Why Employment Matters
Employment isn’t just income (though that matters). It’s:
- Structure for your day
- Reason to get up
- Proof to yourself that you’re moving forward
- Connection to people
- Identity beyond your record
People who find employment in the first year of reentry are significantly less likely to return to the system.
So finding work matters. And it’s possible.
Employers Who Hire Justice-Impacted People
Some employers specifically recruit justice-impacted individuals. They understand reentry. They value the skills you have. They’re investing in you.
Types of employers:
- Second chance employers (explicitly pro-reentry)
- Trades and skilled labor (construction, plumbing, electrical)
- Manufacturing and warehouse work
- Food service and hospitality
- Healthcare and support services
- Agriculture
- Small local businesses
- Work-release or apprenticeship programs
In Akron and Summit County, specific companies and programs focus on hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. Ask Hope and Elevation—we can connect you.
The Reality of the Application
Most applications ask: “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
Your options:
- Answer honestly
- Check the box and explain in an interview
- Explain on the application itself
What NOT to do: Lie. They will find out when they run the background check, and that disqualifies you immediately.
What helps:
- Only apply for jobs your record doesn’t exclude you from
- Choose employers known to hire justice-impacted people
- Be prepared to explain your situation
- Show what’s changed
Building Your Résumé
You have more experience than you think.
Skills to include:
- Work you’ve done (even informal)
- Trade certifications or vocational training
- Education (GED, college courses, certifications)
- Leadership or teaching you’ve done
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Reliability
How to address the gap: Option 1: “Career break, 2018-2023” Option 2: List it honestly but briefly: “Focused on personal development and rehabilitation, 2018-2023” Option 3: In the cover letter: “I spent [years] focused on my rehabilitation and education. I’m now ready to bring my full effort to employment.”
What employers want to see:
- That you’re self-aware (“I made mistakes”)
- That you’ve changed (“Here’s what I did about it”)
- That you’re reliable (“Here’s why you can count on me”)
The Interview
If you get an interview, you’re already past the first hurdle.
Before the interview:
- Research the company
- Practice your story (not defensive, not overly apologetic)
- Prepare how you’ll talk about your record
- Anticipate questions and practice answers
- Get the logistics right (know where, when, how you’ll get there)
- Dress professionally
- Get sleep the night before
During the interview:
When they ask about your record (they usually do):
“I was convicted of [crime]. That was [years] ago. Since then, I’ve [done work toward rehabilitation]. I’m not the same person I was. Here’s how I’ll be an asset to your team: [specific skills, reliability, commitment].”
Keep it short. Acknowledge it. Show what’s changed. Move forward.
Questions to ask them:
- “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
- “What does success look like in this position?”
- “What do you value in employees?”
- “Is there anything about my background that concerns you?”
That last question is important. It opens the door to address concerns directly.
What to avoid:
- Over-explaining
- Getting defensive
- Lying about your past
- Acting like you’re the exception to normal expectations
- Appearing ungrateful
When Disclosure Isn’t Required
Some jobs don’t run background checks or don’t care about old convictions. These are usually lower-wage jobs.
You can work there to build:
- Recent work history
- References
- Income
- Stability
Then move to better jobs from a position of strength.
Building References
You might not have traditional employment references. That’s okay.
Who can be a reference:
- Volunteer work supervisors
- Program counselors or case workers
- Community members who know you well
- Teachers or trainers
- Coaches
- Anyone who can speak to your character and reliability
Be honest with them: “I’m looking for work. Would you be willing to be a reference? Here’s what I’ll tell them about myself…”
Navigating Conditional Employment
Some jobs have conditions:
- Drug testing
- Monitoring
- Specific hours
- Restrictions
Agree to these. They’re standard. You’ll likely pass testing if you’re staying clean. Honoring conditions shows commitment.
First Job Survival
When you get hired:
Show up early. Not on time. Early.
Do what’s asked. Exactly. Don’t improvise or do more than asked (yet).
Build relationships. Be friendly. Be reliable. Be someone people like.
Ask questions. It’s better to ask than to do something wrong.
Stay clean. No substances, no legal issues, no drama.
Stay humble. You’re proving yourself. That takes time.
After 90 days: You’ve proven you can do the job. Now you can show more of your personality and initiative.
When Barriers Exist
Some convictions exclude you from certain jobs (childcare, financial services, healthcare, professional licenses).
That’s a real barrier. And it might mean:
- Pursuing other career paths
- Fighting to change the law
- Finding employers willing to hire you anyway
Don’t give up. Find a path that works with your situation.
Long-Term Career Building
Your first job isn’t your forever job. It’s your foundation.
The trajectory: Year 1: Get stable employment Year 2-3: Build skills, good references, consistent work history Year 3+: Move to better jobs, more pay, more opportunity
Each job builds toward the next.
This Is Important
Employers aren’t doing you a favor by hiring you. They’re investing because you have something to offer.
You’re not begging for the privilege to work. You’re professional and reliable because that’s who you are.
That’s dignity. The kind that can’t be taken.
Keep that.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Organizations exist specifically to help with employment. Training programs. Placement services. People who know reentry.
Hope and Elevation can connect you with jobs in Akron and Summit County.
But here’s the thing: they can point you. You have to walk.
Show up. Do the work. Then employment becomes real.