I have been helping ex-offenders gain employment for over ten years and I have helped thousands get jobs. One of the biggest stumbling blocks that people place in front of themselves is not being able to pass substance abuse tests.
Increasingly more employers test for illegal drugs. Subsequently, many of my students believe (often through misinformation from the rumor mill) that they can use illegal drugs and still pass drug tests. With my experience in human resources, management and employment training, I will attempt to expose the myths and give the facts on drug tests.
The typical methods for detecting illegal drugs are:
Urine Testing
Urine testing is the most common of the screenings used for illegal substances. Drug users would sometimes use outlandish methods like using fake urine or using a sample taken from someone else in place of their own. To avoid the applicant using urine not his own, I would always have a sample given in the presence of a staff member. Others believe that drinking large amounts of water will dilute the sample and the drugs will not be detected. Water passes through the body much too quickly to be effective. I have even heard of using ridiculous home remedies to beat urine tests. These remedies include aspirin, visine, ammonia, vinegar, bleach even Drano! How insane is that?
Saliva Testing
This form of drug screening is the least popular because it can only detect toxins used three or four days prior. Saliva tests can detect fresh elements of alcohol and drugs in the mouth.
Hair follicle Testing
My experience is that hair follicle testing is the most effective method of screening. Drugs can be detected with accuracy for a six month period after use. Toxins from the drug are stored in the hair root where they are easily detected. I have had applicants shave their heads to avoid giving a sample of hair. I would try to get samples from other parts of the body such as under the arm, the chest or more “sensitive” areas. I once had applicant shave his entire body. He was temporarily rejected for not having sufficient hair for a sample.
There are hundreds of detoxifying products on the market that promise that with their use, drugs will not be able to be detected. There products that claim that they can wash toxins out of the hair. Most of these are absolute scams. The rest have a very low success rate.
The best and most effective method I know of is very simple - Don’t use drugs!
When looking for a job, just as important as the words we use is the message that our bodies are sending.
The person that shows that he not only has the skills to get the job done, but can fit in with the people that are already there and presents a positive attitude will get the job. You must understand that companies do not hire people. People hire people. The person that hires you must like you as a person. I’m not saying that if the interviewer likes you, you will get the job. I am saying if he doesn’t like you, you have no chance. Remember, you have a criminal record. Being friendly will make the interviewer focus on your charm instead of your record! You must be confident, friendly and likeable to get the job.
Your answers to questions are only part of what the interviewer is paying attention to. Your body language will tell more about you than what you say. Pay attention to the message that your body is sending.
Smile
Smiling is your most powerful body language tool. For many former inmates smiling is difficult. Some believe that smiling or other forms of kindness are signs of weakness. You must get rid of that attitude if you are serious about finding a job. A bright smile will open doors for you. When we smile at others it sends a message of trust and sincerity. Others feel safe and relax around those whose smiles are warm and genuine. I’ve heard things like “I don’t like to smile” or “I have nothing to smile about.” That type of attitude will keep you unemployed. If you do not smile easily, I suggest you practice until it comes naturally to you.
Posture
Your posture will make you look confident and professional. When you stand and walk, make sure that your back is straight, your shoulders are back, and your chin is up. When sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the floor, your back is straight, and your hands are on your lap. If you have a portfolio or notepad, hold it on your lap. Never fold your arms across your chest. It sends a message that you are defensive. Keeping your hands on your lap will keep you from doing annoying things with your hands. When the interviewer speaks, lean forward occasionally to show that you are interested.
Eye Contact
Maintaining positive eye contact is important if you want to send a message that you are honest and sincere. Those who have difficulty making eye contact when speaking or when spoken to make people uncomfortable and appear untrustworthy.
If you have trouble looking people in the eye, try looking at the bridge of the other person’s nose. It will have the same effect. Eye contact is very important in establishing trust, but do not stare. It is o.k. to occasionally look away, just be sure that you have that all important eye contact when either one of you are speaking.
Handshake
An interviewer’s first impression of you is often formed when you shake hands. A firm handshake communicates self confidence so you always want to offer your hand when meeting people. This applies to men and women. Always wait for the interviewer to offer his or her hand first.
When shaking hands, be sure to meet the interviewer with a firm grip. A grip that is limp or weak leaves an impression of a weak character. A grip that is too strong says that the person is insecure and has something to prove. If your palms sweat, wipe them off before shaking hands.
One of the most important elements of a successful job search and the subsequent interview is making the all important positive first impression.You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
The way we dress at any given time is a reflection of our state of mind at that time.Are going to a club? Are we going to hang out with friends? Are we going to a party? No.We are going to a business meeting!Any meetings associated with the job search are business meetings.You will be meeting people to get them interested in your product. In a word, “professionalism.”You must look like a professional to be taken seriously.From your hairstyle to your shoes, your appearance should say “I really want this job.”
