Job Seeking Strategies for Challenging Backgrounds · • Research criminal history • Develop job history • Confirm references ... • How to be a Purple Squirrel Be an Ally –

September 2017NENA’s 7th Annual National Training Conference

San Antonio, TX

National Employment Network Association

Job Seeking Strategies

for Challenging

BackgroundsHeather Stubbe

North Iowa Area Community College

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San Antonio, TX


• How to better coach and communicate with

individuals who have a criminal background

• Learn what job seeking strategies can

individuals use to open doors that may

otherwise be closed

• What programs, agencies, and services can you

partner with for help?

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Workshop Objectives


San Antonio, TX


• Your job is to be a marketing expert!

• Help ex-offenders recognize their skills and abilities

• Focus on the positives

• Put questionable issues through the “spin cycle”

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EVERYONE is employable!!


San Antonio, TX


• You are not a magician.

• This is a process.

• You are preparing for a marathon, not a sprint.

Manage Expectations!

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San Antonio, TX


• It’s about quality, not quantity

• The more effort you put into it, the sooner your job search will end

• No shortcuts to success!

Preparing for the Job Search

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San Antonio, TX


Be a Boy Scout!• Research criminal history

• Develop job history

• Confirm references

• Arrange transportation

• Professional “vanilla” email

• Public Facebook content

• Phone number with appropriate voicemail

Research & Prepare!

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San Antonio, TX


• Give them the power for 5 minutes. Would you call this person for an interview??

• “Cheat Codes” for the “Personality” Test

• How to be a Purple Squirrel

Be an Ally – Give them the Inside Scoop

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San Antonio, TX


Last piece of the application package:

– Cover letter

– Resume

– Application

– Conviction list

– THEN Personal Statement

Gives the employer an opportunity to see them as a

person, rather than just a list of their mistakes.

Personal Statements

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San Antonio, TX


Sometimes personal statements can do more

harm than good. If it’s insincere, it’s worthless.

– Talk about the biggest mistakes/trends

– Put on your therapist hat

• How old were you when you first got arrested?

• What happened?

• Why do you think you made that choice?

Personal Statements

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San Antonio, TX


• Writer must own their mistakes, not make

excuses

• Keep it short and sweet!

• Comprised of 3 parts:

– I made bad choices.

– This is what I’ve done to change or why my life is

different now.

– I’m looking for someone to give me a second

chance.

Personal Statements

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San Antonio, TX


“Several years ago I made a bad choice in my life and paid

a high price for my actions. Since that time, I have

successfully completed anger management classes and

completed probation. The training taught me several

techniques to cam myself before I get angry, which has

helped me immensely. I’m happy to report that, due to my

success and cooperation, I was released from probation

earlier than scheduled. I would very much appreciate a

chance to show you why I would be an asset to your team.”

Successful Examples

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San Antonio, TX


“This past year I had impaired judgment and made

a bad choice that will follow me the rest of my life.

Since then I have started treatment which will help

me to know warning signs and proper coping skills.

I also have started medication and counseling to

help improve my decision making skills. Now I just

need a second chance to prove my work ethic.”

Successful Examples

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San Antonio, TX


“Back in my 30’s, I made some bad choices in life and

was involved with drugs. While I was incarcerated I took

advantage of bettering myself by taking classes and

went through the drug treatment program. That program

helped me get to know myself and turn my life around.

Since my release, I have committed myself to doing

right, being trustworthy, reliable, and dependable. I

would appreciate it if you could give me a chance to

prove myself, you will not be disappointed.”

Successful Examples

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San Antonio, TX


• Fish in the Right Pond!!

• Importance of First Impressions

You are being judged the moment you walk in the door!

• Practice handshakes, conduct mock interviews

• Use the phone book to get ideas

• Focus on smaller businesses

Job Search Strategies

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San Antonio, TX


• Expect 20 no’s before you

get your first yes!

• Every “no” brings you

closer to that “yes”!

Stay Positive!!

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San Antonio, TX


Staffing Agencies

the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Re-Establish Employment History

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San Antonio, TX


“Monkey Jobs” can be a game changer!

• Current work experience

• New skill

• Fabulous reference

• Money in your pocket

• Manage requirements/responsibilities

Re-Establish Employment History

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San Antonio, TX


Become a “NINJA” Interviewer!

“Tell me about yourself…”

“What is your greatest weakness?”

“What is your greatest strength?”

“Why did you leave your last job?”

“Why should I choose you?”

And, lastly….

Interviewing Skills

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San Antonio, TX


“Do you have any questions for me?”

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SOUND

INTELLIGENT AND INTERESTED IN THE COMPANY’S

CULTURE AND SUCCESS!!!

Interviewing Skills

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San Antonio, TX


Contact your state workforce development office regarding:

Federal Bonding Program

• Free insurance policy for employer

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

• Federal tax credit available to employers who hire

eligible individuals from target groups with significant

barriers to employment.

Marketing Tools

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San Antonio, TX


Ask for a business card and

ALWAYS send a thank you note!

Marketing Tools

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San Antonio, TX


• You’re not on your own.

• I care about your success.

• Do we need to change tactics?

• Use your resources!

Follow Up Regularly

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San Antonio, TX


• WIOA Title 1 Adult, Young Adult, or Dislocated

Referral?

• Vocational Rehabilitation?

• Skill upgrade at local community college?

• Volunteer experience?

• Networking events?

• Job fairs and hiring events?

Other Strategies

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San Antonio, TX


• The importance of being reliable

– Have plan A, B, C, and D ready

• You have to work harder, faster, and smarter

than your co-workers because you DO have

something to prove

• Don’t be too quick to make friends – establish

boundaries

• Read the handbook!

You’re Hired!

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San Antonio, TX


Questions

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Job Seeking Strategies for Challenging Backgrounds · • Research criminal history • Develop job history • Confirm references ... • How to be a Purple Squirrel Be an Ally –

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