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Dick Gaither’s Job Search Training Systems, Inc.(800) 361-1613www.wizardsofwork.com

Interviewing For Ex-Offenders

Interviewing For Ex-Offenders

Use A Step-By Step Process To

Build More Powerful Interview Answers


Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions


Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place?

1.

Indicate the situation around the crime.Indicate the situation around the crime.

“I was young, dumb, unemployed, and hanging around the wrong people.”“I was young, dumb, unemployed, and hanging around the wrong people.”

Sample Answer

Bring up only the last conviction.Bring up only the last conviction.

“I committed a burglary and received a 5 year sentence.”“I committed a burglary and received a 5 year sentence.”

Indicate stupidity and accept responsibility.Indicate stupidity and accept responsibility.

“I know it was a dumb thing to do, but I did it and I take full responsibility for my actions.”

“I know it was a dumb thing to do, but I did it and I take full responsibility for my actions.”





1.

Show remorse.Show remorse.“I wake up regretting what I did every day and feel sorry for the grief I caused to the people who lived in the home.”

“I wake up regretting what I did every day and feel sorry for the grief I caused to the people who lived in the home.”

Sample Answer

State your losses. State your losses. “By committing the crime I lost my wife and kids, the trust of my family, my car,my home, and much of my self-respect.”

“By committing the crime I lost my wife and kids, the trust of my family, my car,my home, and much of my self-respect.”





1.Sample Answer

Focus on the most important thing you learned.Focus on the most important thing you learned.

“I guess the most important thing I learned is that you have to work hard for a decent living.”

“I guess the most important thing I learned is that you have to work hard for a decent living.”

Talk about what you learned. Talk about what you learned.

“If there’s any good from this situation it was that I had time to learn about myself. I gained a respect for other peoples’ rights. I learned how to follow directions and developed more self-control than I had before.”

“If there’s any good from this situation it was that I had time to learn about myself. I gained a respect for other peoples’ rights. I learned how to follow directions and developed more self-control than I had before.”





1.

What did you do to improve yourself while in prison.What did you do to improve yourself while in prison.

“I made the best of my time and took classes in carpentry, electricity, plumbing, dry walling, and masonry so I ’d be ready for the world of work when I left.”

“I made the best of my time and took classes in carpentry, electricity, plumbing, dry walling, and masonry so I ’d be ready for the world of work when I left.”

Sample Answer

Relate time in prison to work. Relate time in prison to work.

“In fact, I was made the team leader of the crew that did most of the inside maintenance work.”

“In fact, I was made the team leader of the crew that did most of the inside maintenance work.”





1.

Indicated the need to earn your way back.Indicated the need to earn your way back.

“I know I’m going to have to earn my way back into society and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to gain back peoples’ trust.”

“I know I’m going to have to earn my way back into society and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to gain back peoples’ trust.”

Sample Answer

Indicate a willingness to talk about things but express embarrassment.

Indicate a willingness to talk about things but express embarrassment.

“Please don’t hesitate asking questions about my prison experience. Even though it embarrasses me, you deserve to know as much about me as you want to know.”

“Please don’t hesitate asking questions about my prison experience. Even though it embarrasses me, you deserve to know as much about me as you want to know.”




Common Reasons For Criminal Behavior

• Family: Family members who were the role models had been in trouble with the law.• Peer Pressure: People they hung around with “enticed” them into criminal activities.• School Problems: Not staying in school reduced job opportunities and forced them onto another path.• Loners: Since they had very few friends, they weren’t able to see that their behaviors weren’t acceptable.• Striking Back: Felt that society was “screwing them.” And crime was a way to strike back.




More Common Reasons For Criminal Behavior

• Excitement: Sometimes the thrill of being bad outweighs the fear of being caught.• Dumb As A Box Of Rocks: Little thought was given to the ramification of their actions.• Survival: There didn’t seem to be any other way to take care of themselves or their families than through crime.• Prestige: For some reason, some folks feel that committing a crime makes them “somebody.”




What’s It Like Being In Prison?2.