Men
The ideal dress is a navy blue or dark suit or sport jacket with a long sleeved, light colored shirt and a color-coordinated tie.Be sure to wear a belt that matches your shoes.For some, this may not be possible.At the very least, a white shirt (you can never go wrong with a white shirt) with dark slacks.
The rule about shoes is “If you can’t shine them, don’t wear them.”Boots or sneakers are unacceptable.Black shoes are best.
The hair and nails should be neat and trimmed.I suggest no facial hair.I have never seen anyone turned down for a job for being clean shaven.No earrings, facial piercings or tongue ornaments, and only one ring per hand.
Women
Wear a classic skirted suit with a light colored blouse or a simple dress that does not rise above the knee.Do not wear anything too tight or too revealing.Be sure to wear coordinated pumps that are neat and clean.The pantyhose should be a light, natural color with no pattern.
Hair should be neat and of natural color.Short hair is best, but neatly done longer hair is fine.The nails should be neatly trimmed with tasteful polish.The make-up should be natural looking with no bright colors.One set of earrings (no larger than a quarter) no facial piercings or tongue ornaments, one ring per hand and no more than one bracelet per wrist.
It may be possible that you do not own clothes like those mentioned above but they are necessary to create the impression you desire.Many churches and organizations have clothing closets that help people that do not own interview clothing.You may even have to borrow clothes from friends and relatives.No matter how you get them, the right clothing will help you get the job you want.
Eric Mayo specializes in professional and personal development with special emphasis on life skills and job readiness training. Eric has over 20 years of corporate and educational experience which he uses to help people improve the quality of their lives.
Mr. Mayo has a degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University where he was a standout member of both the Pirate football and wrestling teams. An author and lecturer, Eric is the author of the books, “From Jail to a Job“, “The Teenager’s Guide to Getting a Job” , “The Secret to Getting Better Grades”, and has addressed, among others, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Charles Hamilton Institute for Race and Justice of the Harvard School of Law. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has spent his life committed to community empowerment.
Eric has been studying, learning, applying and executing the art of personal achievement and leadership throughout his career. It is truly his passion and his gift. He combines a straightforward approach and real-world perspective with a presentation style that is inspirational and motivational. His primary message is, “Independence through Self-Reliance.”
At times looking for a job as an ex-offender seems like one dead end after another.There are things that can be done until that dream job comes along.Temporary AgenciesConsider working as a temporary as a way of getting a permanent job.Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world.Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them.Good workers are hard to find.If an employer sees that you are hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently.Some other advantages to using a temporary employment service:You can try different types of work and develop new skills which can be used later.You can make new contacts.Build a work history.Earn a wage until you can find permanent employment.Make a list of temporary agencies in your area.Call each one to find out what types of jobs they have available.Apply just as you would any other employer.One-Stop Career Centers
Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment.In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career.Some services available are:
Career planning and counselingWorkshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)Computers with internet access and word processingDaily access to thousands of job listings Job-related magazines and local newspapers Job postings and referralsPrinters, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
You can find the nearest location of the OneStopCareerCenter in your local phone book or on the web at: www.servicelocator.orgGet more great advice on ex-offender job searching at http://www.Jailtojob.com
Eric Mayo specializes in professional and personal development with special emphasis on life skills and job readiness training.Eric has over 20 years of corporate and educational experience which he uses to help people improve the quality of their lives. Mr. Mayo has a degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University where he was a standout member of both the Pirate football and wrestling teams.An author and lecturer, Eric is the author of the books, “From Jail to a Job“, “The Teenager’s Guide to Getting a Job” , “The Secret to Getting Better Grades”, and has addressed, among others, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Charles Hamilton Institute for Race and Justice of the Harvard School of Law.He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has spent his life committed to community empowerment. Eric has been studying, learning, applying and executing the art of personal achievement and leadership throughout his career.It is truly his passion and his gift.He combines a straightforward approach and real-world perspective with a presentation style that is inspirational and motivational. His primary message is, “Independence through Self-Reliance.” You can contact Eric at http://www.Jailtojob.com
Recently I was reading a few articles about pending legislation on both the state a federal level that would make it illegal to discriminate against ex-offenders with regard to employment, housing and public services.This legislation would be a seemingly powerful step in helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society.It would great if the law dictated that legally no one could be denied employment for being an ex-offender.Being a product of the Civil Rights movement, I hold little faith in legislation.Laws do not change attitudes.
