Elizabeth got turned down many times because of his criminal record, despite being well-qualified. Honest Jobs helped with not having to explain herself over and over again. With her new job, she has a chance to reestablish herself, with more stability and full benefits. Learn more about her experience in the video below:
Read the full interview here:
What experience did you have with the criminal justice system?
Elizabeth: “I was convicted in 2019 for felony theft. My ex-wife was writing checks on somebody else's account, I’m guilty by association. So I was sentenced to two years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.”
How did your criminal record affect your job search?
Elizabeth: “I was going through other hiring agencies, going to businesses, looking online or going there. I was doing everything I could to find one. None of them worked out. Everybody would say “Oh, you're a good fit, you’re a good fit”. I would tell them about my history and they'd go “Oh, that's okay, no problem". Then, a week later they would say “No, we're sorry, we can't hire you because of that”. Frustrating. It's very frustrating. Some places I was just denied right off the bat. For me, being honest from the beginning kind of turned some people away, right away. They didn't even want to give me a chance.”
Tell us about your new job!
Elizabeth: “ I work at Georgia Pacific in the corrugated plant in Midland, Michigan. I'm just a general laborer, but the starting pay is $18.15. They have full benefits, 401k. I mean, it's just a really great job. It's very family oriented. I'm just looking for something long-term and just to get settled again. This place seems to be all of that for me. I’m happy that Honest Job was there to help me. I probably would've not found them, if it had not been for Honest Jobs."
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Elizabeth: “Absolutely. It relieved a lot of stress and anxiety knowing that I didn't have to keep explaining why. So it was great that they had already had that planned. I had such a great experience.”
Do you have any message to employers?
Elizabeth: “You know, I think there has to become an awareness. I think we all deserve a chance - a second chance in life. No matter what mistake you made, whether it's a felony or if it's a misdemeanor or whatever.”
Do you have any tips to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Elizabeth: “Just go to Honest Jobs. That's my number one piece of advice because it's been a lifeline for me.”