Indicate a lack of fun. Indicate a lack of fun. “I ’m sure you realize that prison is meant for punishment and not someplace people want to be.”

“I ’m sure you realize that prison is meant for punishment and not someplace people want to be.”

Sample Answer

Relate your day in prison to the day in a person’s work life.

Relate your day in prison to the day in a person’s work life.

I had to wake up at 5:30 each morning if I wanted to eat. I had to get ready forwork. After that it was pretty much like any other job. We had to meet production and quality quotas, follow directions, and work as a team...or we’d be replaced.

I had to wake up at 5:30 each morning if I wanted to eat. I had to get ready forwork. After that it was pretty much like any other job. We had to meet production and quality quotas, follow directions, and work as a team...or we’d be replaced.




What’s It Like Being In Prison?2.Sample Answer

Talk about your leisure time. Talk about your leisure time. “After work I did what most folks do. I watched a little TV, listened to music,wrote letters, and took educational classes.”

“After work I did what most folks do. I watched a little TV, listened to music,wrote letters, and took educational classes.”




How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door?

3.

Show you understand the concern. Show you understand the concern.

“I can understand your concern. I’d be worried about that too.”“I can understand your concern. I’d be worried about that too.”

Sample Answer

Compare yourself to other workers. Compare yourself to other workers.

“Aside from making a serious mistake, I’m not much different than your otheremployees.”

“Aside from making a serious mistake, I’m not much different than your otheremployees.”





3.

Point out there is no guarantee with any hire.Point out there is no guarantee with any hire.

I ’m sure that there have been times that you’ve hired someone who you thoughtwould work out...and they didn’t or times you thought someone might not work out and they did just fine on the job.

I ’m sure that there have been times that you’ve hired someone who you thoughtwould work out...and they didn’t or times you thought someone might not work out and they did just fine on the job.

Sample Answer





3.Sample Answer

Specify your need to do a good job. Specify your need to do a good job.

If there’s any real difference between me and your other employees, it’s that Iknow what’s waiting for me if I don’t change my life. I have to be reliable, doquality work, and work harder to keep my job or I’ll pay a higher price for losing the job than anyone else. I don’t ever want to return to prison or hurt my family again.”

If there’s any real difference between me and your other employees, it’s that Iknow what’s waiting for me if I don’t change my life. I have to be reliable, doquality work, and work harder to keep my job or I’ll pay a higher price for losing the job than anyone else. I don’t ever want to return to prison or hurt my family again.”




What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender?4.

Sample Answer

Request confidentiality. Request confidentiality. “I guess I don’t see why anyone, other than the people who need to know, have to find out about my history…”

“I guess I don’t see why anyone, other than the people who need to know, have to find out about my history…”

The Confidentiality ApproachOne tactic is to try to keep the information hidden

from everyone, except those who need to know, for as long as you can. The problem with this approach is that you’ll have to isolate yourself from the rest of the workers. This might not do you much good and

the other workers might see you as “standoffish” or “stuck up.” The boss might also hire

someone who knows the scoop on you.





4.

Get interviewer to commit. Get interviewer to commit. “...do you?”“...do you?”

Sample Answer

Show separation of job and your social life.Show separation of job and your social life.

I plan on keeping the work I do and my social and personal life completely apart.

I plan on keeping the work I do and my social and personal life completely apart.

Negate idea of a problem. Negate idea of a problem. This way I don’t think the problem should ever arise.This way I don’t think the problem should ever arise.





4.

Show preparation in case it does come up.Show preparation in case it does come up.

But, I figure that if I do a good job, put in more than my fair share of effort, help others, keep my mouth shut and ears open, I’ll be accepted by the other workers... even if they do find out.”

But, I figure that if I do a good job, put in more than my fair share of effort, help others, keep my mouth shut and ears open, I’ll be accepted by the other workers... even if they do find out.”

Sample Answer





2. Hard Work Breeds Acceptance ApproachAnother tactic is to assume that sooner or later someone is going to find out. So, you try to do good work and develop good working relationships. Even though we can’t determine how each coworker and supervisor will initially react, we do know that if you do good work and get along with your coworkers, you’ll be accepted...sooner or later.

