *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job
     
     
     
    By Bradley James Bryant, eHow Contributor
     
     
    As a part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, high unemployment states can provide up to 13 to 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to workers in need. This is in addition to the 20 to 33 weeks offered through regular benefits. Not all states have established eligibility into the program, but the Department of Labor has a weekly notice with update information on which states qualify.

    Instructions

    1. 1
      Determine your state's eligibility. The Department of Labor publishes a weekly report updating the public on which states qualify for funding (see Resources).
    2. 2
      Determine your eligibility. If you qualified for the initial benefit, then most likely you qualify for extended benefits. However, if you are qualified to file a "new" regular claim in any state, federal law does not permit additional extended benefits.
    3. 3
      Check your eligibility with the local unemployment office (the office you originally filed the claim with) to confirm Steps 1 and 2. Different states have different requirements so it doesn't hurt to inquire about any additional paperwork you might need to fill out. While officials will tell you to wait for the official notification, it is always better to be proactive. Either way, you will not be eligible until your initial benefits have run out.
    4. 4
      Continue to file every week or two after your initial contact to let the unemployment office know you are still in need. This is important for documentation should you need to make an appeal on a denied claim.
    5. 5
      Keep job hunting or find a cost-effective volunteer activity. You can also register for jobs with the state employment office. As in Step 4, this helps to document your need and prove continued eligibility should it be challenged.

    Read more: How to File for Extended Unemployment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5085289_file-extended-unemployment.html#ixzz14wV6FrZz
     

    Career : How to Find a Job in Mississippi



      *Career job information for job seekers and find good employment job
     
     
     
    By Leyla Norman,
     
     
    Several online resources are available to help you find a job in Mississippi. The Employment Security Department lists several online resources from state jobs to an online jobs database from across the state to assist in your employment search. In addition to the online resources, check with your local chamber of commerce for networking events coming up in your area to help you meet job contacts. Also visit your local Workforce Investment Center to get job counseling and training referrals.

    Instructions

    1. 1
      Create an account on the Access Mississippi website. Search for jobs that are in the area of Mississippi in which you want to work. Search by keywords for your desired position or industry (See Resources).
    2. 2
      Post your resume on the Workforce Investment Network website. This site is part of the Mississippi Employment Security Department. Posting your resume and creating an account to search for and apply to positions are free.
    3. 3
      Look for jobs for the Mississippi state government on the State Personnel Board's website. You can apply for positions online through this website.
    4. 4
      Read the job classifieds sections of Mississippi newspapers in the area you want to work. The Employment Security Department maintains a list of newspapers from across the state.
    5. 5
      Attend a job fair in Mississippi. Upcoming job fairs from across the state are available on the Governor's Job Fair Network of Mississippi website. Bring your resume, dress professionally and be ready to interview on the spot.
    6. 6
      Visit the websites of individual school districts and colleges to find employment in public/private schools or a college. A list of community colleges is available on the Department of Employment Security website. The Department of Education maintains a list of public schools on its website as well.


    Read more: How to Find a Job in Mississippi | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7434509_job-mississippi.html#ixzz14wTYH1gj