4. FINDING EMPLOYMENT
1. Job application materials
2. Job search techniques
3. Interview clothes and skills
4. Additional information regarding arrest records
5. Resources that add to your value
5. JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS
Job applications
Make a template, paper and electronic
Consistency & ease
Take pride in your work
Handwriting, spelling & style
Be thorough
This is your first product for this employer
“Reason for leaving” needs to be coherent
Does it align with your next activity?
But what about…
6. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES
BIG, little, documented, not…
Your job is to:
1) Identify the mistake you made
2) Describe the restitution you paid
3) List the steps you took and continue to take that will prevent future
mistakes
7. JUST THE FACTS
Do you know your actual conviction?
Don’t give too many details, and know there is an arrest narrative.
Read the application carefully, answer truthfully.
Add “it will not happen again” (customized to your situation)
9. JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS
Cover letter
Research the company
Share your excitement about the job
Describe your credentials and experience
Address gaps in employment if substantial
Close with strength recap and request an
interview
10. JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS
e-Presence
Google yourself
Add positives* (blogs, volunteering, fundraising
events)
Set up a free LinkedIn profile
*avoid political/controversial messaging
11. JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS
Interviewing
Know your skills, abilities and characteristics
Know the company to which you are applying
Understand the job for which you are applying
Strengths first, address concerns, redirect to strengths
Handshakes, eye contact, thank them for the interview and tell
them your excitement about the job
Thank you note within 24 hours, snail mail, hand delivered or
email
12. TIMING IS IMPORTANT
List your strengths and credentials first, then
“I also want to mention I (was arrested/served x years) for a (title). From
that, I learned (list 1-3 lessons) and that resulted in me (changes you’ve
made). This, in addition to my skills, contribute to my (way of
being/communicating/etc.) to benefit your company.”
13. GET CLEAR
About
What you did (own it, align with the conviction record)
Why you did it (forgive yourself, practice your apology, keep it brief)
Your role (for example, if you were a domestic violence victim and
arrested, what is different now about your life and choices?)
Practice
The focus of your job search is on your skills, not your mistakes.
14. GET CLEAR
There are employment restrictions
DUI, non-insurable for company vehicle
List of offenses and restricted occupations
You may be bondable (insured by government) & generate an employer tax
credit
Re-entry resource guide, resources at end of workshop
We are the sum of our parts
No single experience defines us, focus on your learning
Gratitude and confidence go a long way
Network with others, tell people you are job searching
15. JOB SEARCHING
Networking = you offering your skills
Temp/staffing agencies
Online job sites
Company webpages
LinkedIn.com
CraigsList.org
16. RESOURCES & INFORMATION
Employer tax credit (WOTC) https://esd.wa.gov/about-employees/WOTC
WA State Bonding Program https://esd.wa.gov/about-employees/federal-
bonding
Background check – https://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/watch/
Driver’s License reinstatement -
https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdreinstatements/
Navigating child support – DSHS/Division of Child Support
Legal financial obligations - www.washingtonlawhelp.org
Vacating a criminal history record - www.washingtonlawhelp.org
Offender Employment Services website -
http://www.wa.gov/esd/oes/default.htm
17. QUESTIONS?
W O R K S H O P C O - C R E A T E D B Y D . M O N I Q U E S T E F E N S & M I C H E L E W A L T Z