2. Hard Work Breeds Acceptance ApproachAnother tactic is to assume that sooner or later someone is going to find out. So, you try to do good work and develop good working relationships. Even though we can’t determine how each coworker and supervisor will initially react, we do know that if you do good work and get along with your coworkers, you’ll be accepted...sooner or later.

Sample Answer

Show you understand the problem. Show you understand the problem.

“I understand why you think this might be a problem and…”“I understand why you think this might be a problem and…”




State knowledge of need for time. State knowledge of need for time.

“...I know that it will take time to build trust and friendship.”“...I know that it will take time to build trust and friendship.”

Sample Answer

Stress relationship between good work and friendships.Stress relationship between good work and friendships.

“I ’m also convinced that doing good work and helping people in their jobs is one of the best ways to get people to like you...even if you’ve made a mistake.”

“I ’m also convinced that doing good work and helping people in their jobs is one of the best ways to get people to like you...even if you’ve made a mistake.”

Stress hard work. Stress hard work. “One thing you’ll get from me is a person who’s trying to do their best just to be accepted.”

“One thing you’ll get from me is a person who’s trying to do their best just to be accepted.”






3. Learning Experience ApproachA third tactic is to use the approach that your being hired will turn into a learning experience for all involved. We already know that people like to find out about the other side of life, so we try to use that as a way to answer the question about what the other workers will think.

3. Learning Experience ApproachA third tactic is to use the approach that your being hired will turn into a learning experience for all involved. We already know that people like to find out about the other side of life, so we try to use that as a way to answer the question about what the other workers will think.

Sample Answer

State you understand the problem. State you understand the problem.

“I can understand your worry about how other people will accept me and I’dworry about it if I were in your shoes.”

“I can understand your worry about how other people will accept me and I’dworry about it if I were in your shoes.”





5.

Turn into learning experience. Turn into learning experience.

“But, I almost consider this an opportunity for everyone to learn about the ‘evils’ of crime and the price you have to pay for being on the other side of the law.”

“But, I almost consider this an opportunity for everyone to learn about the ‘evils’ of crime and the price you have to pay for being on the other side of the law.”

Sample Answer

Show what you’ll learn. Show what you’ll learn. “On the other hand, I know that I’ll be able to learn about the company and job from them.”

“On the other hand, I know that I’ll be able to learn about the company and job from them.”




Do You Think You’ve Rehabilitated Yourself?5.

Give an emphatic “Yes.”Give an emphatic “Yes.” “Yes, there’s no doubt about it.”“Yes, there’s no doubt about it.”

Sample Answer

List 2-4 things you did to make the decision that a criminal lifestyle is no longer for you.

List 2-4 things you did to make the decision that a criminal lifestyle is no longer for you.

“I did an actual financial profit and loss analysis of my life and found that crime just wasn’t profitable. I also made a list of things I gained in prison and what I lost...and the personal losses are almost too much to bear now. I also got involved with a ministry that helped me see that I needed to change my life and make amends for what I did.”

“I did an actual financial profit and loss analysis of my life and found that crime just wasn’t profitable. I also made a list of things I gained in prison and what I lost...and the personal losses are almost too much to bear now. I also got involved with a ministry that helped me see that I needed to change my life and make amends for what I did.”




Gains

• Improved education which will help in your job• A healthy respect for authority and rules• A genuine respect for other people’s rights• A better understanding of why you do things• Increased ability to get along in tight situations• More patience handling problems• Job-related skills training• Counseling that helped you change your behavior• A desire to do what’s right so you don’t return• Improved self-discipline• Renewed respect for the value of hard work

Gains

• Improved education which will help in your job• A healthy respect for authority and rules• A genuine respect for other people’s rights• A better understanding of why you do things• Increased ability to get along in tight situations• More patience handling problems• Job-related skills training• Counseling that helped you change your behavior• A desire to do what’s right so you don’t return• Improved self-discipline• Renewed respect for the value of hard work

