Jobs That Hire Felons - The Felon's Guide (2024)

The best way to ensure anyone trying to make it on the outside succeeds is with a job. Earning a paycheck from companies that hire felons and those with other criminal convictions is a breath of fresh air. It means being able to buy your own clothes, food, and other essentials instead of relying on friends and family.

The problem is that finding felon friendly jobs is next to impossible. The public stigma that comes with a criminal record of any kind sticks like glue and makes it hard to get past the application process.

Below are our top articles on how you can uncover places that hire felons so you can get paid, move on with your life, and start to rebuild after prison. If you have a topic you want covered, be sure to drop us a line.

How Jobs That Hire Felons Change Lives

From the moment you get out of prison or long-term jail, you face a harsh reality – how will you make money? For some of us, searching for companies that hire felons or those with previous criminal records is simple. Maybe you have a family connection or a boss from a previous job who is willing to take you back on.

For others, felon friendly jobs are next to a goldmine. They are like seeing Bigfoot and snapping a photo and can make you feel like you’ll never succeed. We’re here to tell you it is possible, and you cannot give up.

Why Finding Places That Hire Felons is Important

The more we can talk about jobs for felons, the better. Not only does this lower the recidivism rates, but it also ensures that there are tax-paying citizens who have a stake in how the economy and community succeed.

Once you have a regular paycheck from jobs for felons near me, you can start saving for a car, paying your rent, and unlocking all kinds of new opportunities you wouldn’t get otherwise. Your first job on the outside doesn’t have to be the $100K+ dream job you’ve always wanted. The most important thing is to get a regular paycheck to cover the cost of living and meet any on-paper requirements from your PO.

Preparation for Jobs That Accept Felons

Even if you only have a minor misdemeanor criminal conviction, you have an uphill battle to secure a job. The first step is to put together all your information in an easy-to-send physical and digital document. That should include:

• Work Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional & Personal References
• Identification Cards (social security, driver’s license, etc.)
• Any Professional Certificates or Licenses (nursing, plumbing, etc.)
• Appropriate Interview Clothing
• Any Expungement or Pardon Documentation

These pieces of information give you a leg up with jobs that hire convicted felons because you’ll have everything a manager needs to verify your statements during an interview. The trick is getting your foot into the door first.

Best Resources for Felon Friendly Employers

Jobs that hire felons are posted in all kinds of places in your local community and endless online spaces. You’ll have to weed through quite a bit, but they are there. Take the time to reach out to hiring agents and friends, and you’ll be surprised by what is available. Here are a few places to get started finding companies that hire felons and those with criminal convictions:

• Second Chance Job Centers
• LinkedIn
• America Works
• Your Probation Officer
• Local Reentry Programs
• Indeed, Monster, and other websites
• Vocational Job Training Programs (truck driver, electrician, etc.)
• Craigslist
• Local Newspapers
• Community Postings (library, church, etc.)
• Friends & Family

Talking with friends and family should be your first step toward felon friendly jobs. The vast majority of jobs people secure come from the network of people around them. Make it clear that you are on the job hunt, and you should be able to find something to pay the bills.

Final Thoughts

Finding gainful employment as a felon or someone with a criminal record is challenging. However, if you properly prepare and follow the advice from The Felon’s Guide, you should be able to secure a decent job, if only in the short term. Good luck, and never give up on places that hire felons so you can get back on your feet.