How to get a job with a felony conviction?
Asked by: Ressie Senger | Last update: April 18, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (64 votes)
To get a job with a felony, focus on "second chance" employers, use specialized job boards like Honest Jobs and American Job Centers, highlight your skills, take advantage of employer incentives (WOTC, Bonding Program), and consider entrepreneurship or skill-building to overcome barriers and demonstrate rehabilitation, says CareerOneStop. Be prepared to briefly and honestly address the conviction, emphasizing positive changes and lessons learned, while focusing on your qualifications for the role.
Why is it so hard for a felon to get a job?
- Many times, employers are reluctant to hire convicted felons, because of the high recidivism rate and perceived increased risk of loss or liability, and so, often have a blanket policy against hiring them.
- Rebuilding a meaningful job history and life for a convicted felon is a long and difficult task.
How do I find a job if I have a felony?
Here are a few tips:
- Contact a community organization. ...
- Use multiple ways to connect with employers. ...
- Tell employers about the Federal Bonding Program. ...
- See if you qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit It gives tax discounts to employers who hire someone with a criminal record or another barrier to employment.
What jobs can felons not get?
Industries That Don't Hire Individuals with Criminal Records
- Medical Industry. If you do not already have your medical license, you can't get it after becoming a felon. ...
- Financial Industry. ...
- Emergency Responders. ...
- Transportation. ...
- Security. ...
- Education.
What jobs are felons most likely to get?
12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records
- Digital marketer. ...
- Freelance designer. ...
- Painter. ...
- Maintenance worker. ...
- Entrepreneur. ...
- Web developer. ...
- Truck driver. ...
- Barber.
How Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?
What's the best trade for a felon?
While getting a job depends on various factors, some industries are more open to hiring individuals with a record: Construction and skilled trades: Carpenters, plumbers, welders, and electricians are in demand, and employers often focus on skills and experience.
Can you work for USPS with a felony?
It is Postal Service policy to evaluate the employability of each applicant with a criminal conviction record individually. The fact that an applicant has a criminal conviction record is not sufficient to disqualify that applicant from postal employment.
Why does no one hire felons?
Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions. And employers may be legally liable for the crimes committed by employees and so be wary of hiring those who already have a record.
How do I explain my felony to employers?
It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets.
How long does a felon have to wait to get a job?
For felony convictions, the eligibility waiting period ranges from immediately after sentence completion to 20 years, but a majority of states place eligibility at either five or 10 years after sentence completion.
What big companies hire felons?
You will have to check out their hiring website, do the research and follow the application process like normal.
- • Aamco. • Ace Hardware. • Allied Van Lines. ...
- • Chipotle. • Cintas. • Community Education Centers. ...
- • Hilton Hotels. • Home Depot. • IBM. ...
- • U-Haul. • US Steal Corporation. ...
- • Golden Corral. • Great Clips.
How hard is life for a felon?
Having a felony on your record can make it extremely challenging to secure employment, find housing, take out a loan, or pursue higher education opportunities, even many years after you've paid your debt to society. Some professional licenses may also be impossible to obtain with a felony record.
What jobs can you not do as a convicted felon?
Convicted felons often experience challenges in the workforce. Certain professions, especially those involving law enforcement, working with children, or security, may be off-limits. Additionally, some states impose restrictions on holding certain types of licenses.
What states are felon friendly with jobs?
These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What jobs pay $2000 a day?
$2000 Per Day jobs
- Chief People Officer (CPO) AI SaaS Digital Consumer Products, Government, Education (Remote/Equity) ...
- Sanitation-Clean-up. ...
- Hospitalist - Medical Staff - Full time - $235 - $275 per hour based on experience! ...
- Early Intervention Specialist (Remote) Borger. ...
- Data Annotator/Labeler. ...
- Events Manager.
What is the 10 second rule in an interview?
The 10 second rule in an interview setting is about understanding that your presence starts speaking before your voice does. You walk and that first impression becomes the lens through which the interviewer hears everything you say afterward. Think of it like a book.
What will fail a background check?
However, it typically means the results of the background screening report returned alerts on a job candidate. For example, some candidates may have a failed background check because of their credit history, and others may fail because of a criminal conviction, suspended driver's license, or positive drug test.
What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?
Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.