Common Gains and Losses

From A Felony Conviction




Common Gains and Losses

From A Felony Conviction

Losses

• Access to, and respect from, your children • Trust from your family and friends• Your own personal dignity and self-respect• Freedom to control your own life• Personal property (car, home, etc.)• Time you could have been advancing your career• Money you could have made working• Opportunity to enter certain types of careers• Ability to travel anywhere you want• Right to enter the job market on your own terms• Network of friends who could help you find work

Losses

• Access to, and respect from, your children • Trust from your family and friends• Your own personal dignity and self-respect• Freedom to control your own life• Personal property (car, home, etc.)• Time you could have been advancing your career• Money you could have made working• Opportunity to enter certain types of careers• Ability to travel anywhere you want• Right to enter the job market on your own terms• Network of friends who could help you find work




What other gains and losses can you think of?




What Did You Learn From Being In Prison?6.

Use prison as a learning experience. Use prison as a learning experience.

“I wouldn’t recommend prison as the best place to learn a lesson, but I did.”“I wouldn’t recommend prison as the best place to learn a lesson, but I did.”

Sample Answer

Define 2-4 of gains from your time in prison.Define 2-4 of gains from your time in prison.

“On the positive side I was able to improve my education. I developed a healthy respect for authority and rules, renewed my respect for hard work, and developed a desire do what’s right so I don’t return.”

“On the positive side I was able to improve my education. I developed a healthy respect for authority and rules, renewed my respect for hard work, and developed a desire do what’s right so I don’t return.”




What Did You Learn From Being In Prison?6.

Define 2-4 of loses from your time in prison.Define 2-4 of loses from your time in prison.

“On the downside, I lost access to my kids, the freedom to control my own life,the right to enter the labor market on my own terms, and a network of good andcaring friends.”

“On the downside, I lost access to my kids, the freedom to control my own life,the right to enter the labor market on my own terms, and a network of good andcaring friends.”

Sample Answer

State how you’re different and let them know you want to work.

State how you’re different and let them know you want to work.

“I ’m 180º different than I was just a few years ago and I want to prove my value to any employer willing to give me an opportunity to restart my employment life.”

“I ’m 180º different than I was just a few years ago and I want to prove my value to any employer willing to give me an opportunity to restart my employment life.”




Will I Have To Worry About Your Prison Friends Showing Up?7.

An Emphatic “NO.”An Emphatic “NO.” “No!, not a chance, never.”“No!, not a chance, never.”

Sample Answer

Define 2-4 reasons why this won’t happen.Define 2-4 reasons why this won’t happen.

“Aside from the fact that I don’t want any link with my past, my probation doesn’t allow it. I’ve not talked with anyone from that past and I certainly don’t want any of those folks knowing where I live at or where I work.”

“Aside from the fact that I don’t want any link with my past, my probation doesn’t allow it. I’ve not talked with anyone from that past and I certainly don’t want any of those folks knowing where I live at or where I work.”




How Do I Know I Can Trust You?8.

The Risk Comparison ApproachThis tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker.

Show your understanding of the employer’s concern.Show your understanding of the employer’s concern.

“I realize that I’ve lost the right to ask people to trust me because of my past and that I might be seen as a risk…”

“I realize that I’ve lost the right to ask people to trust me because of my past and that I might be seen as a risk…”

Compare yourself to other workers. Compare yourself to other workers.

“...but doesn’t every employer take some risk whenever they hire anyone?”“...but doesn’t every employer take some risk whenever they hire anyone?”

Sample Answer





Question about different indicators of trust and link the trust factors to the job.

Question about different indicators of trust and link the trust factors to the job.

“Have you ever hired anyone who didn’t have a conviction and found out later that you couldn’t trust them to come back from breaks on time, you couldn’t trust them to keep their word, or you were afraid to trust them to get the job done right... and on time?”

“Have you ever hired anyone who didn’t have a conviction and found out later that you couldn’t trust them to come back from breaks on time, you couldn’t trust them to keep their word, or you were afraid to trust them to get the job done right... and on time?”

