Corrections_Today_September_October_2020_Vol.82_No.5

Meet potential employers in person Face-to-face interaction can be helpful when looking for a job. Mary, a 42-year-old white woman who spent over a year incarcerated, suggested meeting people in person as opposed to just submitting an online applica- tion. Mary explains that people are a lot more willing to give you an opportunity if they have the chance to talk to you in person and hear that you are interested in the job. Meeting your potential employer in person adds a more personal touch to your application and shows that you are more than a name on a paper. Mary encourages individu- als to “go in and talk to the owner. Let them know you’re interested so that they kind of have an interest in you as well.” By showing interest in the job and commitment to working, employers will get to know you as a person instead of what your criminal record says about you. Start to think about the future Lastly, when interviewing for jobs, Lucy, a 52-year- old multiracial woman who was incarcerated for eight years, suggested asking about what the company has to offer. Taking these elements into consideration helps better prepare you for the future. Lucy explained that, “It’s important to ask about insurance and about benefits

for drug court or court or something or I have to leave early because I have to take a UA (urinalysis) twice a week.” Second chance employers may be more under- standing of the criminal justice related requirements that are out of employees’ control. Do not give up, even when you do not succeed right away Looking for a job can be discouraging for formerly incarcerated individuals because many will face multiple rejections. Bruno, a 48-year-old white man who spent 10 years incarcerated recalled, “I applied here three or four times, I mean, I applied and had to keep calling back. It took me a while to get through to them.” Hannah shared that sentiment, saying that there were “a lot of places you can’t apply there because your felony is too recent.” Finding a job may be challenging and take multiple tries until the right opportunity comes along. Astor explained that one should “know that if it doesn’t work out, hey, it’s okay, keep trying. Don’t just give up and think you can go back to your old ways.” Overcoming the obstacles one faces after being released is key to success after incar- ceration. The more one keeps trying, the better the chance of being successful.

“Once you get your foot in the door, shine. Show them everything you have to give.”

— Breonna

“Everything that you did before, you have to leave that life behind. If you’re not ready, don’t even bother.” — Hannah

Photo illustration: Background: istock/dim4ik-69; door illustration: istock/Ralwel

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