By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
If you have a criminal record, you know that barriers exist in all stages of the employment process. The stigma of having a criminal background, the lack of post-secondary education, and large gaps in your employment history can all be used to screen out your application even before an interview takes place. By using parameters like these to judge talent, it might feel as if companies are negatively impacting the ability of those with criminal records to find and maintain employment, despite often being the right pick for the job.
“Skills-based hiring” is a practice that allows for a circumvention of more established hiring methods, like the over reliance on educational attainment (specifically four-year degrees), and/or expectations of industry specific experience—both are criteria that many in your shoes might struggle to provide. By placing more emphasis on the individual rather than where they attended school, businesses are forced, for good reason, to notice people such as yourself.
By making evaluations based on interests and skills, it is not hard to envision a company giving you a chance to thrive in a particular setting–an office, a warehouse, outside, with food, etc.–if that is what you most enjoy. In fact, many occupational theorists, and much of the career choice literature, seem to support the simple, sociological idea that workers like yourself will excel at jobs that match their preferences. And from a business standpoint, they will be more productive.
So what does this mean? In reality, many non-traditional, though highly-qualified, applicants like yourself are falling through the cracks due to misguided hiring practices. But, don’t despair. It’s not your fault, and things are changing. Businesses are struggling to hire–and keep–employees. By recognizing the need for more dependable labor, employers are shifting their standards and putting more emphasis on the person rather than a degree or past job titles. This is good for you!
One idea that can help you stand out is by obtaining alternative credentials. These let you track and showcase other forms of education, training, and experience (digital badges, informal seminars, group collaborations) you have engaged in. By doing this, you are pushing hiring committees and corporate leaders across the country to recognize your value. You, and the millions like you, are equally deserving of the opportunity to work as those coming from Yale or Harvard backgrounds.
Given that unemployment and competition for work is low, and the need for workers is high, this is a perfect time to strive for industries once thought to be out of reach. That being said, it will take some effort. The rapid developmental pace and application of AI technology, as well as the continued use of applicant tracking systems effectively bar you from many jobs. This makes it more necessary for businesses to adapt just as much as you have. Intervention is needed to further prevent tens of millions of Americans with criminal records, a lack of college degree, or scant workplace experience, from ultimately being shut out from new jobs. Likewise, more public sector employers could take the lead, such as those organizations operating in states like Colorado and Maryland, which implement skills-based hiring practices already.
As for your part, keep an eye on industries that are scrapping the heavy reliance on expensive degrees, and leveling the playing field for those who did not or could not attend college for whatever reason. These are where you want to target your energy. Set your sights high. Many businesses are implementing more skills-based hiring that can allow you to work in industries other than manufacturing, logistics or through temp agencies, as is done frequently out of necessity. Rather than work on the margins conducting dangerous tasks often with minimal legal or physical protection, you can work at the center of tech start-ups, financial industries, legal firms, and administrative offices.
If you use job search engines like Simply Hired or Indeed, try using a filtered search that returns results of only second chance work postings. Additionally, think about visiting your local Goodwill career center to speak with a specialist about job and training opportunities. Don’t be afraid to utilize resources like “jailstojobs.org,” too. Hiring events and job fairs should always be on your radar. And as always, keep your head up.