Sample Answer






Point out the ramifications of being an ex-offender in the labor market.

Point out the ramifications of being an ex-offender in the labor market.

“Unlike your other employees, if anything turns up missing I know that I ’ll be the first person you look at. If I’m even accused of a crime my probation might be revoked and I understand that you can terminate me at any time... without cause.”

“Unlike your other employees, if anything turns up missing I know that I ’ll be the first person you look at. If I’m even accused of a crime my probation might be revoked and I understand that you can terminate me at any time... without cause.”

Sample Answer






Stress your desire to prove your trustability.Stress your desire to prove your trustability.

“I know it’s going to take some time to rebuild my “trust quotient,” but I’m willing to do everything possible to do that.”

“I know it’s going to take some time to rebuild my “trust quotient,” but I’m willing to do everything possible to do that.”

Give them something tangible as a way to begin building trust.

Give them something tangible as a way to begin building trust.

“If you have an honesty test, polygraph test, or a drug test, I’m willing to take them right now.”

“If you have an honesty test, polygraph test, or a drug test, I’m willing to take them right now.”

Sample Answer






Find out if the past eliminates you? Find out if the past eliminates you?

“Is my past going to knock me out of the running?”“Is my past going to knock me out of the running?”

Sample Answer





Rebuilding TrustRequires...

• keeping your word.• not using company equipment for personal use.• not stealing company time at breaks and when clocking in or out.• not lying about reasons for not showing up for work.• not taking anything that’s not yours.





The Example ApproachThis method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of

“trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences?

Stress that your penalty for the crime continues after leaving prison.

Stress that your penalty for the crime continues after leaving prison.

“I ’m beginning to understand that a big part of the penalty for what I did is having to deal with the trust issue…”

“I ’m beginning to understand that a big part of the penalty for what I did is having to deal with the trust issue…”

Sample Answer





Let them know you can give reasons for trusting you.Let them know you can give reasons for trusting you.

“...but I think I have a few examples that will show you that I’m slowly rebuilding peoples’ trust in me and my work.”

“...but I think I have a few examples that will show you that I’m slowly rebuilding peoples’ trust in me and my work.”

Sample Answer







Give one example of when someone has trusted you.Give one example of when someone has trusted you.

“My biggest critic, my ex-wife, has began letting me spend time with my kids because of the changes she sees in my life.”

“My biggest critic, my ex-wife, has began letting me spend time with my kids because of the changes she sees in my life.”

Sample Answer







Give another example of when someone has trusted you.Give another example of when someone has trusted you.

“Another instance is that my Sociology instructor has asked me to help him grade test papers for the class.”

“Another instance is that my Sociology instructor has asked me to help him grade test papers for the class.”

Sample Answer







Point out your most powerful indicator of trust.Point out your most powerful indicator of trust.

“I think the biggest indicator that I’m now a trustworthy person is that I’m responsible for counting the collection money at my church and then depositing it.”

“I think the biggest indicator that I’m now a trustworthy person is that I’m responsible for counting the collection money at my church and then depositing it.”

Sample Answer







Give the question back to the interviewer.Give the question back to the interviewer.

“I don’t know how else to prove that I’ve changed my life and have become someone you can trust. Is there anything else I can do to convince you that I’m atrustworthy person now?”

“I don’t know how else to prove that I’ve changed my life and have become someone you can trust. Is there anything else I can do to convince you that I’m atrustworthy person now?”

Sample Answer






Do You Have To Make Restitution...are Your Wages Going To Be Garnished?

9.

Specify the amount you owe. Specify the amount you owe. “I ’m responsible for paying $57.56 / week.”“I ’m responsible for paying $57.56 / week.”

The tactic here is to show that your situation won’t steal time from employers,

cause them undue hardships, or affect your ability to be a reliable employee.

Sample Answer




Do You Have To Make Restitution...are Your Wages Going To Be Garnished?

9.

Counter any concern that this will cause a problem getting to work.

Counter any concern that this will cause a problem getting to work.