Belief that ex-offenders are victimized by their legal status may be founded but few employers are apt to sympathize.They have a responsibility to hire the person they feel will give them what they need to run a successful business.The ex-offender must think of himself as kind of a person with a type of handicap.Anyone who has seen a person with any type of visible impairment has noticed that the handicap forces them to work harder just to keep up.The same is true for the ex-offender.Not only must he have the necessary tools to compete for a job, he may have to work harder just to put himself in the position of consideration.He will have to make more contacts, have more interviews and just simply outwork the competition.This may mean he may have to get up earlier and work later.He may have to work harder on his interview and presentation skills.He may have to work at developing the skills that will make him more attractive to prospective employers
As we all know, life is all about choices.The choice we make today will impact our future successes. We can wallow in self-pity about our current situation, or we can make up our minds to improve our condition.The choice of self-improvement is far wiser that waiting for someone to change.
Eric Mayo specializes in professional and personal development with special emphasis on life skills and job readiness training.Eric has over 20 years of corporate and educational experience which he uses to help people improve the quality of their lives. Mr. Mayo has a degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University where he was a standout member of both the Pirate football and wrestling teams.An author and lecturer, Eric is the author of the books, “From Jail to a Job“, “The Teenager’s Guide to Getting a Job” , “The Secret to Getting Better Grades”, and has addressed, among others, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Charles Hamilton Institute for Race and Justice of the Harvard School of Law.He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has spent his life committed to community empowerment. Eric has been studying, learning, applying and executing the art of personal achievement and leadership throughout his career.It is truly his passion and his gift.He combines a straightforward approach and real-world perspective with a presentation style that is inspirational and motivational. His primary message is, “Independence through Self-Reliance.” You can contact Eric at http://www.Jailtojob.com
You have been recently released and need a job to get on with the rest of your life.Hopefully you have learned that life is all about choices.The choices you continue to make will shape your life.The job search is all about choices too.
Because you have a criminal record, you will be faced with different challenges than the average job seeker.Your record will make your job search more interesting.There is a choice to be made here too.You can do what many ex-offenders do and hope that a prospective employer will not hold your record against you.Another choice is, you can make yourself legitimately competitive in the open employment market by developing the skills and attitudes that will allow you to compete for a job.
Can you tell an employer in five minutes or less what you can do and how your skills can benefit him?How is your dress?Do you look like you are going to a club or to hang out with some friends or do you look like a businessman with a product to sell?Do you have definite plan of action that includes of prospective employers to call on?Do have a resume that outlines you skills, experience or qualifications?If you answered “No” to any one of these questions, you have some work to do.
Step One:Identify your skills.I bet if you really look, you have at least 30 skills that would benefit an employer.
Step Two:Develop a resume that a prospective employer can look at and get an idea of what type of person you are and what you have to offer.
Step Three:Decide what type of work you want to do and how your skills will help you be successful in the field you choose.
Step Four:Develop a list of prospective employers to call on.Get help from friends, relatives, and members of your community to help you get leads for open jobs.That is called “Networking.”
Step Five:Get your wardrobe together.The clothing you wear both on your job search and interviews should be neat, clean and professional.Your clothes should say “I am the person for this job!”
Step Six:Practice you interview skills.Anticipate questions and practice answering until your responses sound confident and natural
One additional choice you must make is to never give up!
This is just a sample of the powerful information found in the premier ex-offender job search manual “From Jail to a Job. http://www.JailtoJob.com
Having a criminal record is not the end of the world.There are legal ways to have criminal convictions removed from your record.
Expungement
It is important to know what is in your criminal record.There may be false or erroneous information included in your report that may damage your chances to be employed.You can have false information permanently removed from your record.In some cases certain charges can be officially and formally erased from your record.This process is called “expungement.”In some cases, felony convictions can be downgraded to misdemeanors making them easier to work with.
Sealing of Records
Some cases may even be legally “sealed” and can only be examined by order of the court.To seal a criminal record means that a court clerk is ordered by a judge to hide a court record of criminal proceedings from public view. Originally records were actually placed in an envelope which was secured with a wax seal. The records are not destroyed because under certain circumstances, a court can order that sealed records be reopened.Generally, however, the effect of sealing is the court acts as if the information in the record never existed.Even a juvenile record can be sealed through the juvenile court. Once this has been done, the offense shall be deemed never to have occurred. There are no exceptions to this type of sealing; offenses are treated as though they never happened.A court not only seals its records, but also orders that records containing information about the charges held by others be sealed as well.Once a criminal record is sealed, all of the proceedings in it are treated as if they never occurred.Persons may then properly and lawfully answer any questions about the arrest, acquittal, conviction etc., as if they never happened.For example, it is OK in a job interview or even under oath to deny a sealed conviction.
