After serving time, getting back into normal life can be a serious struggle. Beyond that, finding reliable employment is often an even bigger struggle. If you are feeling anxious about your options or qualifications for careers after your release, consider these ways of overcoming employment obstacles.

Learn How to Market Yourself

Having a record may make you a liability for companies. During the interview or application process, you need to market yourself to potential employers in a way that demonstrates your abilities as a worker, your potential for and dedication towards growth, and your trustworthiness. Tell your story! Be humble and accept responsibility for your actions, but explain your circumstances then and what you have learned since. Talk about what motivates you now, what your goals are, and what you have to offer as an employee—employers are particularly impressed by interviewees that demonstrate determination, loyalty, and a good work ethic.

Expunge Your Record

If at all possible, try to expunge your record! This allows you to apply for any job without the stress of disclosing that you have ever been arrested or even convicted. Expungement can be achieved by working with an attorney. The process can be long and strenuous, but having a clear record in the end will alleviate much of the stress and remove the impediments that a criminal record can cause for your job hunt. It’s worth at least looking into!

Look in the Right Fields

Apply to the right positions. Don’t devalue your skills and experience—consider what you have worked at in the past, and use that to your advantage. You likely will not be able to jump right back into a high-level position like you might have been in before, but you can start on a lower rung within that same field or similar, and work your way up from there. Entry level positions are well worth the patience required to prove yourself and gain more experience, skills and recommendations that will move you into higher paying, higher status jobs. Make your search as broad as possible… you never know what beginning will lead you to your best success! Apply to a wide variety of jobs that are still relevant to your skills and interests. Network as much as possible and focus on building relationships of trust.

Once you’re released, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome. But getting a solid job doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it certainly isn’t impossible. Be patient, be understanding, work hard, and look for the right avenues that will get you where you want to go!

Read this next: Can I Become a Firefighter with a Criminal Record?

Becoming a firefighter is a noble pursuit—you will be required to consistently put your life on the line to save people and their homes. Figuring out what the process of becoming a firefighter entails will differ for everyone. But it can be a bit more complicated for an applicant with some kind of criminal record. 

Nature of the Crime

According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commision, the nature of the crime you committed can definitely affect your likelihood of becoming a firefighter. Ultimately, the main principle that you should be aware of is that firefighters need to demonstrate strong integrity, courage, and willingness to put others’ needs above their own.

Having a criminal record demonstrates at least some disrespect for laws. But remember that the degree of the problem varies case by case. Usually, convictions that have related to arson tend to be harder to work through than cases of DUI or drug possession.

Post-Conviction Relief

Post-conviction relief is another way to help minimize the effect of a conviction. Basically, after either pleading or being determined guilty by a jury, a defendant has the opportunity to bring additional evidence to the table to decrease the sentence or even receive eventual expungement.

According to Rogers Beltran LLP, California’s Penal Code allows former inmates to pursue expungement if they meet certain qualifications, including participation in a fire camp program. Basically, if you put the effort in, it’s possible to no longer have the mark on your record. Pursuing this method will take work but it can definitely pay off in the end.

Commitment to the Career

Another way to increase the likelihood of getting the job as a firefighter is to demonstrate your commitment to the position by taking up a volunteer firefighter position beforehand.

A variety of different fire stations will allow you to volunteer in this capacity a couple times a week and according to the Municipal Association of South Carolina, you can actually get paid for your time. This will allow you to learn some of the necessary skills, get a foot in the door, and demonstrate your commitment to becoming a firefighter.

If you’re in the position of trying to build back your life in the wake of some kind of conviction, don’t give up. Even though it can take a lot more effort to prove that you are committed to the career you are pursuing, you can do it if you are willing to put in the work. Consult with trusted friends and advisors to figure out the best steps to take forward. 

If you have a criminal record and are looking for a job, attend one of our hiring events!