“I ’ve budgeted the restitution amount so it won’t affect my ability to get to the job or do the job.”

“I ’ve budgeted the restitution amount so it won’t affect my ability to get to the job or do the job.”

Sample Answer

Show preparation and concern about time use by the employer.

Show preparation and concern about time use by the employer.

“I have what little paperwork that’s needed ready to go foryour payroll people so they don’t need to do much except for entering me into the computer as a new employee.”

“I have what little paperwork that’s needed ready to go foryour payroll people so they don’t need to do much except for entering me into the computer as a new employee.”




Start with a vehement no. Start with a vehement no. “No! From our conversation so far, I have absolutely no restrictions that would affect my ability to be a reliable worker and on the job every day.”

“No! From our conversation so far, I have absolutely no restrictions that would affect my ability to be a reliable worker and on the job every day.”

In order to answer this question, you should have done some research on the demands of the job and talk this question over

with your P.O. You need to see how much support he or she will give you, should your job demands change.

Sample Answer

Do You Have Any Working Restrictions (Shift, Job Function Limitations, Travel Restrictions)?

10.

Bring up a supportive P.O., should the job demands change.

Bring up a supportive P.O., should the job demands change.

“If my shift changes, or I have to travel, I ’ll clear it with my Probation Officer.He’s really supportive when it comes to my employment.”

“If my shift changes, or I have to travel, I ’ll clear it with my Probation Officer.He’s really supportive when it comes to my employment.”




Define the actions you’ve taken to ensure that this behavior is stifled.

Define the actions you’ve taken to ensure that this behavior is stifled.

“I successfully completed anger management, attend counseling, I’m continuing with a reentry support group and have eliminated the factors that caused that behavior.”

“I successfully completed anger management, attend counseling, I’m continuing with a reentry support group and have eliminated the factors that caused that behavior.”

Sample Answer

I See That Your Conviction Was For A Violent Crime. How Will You Handle Supervision And Being Critiqued For Your Work?

11.

Make it a one-of-a time instance or put it in your past.Make it a one-of-a time instance or put it in your past.

“That situation was a one-time situation (or if you’ve had multiple problems with violence...‘That was a bad part of my life that’s been eliminated and a long time in my past).”

“That situation was a one-time situation (or if you’ve had multiple problems with violence...‘That was a bad part of my life that’s been eliminated and a long time in my past).”




Sample Answer


11.

Give an example of when you’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up.

Give an example of when you’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up.

“One example of my handling supervision and critique was when I worked on thefood service line... serving hundreds of meals in a really fast paced environment.I had to follow instructions from the cooks and kitchen supervisor and never oncehad a problem with my boss or coworkers.”

“One example of my handling supervision and critique was when I worked on thefood service line... serving hundreds of meals in a really fast paced environment.I had to follow instructions from the cooks and kitchen supervisor and never oncehad a problem with my boss or coworkers.”




Sample Answer


11.

Give another example of whenyou’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up.


“In my math classes, I had to be open to instructive criticism. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t learn anything and wouldn’t have passed the class.”

“In my math classes, I had to be open to instructive criticism. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t learn anything and wouldn’t have passed the class.”



“I came to terms early with the fact that I would be tightly supervised and critiquedin prison, so coping with directions and critique are nothing new. I was never written up for anything violent in the 4 years I spent.”

“I came to terms early with the fact that I would be tightly supervised and critiquedin prison, so coping with directions and critique are nothing new. I was never written up for anything violent in the 4 years I spent.”




Sample Answer


11.

Check your standing with the interviewer.Check your standing with the interviewer.

“Is there anything else you’d like to know and can you let me know if I’m still inthe running for the job?”

“Is there anything else you’d like to know and can you let me know if I’m still inthe running for the job?”




Sample Answer

Are You Bondable (This Is An Easy One)?12.

An adamant “yes” is in order and find out if they want to know more.

An adamant “yes” is in order and find out if they want to know more.

“Yes I am. In fact there’s a Federal Bonding Program that protects you againsteconomic loss, reduces your risk of hiring me, and costs you nothing. Would youlike to know more about the program?”