Certificate of Rehabilitation
A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order, which declares that a person who has been convicted of a felony is rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the granting court and constitutes an application for a pardon. (In some cases the granting of a Certificate of Rehabilitation relieves some offenders from the sexual offender registration requirement.) This information is not intended as legal advice. You should consult a qualified professional that is experienced in this field. There are organizations in your community that offer free or low cost legal services that can help with these processes. These organizations may also have relationships with employers who are willing to hire ex-offenders. Check your local telephone directory or ask your probation or parole officer to help you locate these organizations.
This is just a sample of the powerful information found in the premier ex-offender job search manual “From Jail to a Job. www.JailtoJob.com
Have You Ever Been Convicted of a Crime? This question is the most agonizing part of any ex-offenders job search. Some believe by being honest they don’t have a chance at getting a job. The fact is an employer cannot legally refuse to hire you because you have a criminal record unless the conviction is directly related to the job for which you are applying. I have spoken with former inmates who have lied on applications and gotten jobs, only to lose them later when background checks were done. Some have been encouraged to use the response Will discuss at interview. In my opinion, these are not good practices. The best advice I can give is BE HONEST! Employers have a responsibility to know as much as possible about prospective employees. There have been employers who have been found guilty of negligent hiring when employees who have criminal pasts committed acts that resulted in harm to others. Those situations could have been avoided by careful screening through background checks. Employers will ask directly on applications about criminal convictions as a means to protect himself, his business, and others.In many states prospective employers may not ask about arrests that do not end in convictions. Pay careful attention to the wording of this question. It may vary from application to application. Typically the question will ask about convictions of crimes and/or felonies and not misdemeanors. If you are unsure about the type of convictions you have, you should obtain a copy of your record.
Many applications have a Certification/Release Statement that the applicant must sign before the application is considered. This statement may also be called an Authorization. The wording may vary but the employer is asking you to certify with your signature that all of the information you have given is correct. Part of this certification is a release that gives the employer access to information provided by past employers, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other organizations that may have information about you.
In reference to criminal records, it is necessary to list all relative information. Include the name of the conviction, date, location, and the disposition (time served, fine and/or probation.)
Example:
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
8/12/02Houston, TXTime Served (18 mos.)You may have to practice to fit your response into the space given. For those who have more than one conviction, list your convictions on a separate sheet of paper, make copies, and attach a copy to each application you complete. In the space provided, write see attached sheet. Be sure to list each and every conviction. I have seen individuals that had been working on jobs for months, suddenly lose them because of failing to list one conviction. That is why it is so important to get a copy of your record.Properly completing employment applications will be the difference between being hired and not being hired.
This is just a sample of the powerful information found in the premier ex-offender job search manual “From Jail to a Job. http://www.Jailtojob.com
“I’ve done my time but I can’t get a job because of my record.” I have heard this from countless former inmates that hope to put their pasts behind them. The key to staying free and enjoying an independent life is finding stable employment. Studies have shown that a former inmate with a full time job is less likely to go back to prison.The fact for ex-offenders is a criminal record is there to stay. It is not going to change. What must change are their attitudes about their records. There are people in the world that will hold their records against them. There is nothing that can be done about that. There is a bright side. The economy is strong and there are new opportunities for growth. Along with that growth, comes a labor shortage. Because of this labor shortage, employers are willing to hire qualified people from any source. One of the growing untapped labor sources in the country are those who are classified as “ex-offenders.” More and more employers are finding that hiring ex-offenders makes good economic sense. People that have been to prison, that are committed to overcoming the past, make excellent employees. Most are disciplined, hard working, and honest.The key to finding employment is to have a definite plan of action that will lead to a job. One thing that I tell job seekers is that they are about to begin a marketing plan designed to sell their product. What is the product? It is their set of skills and attitude. In order to get the job they want, they must be able to let a prospective employer know exactly what they can do and how it can work for them. Being able to identify and describe skills will give them a huge advantage. They must then identify employers that can use skills that they have.
Finding a job is a number game. The more job leads they find, the more interviews they will get. The more interviews they get, the more offers they will receive. The challenge for them is to get as many quality job leads as possible.
If all goes well, the interviews will come. The interview is the time where the product is matched to the employer’s needs. To get the job, one must effectively sell oneself. This is done by proper appearance, presentation of qualifications and poise. There must also be an attitude of trust and sincerity that will make the employer feel that they are right for the job. Preparation is the key. Get a friend or family member to help you practice for upcoming interviews. Anticipate questions and practice your answers so they sound genuine.
Getting a job is not an exact science but increasing your odds by being prepared will put in the best position to get hired. Good Luck!
This is just a sample of the powerful information found in the premier ex-offender job search manual “From Jail to a Job. Visit http://www.JailtoJob.com
