After being released from a prison sentence, one of the biggest challenges is re-entering the workforce and then finding success in your career. It can be difficult due to the gap in your job history as well as the hesitance employers may have about hiring someone with a criminal record despite their qualifications and work ethic. After your release, there are many things you can do to help you find success in your career. 

Find a Mentor 

Everyone can benefit from seeking out help when going through a difficult challenge. Having a mentor on your side gives you a personal coach to help you get back into the workforce. Your mentor can help you increase your skills, get the qualifications you need, and create connections for you. A mentor can vouch for you to others and give you an edge as you look for jobs and advancements. Your mentor should also be someone who’s advanced in your field, so they know what experience you need and they can teach you the ins and outs of the trade. 

Take Baby Steps 

It can be difficult and even discouraging as you begin your journey through the workforce. Finding a job can take longer than you expect and working your way up to your ideal job can also be a long road. To help you get through this, focus on taking baby steps. Small improvements sustained over time can lead to exponential change. 

After a long period of small steps, you can look back on a large amount of improvement. As a part of taking these baby steps, create small and realistic goals for yourself that help you reach larger goals. Celebrate each time you achieve one of these smaller goals. 

Expand Your Options 

It’s easy to get focused on one field or one type of job. However, it’s beneficial to expand your focus and look at many different jobs and opportunities. When looking for jobs, apply to lots of different options. You never know what opportunities you might find. If you end up at one job, it doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever. After your release, you can start out a transition job. This can be an easy, simple job you can work as you’re looking for better options. 

It can be hard to move forward once you’ve been released. However, don’t feel discouraged. There are plenty of options available to you. Keep your head held high and take advantage of the tools available to you. 

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Why You Need a Network to Get a Job

It’s hard to get by these days if you don’t have a steady job. Despite the high demand for employees in many areas, it’s still possible to struggle to find a job. That’s where networking tools come in handy. Using the right networking tools effectively can make it a lot easier to find a job. So which ones should you be using?

Business Cards

Business cards can be a great way to get your name out there. They’re small, very portable, and make it easy for people to get in touch with you (as long as you have the right information on your business card). When designing a business card, pay attention to the colors and fonts you use. Keep it simple and try to make it relevant to the industry you’re interested in. Remember to follow up with the connections you make with your business cards at a later date.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most popular job-related social networking platforms. You can use it like a live resume, updating your skills and job experience as you go. Once you have your profile set up, start using it to build connections. LinkedIn groups help you connect with others in your specific industry. Build your presence by sharing insights and information. Remember to engage with what others post as well. That two-way communication and give-and-take will be crucial in helping you develop a network that you can leverage to find a new job.

Social Media Profiles

LinkedIn isn’t the only form of social media you can use to network and find a job. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more to start putting some feelers out. Start by letting people know you’re looking for a job. Someone in your social media network may see your post and have a job opening or know of one that you can apply for. Some businesses may also post job listings on social media, so keep an eye out for those as well.

When you need to land a job, don’t discount how much the right networking tools can help you. If you don’t have much of a network yet, work on developing one. Go to job fairs and attend community events. Volunteer your time and build relationships with others. Remember, to build your network, it helps to be someone other people want in their networks. Think about what you have to offer others and focus on that as much as you can.

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: What Your Goals Should Be During the Interview Process