“Yes I am. In fact there’s a Federal Bonding Program that protects you againsteconomic loss, reduces your risk of hiring me, and costs you nothing. Would youlike to know more about the program?”




Sample Answer

Will I Have To Worry About Your P.o. Showing Up All The Time?13.

A forceful “no” is the only answer. A forceful “no” is the only answer. “No!”“No!”

Give a rationale for your answer. Give a rationale for your answer.

Once they confirm that I’m working here and what my hours are they might showup once to confirm what I’ve told them. They have so many people on their caseload that most of their time is spent in the office and someone like me isn’t a veryhigh priority.”

Once they confirm that I’m working here and what my hours are they might showup once to confirm what I’ve told them. They have so many people on their caseload that most of their time is spent in the office and someone like me isn’t a veryhigh priority.”




Sample Answer

You Were Convicted Of A Drug & Alcohol Charge. How Do I Know You’ve Kicked Your Habit And Can You Pass A Drug/alcohol Test...right Now?

14.

An immediate “yes” is your answer. An immediate “yes” is your answer.

“Yes. I’m willing to take it right now…”“Yes. I’m willing to take it right now…”

Project into the future. Project into the future. “...and I won’t have any trouble with random drug tests once I start working here.”

“...and I won’t have any trouble with random drug tests once I start working here.”




Sample Answer

You Were Convicted Of A Drug & Alcohol Charge. How Do I Know You’ve Kicked Your Habit And Can You Pass A Drug/alcohol Test...right Now?

14.

Put drug/alcohol use in your past. Put drug/alcohol use in your past.

I ’ve been clean and sober for over 3 years and can’t even envision my going back to that type of destructive lifestyle.

I ’ve been clean and sober for over 3 years and can’t even envision my going back to that type of destructive lifestyle.

Describe what you’ve done to counter your drug/alcohol problem.

Describe what you’ve done to counter your drug/alcohol problem.

I ’ve joined a church self-help group, attend A.A,, do volunteer work, attendG.E.D. classes, and I’m tested regularly by my P.O.”

I ’ve joined a church self-help group, attend A.A,, do volunteer work, attendG.E.D. classes, and I’m tested regularly by my P.O.”




Sample Answer

Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom?15.

Compare where you came from to where you are.Compare where you came from to where you are.

“You can’t get any lower than being in prison so anything from that point looks good to me.”

“You can’t get any lower than being in prison so anything from that point looks good to me.”

Indicate your understanding thatyou need to earn your way back.

Indicate your understanding thatyou need to earn your way back.

“I realize that I’m going to have to pay some dues to restart a career and that Ineed to do a great job to be considered for advancement.”

“I realize that I’m going to have to pay some dues to restart a career and that Ineed to do a great job to be considered for advancement.”




Sample Answer

Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom?15.

Show your flexibility and willingness to solve employer problems.

Show your flexibility and willingness to solve employer problems.

“I ’m willing to take on jobs that some folks might not like or work undesirableshifts to prove that I’m a good worker.”

“I ’m willing to take on jobs that some folks might not like or work undesirableshifts to prove that I’m a good worker.”

Show ambition and ask about upward mobility.Show ambition and ask about upward mobility.

“But, I’m not planning on being at the bottom forever. What is the next job upfrom this one and what skills and education level are needed for advancement?”

“But, I’m not planning on being at the bottom forever. What is the next job upfrom this one and what skills and education level are needed for advancement?”




Sample Answer

What Is Your Current Living And Transportation Situation?(Work Release, Living With Wife/husband/friend)?16.

Let the employer off the hook. Show you understand them.

Let the employer off the hook. Show you understand them.

“I guess what you’re really asking is if I ’m going to be reliable and get to work every day.”

“I guess what you’re really asking is if I ’m going to be reliable and get to work every day.”

Are you reliable? Can you be counted on to show up? Can you cover when someone else doesn’t show up?Attendance and punctuality are still two of the most important concerns of most employers.




