Alex didn't realize how much a criminal background would jeopardize getting and maintaining stable employment. Using Honest Jobs, he got a stable job with benefits, to help him build a stable life and where he sees a long-term future. Hear him tell his story in the video below:
Interview Transcription:
What is your experience with the criminal justice system?
Alex: “I looked up illegal pornography when I was around 26 years old. I was incarcerated for two years. I got a charge for not only possession, but distribution.”
What was your experience looking for a job before you found Honest Jobs?
Alex: “My job searches were not going very well, and I didn't realize it until I got the background check from these people. Not only am I dealing with my actual charges, I'm dealing with somebody who is not being fair to me, not going along with me trying to look for my job. And I've noticed this a lot lately. They do this very late in the process now. You're already with somebody and now it's like: “Oh my God, I've been working with you already for three months. I haven't been crazy with anybody. Everyone likes me. You know what's going on.” But if you don't meet someone's standards, that's it. You think that your work speaks for itself, but no, it will not.”
What was your experience looking for a job after you found Honest Jobs?
Alex: “I was looking for something to be comfortable in and not being worried about being let go at any point, when they decide to do my background check. With Honest Jobs, I found a company the same day I created an account. I basically applied for three jobs on the first day. One was actually the job I ended up getting. So I really only hit three jobs on Honest Jobs. So that's actually a really incredible thing to say. Honest Jobs was a lot different. It was actually better than I could have expected. It kind of blew my mind. It really did. It was an incredible experience.”
Tell us about your new job!
Alex: “I work for a company called Molex, it's by Koch Industries. Right now I'm getting $18/hr, but I think it's going to increase very soon. Oh, I'm going to stay here this time. You know, if you find a good home and it's okay, it's good, it’s treating you well, stay there. You don't want to start this whole process over again. You don't want to do this to yourself. I'm planning on staying here 'cause I actually have benefits, I have somebody that's matching my contributions to my 401k. I'm going to stay here because I want to make a future here.”
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Alex: “Of course. Absolutely. They really just helped streamline it for me. And they honestly made it easy. They really did. I'm just gonna say it like that, because that's how it felt. I just never seen anything like it, it blew my expectations away. I can't believe you guys are doing what you're doing.”
Do you have a message to employers?
Alex: “Employers should know that, people with felonies tend to be a lot more loyal. They do, because they want to be there and they are not going to find these opportunities in other places.”
Do you have a message to job seekers?
Alex: “Put your time into Honest Jobs, if you really want to work somewhere that's going to offer you benefits and maybe a possible future. These guys could actually help. This is my experience now, and the place I'm at now is pretty freaking cool. I feel secure, I have somewhere to go tomorrow and I don't have to worry about this next week, or the week after.”
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