Sample Answer

What Is Your Current Living And Transportation Situation?(Work Release, Living With Wife/husband/friend)?16.

Eliminate the employer’s fear.Eliminate the employer’s fear.

“I ’m also available for overtime. I want as many hours as I can get.”“I ’m also available for overtime. I want as many hours as I can get.”

Offer more.Offer more.

“I have stable housing, a phone, and reliable transportation; so you can count on me being here when I’m needed?

“I have stable housing, a phone, and reliable transportation; so you can count on me being here when I’m needed?




Sample Answer

Are You Able To Acquire Needed Licenses (Driving, Professional Certifications, Etc.)?17.

Show that you’re ready to work.Show that you’re ready to work.

The only thing I’ll need is an employee I.D. and whatever paperwork you need to collect from me.”

The only thing I’ll need is an employee I.D. and whatever paperwork you need to collect from me.”

Act like you’re going to be hired.Act like you’re going to be hired.

“I already have all of the necessary licenses and certifications to do the job.

“I already have all of the necessary licenses and certifications to do the job.




Sample Answer

Have You Ever Been Arrested? (this is probably an illegal question in your state, but how you handle it can put you in either a positive or negative light.)

18.

Point out it’s an illegal question.Point out it’s an illegal question.

“Yes, I was arrested for drug possession but I was never convicted. That arrest scared me straight and made me realize that I had to stop acting like a dumb kid and take on adult responsibilities.”

“Yes, I was arrested for drug possession but I was never convicted. That arrest scared me straight and made me realize that I had to stop acting like a dumb kid and take on adult responsibilities.”

Be truthful, put it in your past, and stress what you learned from the experience.

Be truthful, put it in your past, and stress what you learned from the experience.

“I don’t know if you realize it, but asking about arrests is an illegal interview question.”

“I don’t know if you realize it, but asking about arrests is an illegal interview question.”

Option #1

Option #2




Sample Answer

Are There Any Incentives For Hiring An Ex-offender?19.

Let the interviewer know that thereare financial incentives.

Let the interviewer know that thereare financial incentives.

“There sure is. I’m a money maker for you...based on the amount of hours I get to work and the number of tax credit categories I fit into. Would you like to know more about the Work Opportunities Tax Credit for employers hiring ex-offenders, how simple is to have the Workforce Development Board sign you up, and how big of a tax break you’ll receive?”

“There sure is. I’m a money maker for you...based on the amount of hours I get to work and the number of tax credit categories I fit into. Would you like to know more about the Work Opportunities Tax Credit for employers hiring ex-offenders, how simple is to have the Workforce Development Board sign you up, and how big of a tax break you’ll receive?”




Sample Answer

Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime?20.

Use the “fair minded” card and make the conversation about skills,abilities, and your willingness to be a loyal and hard worker.

Use the “fair minded” card and make the conversation about skills,abilities, and your willingness to be a loyal and hard worker.

“I ’d like to think that you’re a fair-minded person who is looking to hire people who would be the best fit for your company and give you the best return on your hiring investment? I think I’m the best candidate for 5 reasons.”1.____________________________________2.____________________________________3.____________________________________4.____________________________________5.____________________________________

“I ’d like to think that you’re a fair-minded person who is looking to hire people who would be the best fit for your company and give you the best return on your hiring investment? I think I’m the best candidate for 5 reasons.”1.____________________________________2.____________________________________3.____________________________________4.____________________________________5.____________________________________




Sample Answer

Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime?20.

Bring up incentives if it feels right.Bring up incentives if it feels right.

“I ’m also one of the few candidates that can offer tax incentives for hiring me.”“I ’m also one of the few candidates that can offer tax incentives for hiring me.”

See if you’re still being considered.See if you’re still being considered.

“I hope my reasons keep me in contention for the job. Do they?”“I hope my reasons keep me in contention for the job. Do they?”

dick gaithers job search training systems, inc. (800) 361-1613 interviewing for ex- offenders use a...

Documents

comprehensive answers

powerful interview answers

ex offenders

sample answer focus

sample answer state

prison experience

world of work

criminal behavior family